June 2 Madrid to Toledo

Sitting in the Madrid train station waiting for the train to Toledo.  We've splurged on a hotel there for 2 nights and I have a good sense that it's the same hotel we stayed in about 25 years ago though it's been purchased by Best Western in the interim.  The Trip Advisor reviews are excellent.  

We're definitely travel weary. Always the last days bring that feeling. The horse wants to head to the barn. 

After the Camino and being in the country for so long, we have no interest in big cities like Madrid, regardless of all the treasures and delights it holds.  

Toledo, OPorto are just enough.  

Conversations with taxi drivers are always enlightening. This morning, we talked about the protests in Turkey and how every day there is a protest (no violence ) in Madrid. Economic hardships are the word of the day.  Here, in Portugal, Ireland, Italy, even France now. Taxi driver said only Germany thrives financially. And then he said, "again". Everyone indicates that they are disgusted with the politics and blame the EU leaders .  Yesterday 's taxi driver in Portugal said the same. He worries for his children.  He is a firefighter but has to work a second job to provide.  Taxes are very high he says. 

Back to today. When taxi man asked where we were from and I said, "Seattle," he knew it from Grey's Anatomy!! We chatted about the stereotypes that people have and the importance of getting to know real people. He said most Americans think Spain is all about bullfights and flamenco dancers! 

I feel like burning these clothes but it will have to suffice to wash them in Toledo!! 

We're settled at the Hotel del Cardenal and we're sure it's the same hotel. We told manager that we were here 25 years ago and it seems he was here too!! He joked about how he remembered us. He rode the Camino de Santiago on bicycle some years back so we've got lots in common! 

He would like to go again but now is in the family stage of life, raising 2 girls so all he does is work, go home and be with his family.  He said he'd like to take his family on the Camino some time.  I've had those thoughts too- a multi generational trip.  

Photo below : a Madrid train station.