Day 2 -- Toledo, Spain

May 29, 2007

Madrid, Spain -

So we went on this really cool day trip to Toledo today. Not Toledo, Ohio, Toe-lay-doe. We started the morning off with a continental breakfast at the hotel. Although I didn't care for the scrambled eggs, I did like fruit, bread and Coco Puffs. I mean, who has Coco Puffs in Spain. Just kidding.

Our bus ride to Toledo was about 45 minutes. Our guide Hernan told us on the way that Toledo used to be the capital of Spain at one time and that Christians, Moors and Jews all lived harmoniously. While we were there we walked over this Roman bridge that was over 2,000 years old. Cars were not allowed to drive on it.

Hernan then took us to a souvenir shop/factory where gold thread was made into plates, pendants and other jewelry. But, I didn't get to see any of that. I got into a little trouble on the way up to the tour.

Let me explain.

When we walked to the shop/factory, there was a small room filled with your typical gift shop souvenirs. I was minding my business trying to catch up to the rest of our group with Jasmine. We were looking at post cards and Hernan told us to hurry, so, as I was putting the post cards back the rack - I wanted to purchase them later - I accidentally bumped into what I would like to call el torro (bull in Spanish).

El torro fell to the ground and his horns broke off of him. Jasmine picked it up and put it on the counter pretending nothing happened and the lady running the shop came over very sternly, "You must pay, you must pay." At that point, Hernan was really trying to get us moving, J was grabbing my arm and I was trying to find my wallet. I paid her two euro, while she slowly gift wrapped the broken magnet.

After we finally caught up to the group, J and I had missed the whole tour. When I told Terri what happened she wanted me go back and ask for my two euro back. But, I was thought as the old saying goes, "you break it you buy it."

The whole point of me being in the gift shop was to buy the post cards, however I never went back to get them, instead all I have as a souvenir of Toledo is el torro sin horns. For those of you who don't know Spanish it means a bull with out its horns.

After seeing Toledo we got back on the bus and went to the city of Chin Chon. Hernan told us what is special about Chin Chon is that it is the only area in Spain where there are all white villas. While we were there we stopped by the city's Plaza Mayor and learned it is also the square where bull fights are held. After stopping and taking photos we walked up the narrow, hilly streets to where we had a late lunch/pregame meal. Let me tell you it was delicious! Afterward, I think we burned off the meal by walking up this steep hill to a church.

Now that we are back in our beautiful hotel we have to rest up for our big game tonight. It will be the first real game I get to play in over 18 months. I'll let you know how it went if I am still breathing.

Post Game

Don't worry, I made it out alive and I am still breathing! Just kidding. I was happy to be out there playing against people other than my teammates.

P.S. We won! We are 1-0 in Europe.

Adios!