Corpus Christi afternoon in Toledo

In the beginning of June we organized a quite spontaneous trip to Toledo. As it was Corpus Christi, the whole city was decorated for processions and there was also a contest of the inner gardens (patios) that are usually not open for the public, but that week they were, so we could visit them. We were quite a big group of people in the end (over 20) moving quite slowly, so we didn't get to see all the gardens, we saw around 12-15. They were very interesting and all quite different.

After the visit we had a guided tour about the legends of Toledo, which was really cool. The guide was very interesting and entertaining, which helped a lot to focus, because we were already quite dead from all the walking before (not to mention it was a very hot day). :P

Here are some pictures of the trip:

Some very green gardens 

And a very artistic one with a blue horse :))

Decorations

A part of our group in the first garden we entered

My favorite garden: the flowers are recycled: made of the paper bags of bread

One of the decorated streets: with flowers and shades against the heat  

Our cool guide explaining the (legendary) history of the expression "menuda noche toledana" to our half-dead group :))

With our friend Charo, who participates in every single activity we organize :))

Madrid and Toledo

I realized that I wrote so far about all the places I've visited, except for Madrid and Toledo. :) This must be because they are both quite close and I have visited both of them several times (especially Madrid), so it doesn't really feel like traveling... But as both cities are great, here are my impressions and some photos:

Madrid

Well, Madrid is as amazing as any capital can be. :) I just love the city, it is perfect for any kind of activity: there are huge parks to walk around but also many bars and all kinds of events to hang out and meet people. It is always very vivid, during the day and during the night as well and is very liveable.

I don't really feel like writing a long list of what I have seen and visited here (as I'm not even nearly done with seeing everything :)), so I will give you a glimpse with a few photos:

Puerta del Sol - the very center

Plaza Mayor

Plaza de la Cebada in La Latina, a really cool square to hang out, they have also music on most Sundays

Palacio Real - though the royal family doesn't live here :P

Plaza de Cibeles - town hall

The symbol of Madrid :)

Wall in Lavapiés, a very multicultural and artistic quarter of Madrid

Retiro Park - it actually reminds me of Heroes Square and Városliget in Budapest

Royal Palace at sunset

Casa de campo - an enormous park in the middle of the city

View from the cable car over the park and the city

Toledo

Toledo is like a nice little treasure box, it is just beautiful. Although the fact that I had to go to foreign office here to arrange my papers (as Illescas officially belongs to the province of Toledo) takes away a little bit of its charm, but well. :) The city is still very nice, walking in the old town feels like time traveling and it's also a wonderful mix of Spanish, Arabic and Jewish architecture and history. Not to mention it's on a hill so the view is amazing from the top. :) I still have a lot to discover here as well, but as I will have more friends visiting me in the upcoming months, I will have the chance to get to know the city more.

Beautiful view on every side of the hill :)

Charming narrow streets

The Alcázar

The Cathedral