The Road from Santiago

  From old narrow Spain to wide open, shiny roundabout and edge of town apartment block Spain.  As we are in Reconquista Avenue the Reconquista Restaurant has nothing sinister about the name.   https://reconquista14.com/   Six months ago Giovanna opined ‘ Excellent food, service, quality and price. I strongly recommend to everyone to come here and have an authentic Toledo food experience! The bacalao (Cod) pepper was AMAZING!   Yesterday Alex was less impressed. ‘ It's a shame the coffee is still dark roast and of such poor quality. Lunch was excellent and the service was top-notch.’ The Centro Fotografico de Toledo SL has a facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063632287323#   The last post was three weeks ago, which is good by the standard of these things.  Four months ago Gloria said ‘ They were very nice, you can pay by card and they give advice to ensure we're happy with our purchase.’ Matthew was very happy.  ‘I wa...

  Walking round Toledo is one of those disorientating things. With no clear vistas and streets that bend you can find yourself not quiet where you expected to be as you navigate what feels like an island - albeit lacking crashing waves and a decent fishing industry.  We are leaving the island today - but we will be back. I can’t remember where we ate but it was everything you could hope from a Spanish restaurant.  We were on small boy time so rocking up at 9pm for a meal meant the place was empty. They took one look and immediately put two chairs together so the son and heir could sleep, while his parents consumed.  It was the Taberna Artesana; La Tintilla, but we are passing it by so we will pop in and think of decades gone by. Woman owned and LGBTQ+ friendly, https://restaurante.covermanager.com/taberna-artesanal-la-tintilla/ La Tintilla gets 4.8 stars.  Three hours ago JP noticed ‘ The couple who run this place are very nice and attentive.’  John felt ‘...

  We are wandering through the tiny lanes and occasional spaces that makes up down town Toledo.   The Museo Taller del Moro https://cultura.castillalamancha.es/museos/nuestros-museos/museo-taller-del-moro aka ‘|Workshop of the Moor’, is a 14th century palace with samples of the arts and crafts of the 14th and 15th century.  Last month Harry wrote ‘ Very similar to the Sephardic Museum, although you have the opportunity to see more Arab art embedded in its walls. It's worth it for the price. ’   Next to J. Serrano’s ceramics shop.  Oh my lord, I’m in love.  Last time we had a small boy and limited luggage.  Next time it will all be different.  https://www.ceramicajserrano.com/   Just look at the website.  Go on, treat yourself.   Two weeks ago josiane wrote ‘ An incredible selection of beautiful ceramics...jugs, dishes, magnificent flowerpots, a superb fountain, and bowls, cups, etc. - an extraordinary selection.’   L...

  I seem to remember that Toledo seemed to have two halves.  The crowded one where people lived and the big, emptier one where the hundred and one monasteries, nunneries and places of ecclesiastical power lurked - and in some cases - had been adapted.  Anywhere else the grand buildings would stand proud and free. Here it seems they are being slowly herded and nudged out of the way. The Alcazar de Toledo - wherein the military museum lives - dominates the city with its bulk and brooding presence.  As it was a Fasc hold during the Civil War the dark tower similarities work well.  The site had been a Roman Palace. In the 10th century it was turned into a fortress, during the reign of Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III.  Almost 40,000 people give it 4.6 stars, so who are we to quibble.  Two hours ago Isaac opined ‘ Very well maintained. Quite spacious. Helpful staff. We were impressed. ’ From military to the church militant. We are going to edge round Santa Iglesia ...