Happy 3 Kings Day from Toledo!

What a LOVELY day here! Just the day we needed!

This morning we slept in until 9am...thats a lot for us who havent been really sleeping or have been sleeping very little. It was AMAZING to feel so rested. Then we went to the cathedral here, which was one of the main reasons we came to Toledo since it is considered to be the best in all of Spain...and maybe in all of Europe (in my opinion).

The cathedral is of course medieval, like the rest of this precious walled city, but took so long to build that it has Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements to it. Honestly, we didn't know where to look! There was SO much! The main alter was made of REAL gold!!! and the choir was all these beautifully carved benches and huge organs and sculptures. Then all around the cathedral were these little rooms of marble work, frescos, iron work, sculptures...just beautiful. Having been to my share of cathedrals around Europe, I can safely say this was my favorite. Between my other two favorites: It wasn't as gaudy as St. Marks in Rome, but it wasnt as sparse as Notre Dame in Paris. The marble and stained glass in the other two cant be beat, but as an overall cathedral...this was just enchanting! PLUS they had a treasury with this huge gold thing that they use for a parade on the holiday here Corpus Christi. It is so old, that they think the 35 pounds of gold (I KNOW) was probably from Columbus's first trip back to Spain! OMG right! Its really hard for me to describe how beautiful the cathedral was, plus we weren't allowed to take pictures inside (I did sneak some video, so no worries). So Ill just try and show you the post cards we bought of our favorite parts when I get home:)

After the cathedral we got some lunch, and Alyssa has managed to keep down some soup and bread! yay! She had more soup and bread for dinner and some rice from my icky bland paella (havent had any good paella since ive been here:( Then we took a luscious LONG nap all afternoon. Totally needed it.

Once again tonight luck followed us to Toledo where we got to witness the 3 kings parade and celebration! The parade started at the bottom of the city gates, went right past our hotel, and up to the Plaza! There was music, horses, floats, everyone throws candy and the kids run out and collect it, fire fighters, and then a float for each of the kings! Its so stinkin cute! We just LOVED it. Juana in Barcelona said that tomorrow is a holiday...kids wake up and open presents from the 3 kings. They leave our milk and cookies because the kings are tired from their long journey:) Its like our santa claus, because they celebrate Christmas on Christmas eve and have some gifts and then more gifts on 3 kings day. SO STINKIN CUTE!

After the parade we went to Zara and tried on things and then went bag shopping since we are bursting out of our bags...I think we will wait until Granada. So tomorrow we are off to Granada...our last city before home. Alyssa and I are VERY excited about Granada because we have heard so many good things about it and because the weather will be warmer! yay!

Pretty sure Ive figured out how I got sick (still fighting it, hasnt turned into a full blown cold yet! yes!). Basically, I've been eating all carbs and fried foods. Havent been sleeping much. Havent been drinking enough water. and have been outside walking and being super busy in dirty cities for a week. no wonder I got sick! So tomorrow Im making myself eat salads, took a LONG nap this afternoon, and have been chugging water like its my job. Plus all the vitamin C. woot!

We tried to upload photos but it isnt letting us, so we will try again tomorrow.

Bye bye Toledo.
Hello Granada!

Adios,
Esther (And Alyssa sitting next to me this time!)