SEPT 10-11 2012 THE BEGINNING (PART TWO)

SEPT 10-11 2012  THE BEGINNING (PART TWO)

I must tell you that our new model Garmin has been extremely helpful with new map features and speed trap warnings, plus the speed limits and your current speed in case you are speeding. However, it made us laugh as the Model 2475LT we now believe comes from Literal Translation.

As we entered into Toledo the garmin displayed the name of a street at the top as our new destination it read (King Alfonso VI [6^th]) however the Garmin narrator spoke out: “Take 2^nd exit to King Alfonso Virgin Islands) she no mention the sixth number but use the term Virgin Island instead. How funny and Literally Translated hence the LT on the model number perhaps??

Garmin also incorrectly used the word North for the N-401 when we know the N stands for National. So for all of the recent changes and upgrades we say she is close but no cigar for correctness.

Jane here now.

As Paul is opposed to walking uphill, we took a bus up to the Alcazar and the Plaza Zocodovar which are at the top. It  only cost 2.80 euros so it saved a lot of footleather! We wandered around the old part of town, bought a few bits and pieces and at Paul’s insistence walked downhill. Unfortunately it was in the wrong direction and we ended up down at the Rio Tagus on the other side of town from the hotel. He refused to go back up to the top so we stopped in a hotel bar to discuss options. (notice how circumspect I am being) His theory that downhill only is good went right out the window! After a drinkie and feeling a little restored we asked the bartender to call us a taxi. When all else fails, throw money at it! After an interesting ride up hills and through narrow streets we arrived back at the hotel for a mere pittance. We put our purchases in the car and noticed the “escalera mechanica” so we took it, up 6 long flights to the very top, Paul reckons about 1000 feet in elevation! At the top (it is dark by now) we found this terrific little side walk bar/restaurant. We ordered far too much food.( We usually do the first day), but it was all good! It was obviously a neighborhood watering-hole and quite popular. It was a gorgeous night and all of Toledo was spread out beneath us. Breathtaking! A quick trip back down the escalators and we returned to the hotel.

The hotel is quite interesting having started life as a Cardinal’s palace, but it needs a bit of up-dating and fluffing, if you know what I mean! You know you are in trouble and spoiled when you criticize a 17th century building…just sayin’. The gardens at night are quite lovely, with trickling water and pretty lights.

Off to sleep the sleep of the dead! Here ends the first day.