Tomorrow, the train takes us back to Madrid where we have a hotel by the airport.
Our only bad decision was to have our clothes washed by the hotel service to the tune of 50 Euros , only to stuff them back in our packs. Who knew?
We returned just now 10:00 P M from dinner in the Arabic section of Toledo. We did not want another piece of white bread, delicious Caldo de Gallego,, paella, tapas, meat, Iberian ham, flan, or cheese. Thinking that hummous,kebabs, felafal sounded like the foods of the gods, we went on a search. It didn't take us long and we were being served just those foods. Our talk with our server came around to nationality . He is Syrian. And so once again we had a Camino experience as he shared his heart. His family fled to Lebanon. His ex wife and 5 year old son live here. He is so thankful for his son's life as so many children have died in Syria. He shakes his head and talks about the insanity of the so called leaders. We think of Damla in Turkey and Ayman in Gaza. Craig talks about how close we are here to that world.
This city, Toledo is a conflagration (is that a word?) of cultures: Arabic, Jewish, and Catholic. Well, until 1492 that is. The Inquisition.
And this unemployment of youth, lowering of social benefits, higher taxes in Europe, demonstrations in Madrid daily. The situation is ripe...
Anyway, Craig suggested that we give him 50 Euros for his family. At first he wouldn't accept but then did and cried openly. (That makes 4 men so far crying)
We shared a moment. Person to person beyond politics, religion , culture, language. This makes sense- individuals.
And shit- we just spent 50 Euros on our laundry.
We promised to return for lunch tomorrow. Best hummous ever.
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