Hola ! Renxkyoko Iglesias aqui.
I’m almost done with my Euro travelogue. But I’m afraid after this, I won’t have anything to talk about anymore. In fact, even right now that I have a specific topic , my mind is still blank. I feel it’s travel overload. I’ve been staring at the monitor for 2 days now, y’know. Oh, but I think I had a lovely Valentine’s Day post, if I may say so myself. I ;ve been rereading it, and everytime I do, I laugh. Hahaha * cough *. It’s like I’m laughing at my own jokes. Oh, Newsflash, I actually had a date on Valentine’s Day. Heh. I wasn’t really complete zero, you know. =_= ”
Oh, and one blogger got interested in my old Valentine post, and her comment made me revisit that one. . Homigash ! It was a Valentine’s rant ! ! I’ll save you the time and just copy here a part of that stupid post. Ah. Sweet Ren ain’t so sweet , at all.
Here it is…..
I’m quite annoyed at the star rating feature here. Why do we need to be rated anyway? I don’t really want that thing on my space. On my previous blog, some reader rated my work as 1 star. I think that’s so rude. It’s like telling me my work is pure crap. Well, it is, but you , whoever you are, don’t have to rub it in. WTF ! This isn’t a grammar test, nor a writing one. These are my random thoughts , and crappy or not, this is my freakin’ blog and I can freakin’ write whatever I freakin’ feel like writing, so don’t freakin’ judge me. I’m sure you’re no freakin’ Pulitzer Prize winner either, whoever you are.
This is all for now. Not in the mood to write anything else. I have headache .
I was such a sensitive fool. I got a 1 star rating and went berserk. Anger issues much, methinks.
Oh, well. Anyway, here’s Toledo, Spain.
Toledo is located in central Spain, and is the capital of the province of Toledo and the autonomous region of Castille- La Mancha.
Ah, La Mancha ! I’d like to believe everyone reading this has at least heard of the play Man of La Mancha ? This play was originally a manuscript of author/soldier/actor/tax collector, named Miguel de Cervantes who had been imprisoned in Toledo for heresy, ( together with his manservant) , during the Spanish Inquisition . Well, no, not for heresy, but for foreclosing a monastery ! ! ! Ahahaha ! Anyway the play is about a man who has read so many books about chivalry and injustice that he loses his mind. Then, after renaming himself as Don Quixote de la Mancha, and together with his manservant, Sancho Panza, he embarks on a quest for his dream . He is the ultimate symbol of a knight in shining armor. One of the most memorable songs in the musical play, is the song The Impossible Dream. To dream, the impossible dream…..To fight, the unbeatable foe. To bear , with unbearable sorrow….. la la la. The lyrics are just so beautiful and meaningful. I watched the movie version of this ( starring Peter O’Toole and Sophia Loren, in our collection of musical movies at home ) and I think , this is one of the most touching and heartfelt story that I’ve ever seen and read, a story that is simply magical and makes one believe again in the innate goodness of man and nobility of the human mind.
The man on the horse is Don Quixote with Sancho Panza, his manservant, the top middle statue is Miguel de Cervantes, the author, the two women statues on the left and right are just one character, as Dulcinea, his virgin dream maiden, the damsel in distress, and as Aldonza, actually a prostitute in a rundown inn which, he, in his addled mind, sees as a castle.
.Toledo was declared a World Heritage site. No new building can be constructed and all buildings are preserved.
The one on the right is the Alcazar ( Arabic for castle -palace ) and the one on the left is the Cathedral.
.The center of Toledo has several entrances. I don’t lknow what the name of this entrance is. Do you notice the Muslim influence on the design of the entrance? It’s kind of Arabesque, Moorish, or whatever they call that design.
Toledo was the capital of the Spanish Empire before Madrid. It was the place where Muslims, Jews and Catholics coexisted. during the Middle Ages., before the Jews and Muslims were expelled at the start of the 15th century. Below is the oldest synagogue still standing, built in 1180., called Santa Maria la Blanca, formerly Ibn Shushan Synagogue. This building is unique because it was constructed under the Catholic kingdom of Castille, by Islamic architects for Jewish use.
.Interior of the synagogue.
.The Cathedral.
Cathedral’s interior
.
You know what, the real thing is more jaw-dropping.
.The city of Toledo is surrounded by walls.
.
The photo above…. this kind of building with painted on faux windows, and doors are very common in Europe. I’ve seen this in Florence, too.
.Not sure, but I think above photo is the oldest police station in Europe.
.Random me.
.The photo above….. just showing you how narrow the streets are. It’s actually charming.
.
.One of the more notable citizens of Toledo who lived or were born here was EL GRECO. He was a Byzantine painter whose paintings had a modernistic feel to them .
.We went to see his paintings and there’s an interesting story behind the above photo. Our tour guide was particularly effusive in his story telling. It’s a pity I’ve forgotten what it’s all about , ha ha.
* ponders*
You know, the difference between a Protestant cross and a Catholic Cross is that the latter has an image in it and Catholics call it Crucifix. Speaking of which , I have a funny picture of a speeding Catholic driver.
.Ha ha ha… I , myself, have a Rosary hanging in my car.
It may seem boring, but , believe it or not, Toledo is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Europe. Oh, by the way, Toledo used to be the the top sword maker in the whole of Europe since Roman times. They still make the stuff, but only ceremonial ones.. They now make handcrafted gold jewelries. We visited one such craft shop and bought several pairs of handmade gold earings and necklaces….they’re beautiful with such intricate and delicate designs.
This is all for now.
Burgos and Bilbao, Spain are next.
.With song in my heart, I say, hasta la vista… chau and Paz. La di da…..
Am a Molecular Microbiology student, love to read books, and I play the violin. 
dreamsending
renxkyoko
renxkyoko's space 
Posted by andy1076 on February 21, 2013 at 6:26 am
Wow! Don Quixote de La Mancha! Back when I was a kid back in Chile, my teacher made us rehearse the lines of the story and the rhymes for a song. It’s a story that will last many many lifetimes 🙂
The city is amazing, so much preserved history here with so much beautiful art. Of course, though even more lovely is the writer of this post, awesome photos 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 6:09 am
The whole city of Toledo is well- preserved. Walking the streets is like taking one back in tiime.
Oh, and thank you for the compliment, Andy.
Posted by andy1076 on February 22, 2013 at 1:02 pm
I bet! only wish I had the money to travel right now because it would be the first place I’d go to, so very welcome too! Just telling the truth 🙂
Posted by 35andupcynicismonhold on February 21, 2013 at 6:53 am
hello, Ren.. interesting tale of your travel, as usual and wonderful pics, yes! you sound like you had a grand time. you look relaxed in the photos, too. Toledo seems an excellent place to visit. thanks for sharing. warm regards, dear… 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 6:15 am
Hi, Ate,
I don’t know if you’ve noticed it, but as time goes by, I’m starting to lose the memories. Good thing I have tons of photos ( that I don’t get to post here coz I have no idea anymore what they are … I should have written something , like a caption or something )
I tell you, though, I don’t remember much anymore but I thought then Toledo was one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Posted by 35andupcynicismonhold on February 22, 2013 at 12:02 pm
yes, i understand, memories fade and the sensations and feelings are no longer the same as time goes by. but Toledo looks elegant and charming from this end, dear. i love their narrow streets and pavements and the buildings look well-maintained… is shouldn’t wonder you thought of Toledo as one of the most beautiful places in that part. 🙂 have a good weekend ahead.
Posted by 35andupcynicismonhold on March 4, 2013 at 4:59 pm
i, not “is.” sorry, my bad… hello, Ren. 🙂
Posted by 25pesocupnoodles on February 21, 2013 at 7:44 am
very artistic talaga ang pagkakagawa ng mga old churches, and were built to last din talaga.
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 6:17 am
You should have seen the interior ! ! I couldn’t take photos because it was too dark in there ! I just bought a brochure of the church and the interiors. I think I’ll just go to Kinko’s and have that brochure photocopied into a disc.
Posted by thartac on February 21, 2013 at 7:49 am
Don Quijote de la Mancha que hace caca y no se Mancha.
Don Quixote from la Mancha ( the Stain) who does shit and don’t Stain( se Mancha)
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 6:29 am
lol ! !
I know what mancha means ( same word in Philippine language… mancha means stain ) but is that some sort of a joke about La Mancha? o.Oa
Posted by Fae's Twist & Tango on February 21, 2013 at 9:27 am
The narrow street in the photo is so similar to other places in Europe. There is one just like it in Tallinn/Estonia, Helsinki/Finland… Beautiful photos!
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 6:34 am
I find the narrow streets really charming, Ms. Fae. yes, that’s what I notice about the streets in Europe. They are very narrow. My eyes are so used to wide streets .
Posted by Tatsat on February 21, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Lovely narrative, as always !
Let me get a little rich, and I will hire you as a professional traveller 😉
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 6:36 am
Let me know when you want to travel and I’ll send you a few helpful tips….. oh, tips will be one of my topics when I’m done.
Posted by Tatsat on February 22, 2013 at 7:44 am
Awesome ! In a year or so, but you definitely are going to be my guide 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 8:19 am
Ha ha Why don’t you just print my travel posts and staple them. lol !
One thing, one important thing, you have to read up on the places you want to see in order to appreciate them. ( unless you have a travel guide. Even so, it’s really important to know and get familiar with the places thru your reading ) Otherwise, they will only look as just old buildings.
Posted by Tatsat on February 22, 2013 at 8:39 am
I will do that for sure 😉
And you are right about getting familiar with what one is going to see part. It is probably why people do not enjoy much. A bit of history and geography on the sides, makes a wonderful 6 course meal. I will keep that in mind !!!
Posted by ~REBECCA DAWN~ on February 21, 2013 at 8:03 pm
bah humbag, people don’t know what they are talking about! your blog is lovely, dear Ren!!! I have had lots of bad comments, they make me angry, and I want make some sort of snarky remark, but then I go and check their blog out and I laugh. because their blog is just as bad as mine.
I had one reader say: “Who let you even have blog? you should delete it!” and I admit it, the entry wasn’t my best work, but I had gotten mad and checked his out. His was worse.
there are critics out there, and some should just keep their opinions to themselves 🙂
but Ren, my dear your blog is great!!!
HUGS!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 6:44 am
I know, right? Don’t read, just leave, and never come back, lol ! Nooooo ! Come backkkkk ! ! ! Ha ha ha
nah, I think that was a particular bad day for me. It was Valentine’s day, and since my boss knew I didn’t have a BF, she scheduled me to work on Valentine’s day…. just myself, alone… I was the only one that day, can you believe it ? Unfortunately, I was invited out just one day before… and there was no one to cover for me at work… yeah, that’s what happened. I got roses, though.
Posted by ~REBECCA DAWN~ on February 22, 2013 at 9:55 pm
roses!!! aww! I got one ecard from a reader. yep that was the extent of my valentines!!! sad.
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 10:20 pm
The roses I was referring too was like 2 years ago… but guess what, I got 12 roses this Valentines. Ah, I’m drying them properly now… * gonna take pictures of them later* At least I didn’t get chocos, teddy bears, and heart shaped pillows this year.
Posted by Cool Berman on February 22, 2013 at 12:23 am
Great post as always…
Posted by renxkyoko on February 22, 2013 at 6:45 am
Thanks, Cool Berman ! Cheers ! !
Posted by eatwithfatjoe on February 22, 2013 at 5:39 pm
I always love your pictures……
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Thanks , eatwithfatjoe!
Cheers ! Oh, btw, I’m going to post about my food experience there !
Posted by eatwithfatjoe on February 27, 2013 at 5:13 pm
the food had to have been amazing….
Posted by StetotheJ on February 22, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Fantastic! love the cathedral, what a wonderful place Toledo is. Can you imagine such a haven for coexisting religions in the modern world, there must be some.
For what it’s worth you have never and will never be a one star blogger in my eyes, and my eyes are brown.
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 2:45 pm
the interior of the cathedral is amazing.
It’s true about the coexistence. It’s a pity the Queen or King then decided to convert them or else… get expelled from the country of their birth.
Awww, thanks , and my eyes are dark brown, ….. I’d like to say black eyes, but there’s no such thing as black eyes,, really.
Posted by simpleek on February 23, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Toledo was a lovely city! Then again, I just love old architecture and buildings with history. This is why I always like going to Europe. There’s so much to see and it’s so beautiful.
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Yes ! Simpleek, which city did you find the most beautiful?
I think I’m going to post something about this, and a food critique one too. Give me some input.
Posted by simpleek on February 28, 2013 at 2:33 am
I think I liked Barcelona the best. There was a lot of beauty in that city and the people are just really warm and inviting from my experience there. How about you?
Posted by renxkyoko on February 28, 2013 at 3:51 am
1,London, 2, Vatican/Rome, 3,Toledo, 4. Paris
Posted by dedy oktavianus pardede on February 23, 2013 at 8:29 pm
lucky you…
i wish i would be there somehow and someday…..
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for visiting, dedy oktavianus pardede ( that’;s long, ha ha )
Wish hard enough and you’ll get your wish someday.
Cheers !
Posted by ResidentPatriot on February 24, 2013 at 11:13 am
that was a funny rant you had back then 🙂 nice pictures as always…
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 2:49 pm
ha ha ha… that’s why I reposted it.
Thanks, RP ! ! Cheers !
Posted by tuttacronaca on February 24, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Hi! Award for you!
http://tuttacronaca.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/oggi-si-festeggia-the-versatile-blogger-award/
All the best!
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 2:50 pm
Thank you so much, tuttacronaca ! I’ll take action when I’m done with my travelogue.
Cheers !
Posted by tuttacronaca on February 27, 2013 at 2:52 pm
U’re welcome!
Posted by laurenrantnrave on February 24, 2013 at 10:24 pm
Love your photos! That creative brain of yours has plenty in there to stir up more posts. Ease up the pressure and the brilliance will stream out 😉 BTW, nothing like a good rant!
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 3:06 pm
I know, huh. But I know I’m starting to blabber. I mean, blah, blah, blah. I can’t seem to write on one specific topic, unlike the other bloggers. My mind wanders………
Posted by countingducks on February 25, 2013 at 4:03 pm
More amazing photographs. I’ve never been there, but I wish I had 😦
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 3:08 pm
The place is amazing, but the photos are kind of boring, aren’t they ? I mean, I have to say something, ha ha ha.
Posted by The Hook on February 26, 2013 at 3:29 pm
Your work is ambrosia for my soul.
Thank you.
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 3:10 pm
I know how to make ambrosia salad, Mr. Hook. And it’s divine. I take it that’s what you mean? ha ha.
You’re welcome, Mr. Hook and cheers !
Posted by topiclessbar on February 27, 2013 at 1:59 pm
What the hell, Ren? Why we go the same places and I don’t know any of this stuff??? haha. I had no idea Toledo had anything to do with Don Quixote. Didn’t see that statue, clueless. Dang, I would’ve been really hardcore into Toledo if I knew that! And your pictures are way better than mine too! All I got is a few sword pics and one of a bakery where these little nun dolls were posed making donuts. Ah well! Toledo was cool – spent my last full day in Europe there before flying back (same with you?). It’s a bittersweet feeling at the end of a big trip, isn’t it? Don’t worry about coming up with more stuff to write about – you can always just ramble and people will read it and enjoy it. Actually, I think I’d like that more than any sort of coherent essay. Yeah, just ramble Ren. You have a gift for it. : D
Peaces Nene!
Posted by renxkyoko on February 27, 2013 at 3:19 pm
Oppa, the play, Man of La Mancha is supposed to have taken place in that area. Toledo is a part of La mancha. The author of the play, Cervantes, was incarcerated in Toledo, at Alcazar. It’s now a military academy or something, not sure.
You’ve been to Toledo and all you have to show for it is a photo of a bakery ? Ha ha ha That’s really funny, ! Oh, wait, I SAW THAT BAKERY ! ! !
No, we flew back from Paris.
I know. It’s a bittersweet feeling.
How is it going, Oppa?
Posted by LAND OF FUN on February 28, 2013 at 11:49 pm
Wonderful and fascinating post 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on March 3, 2013 at 7:11 pm
Thank you, Land of Fun !
Posted by jalal michael sabbagh.http://gravatar.com/jmsabbagh86@gmail.com on March 1, 2013 at 5:25 am
Lovely post about Toledo ,beautiful history,rich culture.(l just want to say about who ever wrote that post being free to write and say whatever he or she want in his blog…EVERY plate flows with what in it) .Life is a great teacher to write about..Have a nice weekend .jalal
Posted by renxkyoko on March 3, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Thank you !
And thanks for visiting, jalal michael.
Cheers !
Posted by JK Bevill - Lost Creek Publishing on March 1, 2013 at 9:06 am
Beautiful photographs and thank you for all your likes!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 3, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Aaarg, the photos are too amatuerish… not even focused properly…. that;s what happens when we have to keep pace with the tour guide who walks so fast.
Posted by Mitzie Mee on March 2, 2013 at 12:23 pm
I agree about the star rating: If people don’t like what I write, they should just stop reading my blog..(and don’t bother handing out 1-star ratings):)
Posted by renxkyoko on March 3, 2013 at 7:20 pm
I know , right. I didn’t know we could take that off until someone pointed it out to me. So, now, it’s gone, and I’m happy, lol. That star rating doesn’t make sense at all.
Posted by ladyotaku on March 3, 2013 at 7:52 pm
Just believe in the power on friggin’ karma! haha! Your blog gives me inspiration to daydream more about travelling. My fave pictures would be the swords…and the rosary…haha!
Posted by olivethepeople on March 4, 2013 at 4:30 pm
I loved how detailed your blog is! So I nominated you for the “very inspiring blog” award. Keep it up! (:
http://olivethepeople.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/the-very-inspiring-blog-award/#comment-626
Posted by returntothe80s on April 2, 2013 at 5:09 pm
Another great adventure!! I love your photography! You are super-creative, so even after you finish this Euro trip series, I know you will be posting some more great articles.
Posted by returntothe80s on April 2, 2013 at 5:11 pm
Oh, by the way, the walls with painted on faux windows and doors remind me of the old Looney Tunes cartoons where they would draw a door on a rock wall, then run through it. 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on April 2, 2013 at 5:40 pm
Ahahaha ! Right ! I remember them ! ! The Road Runner and Tom and Jerry. They don’t make this kind of cartoons anymore. Now it’s The family Guy and The Simpsons. Too realistic.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 2, 2013 at 5:35 pm
OMG, my photogarphy ! Aaargh. Good photographers will laugh me out of their league. I couldn’t even focus properly ( especially if we were actually walking and trying to keep up with the tour guide. There was no time to stop and focus. I just clicked and clicked and chose the most decent i could find to post here. )
Posted by Be Your Guide (@TravelBYG) on July 30, 2013 at 2:31 pm
If you’re looking to visit Toledo on a budget you should definitely check out Be Your Guide Toledo, a mobile device application (aplicaciones desarrollo) that was developed specifically for the city of Toledo! It’s free to download in the app store and is the only one of its kind on the market. Being from the city of Toledo themselves, Nexora Solutions felt that this would be a great opportunity to share the wealth our city has to offer the world. It works offline too, so even if you’re traveling and don’t have an international plan you can use all of the features. It also provides user reviews of local pubs and restaurants to ensure that you have the best experience possible.
Check out the full features at http://www.beyourguidetoledo.es/ !