Today it’s all about El Greco, or Doménikos Theotokópoulos (Δομήνικος Θεοτοκόπουλος), the famous artist born in Crete of Greek origin who is most well known for dramatic portraits with haunting, gaunt faces. He moved to Toledo at the age of 36 and worked there till his death in 1614 at the age of 73. He was a painter, architect, and …
Not Dairy Queen But Don Quixote
I’d mentioned yesterday my 4 reasons for visiting Toledo, and in the picture above, behind me is a statue of the man responsible for one of them. Cervantes fans know that there is a Route of DQ (no, not Dairy Queen but Don Quixote) cutting through Toledo that marks the various points mentioned in the book: I don’t have enough …
Holy Toledo, Batman!
What a difference a day makes. Whereas it was pouring yesterday, the sun is brilliant this morning as I walk to the Atocha train station to catch my ride to Toledo: You can buy tickets online well ahead of time as some routes do sell out quickly, especially during high season and if you do not get a pre-assigned seat, …
Palacio Real de Madrid
The Royal Palace in Madrid goes by two names, Palacio Real de Madrid and Palacio de Oriente (East Palace). It is one of the largest palaces in the world (there are over 250 guest bedrooms!) but is unoccupied by Spain’s royal family–they stay at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in another royal compound. It’s good to be king here, too. …
A Spanish Dunkin’ Donut
Remember the  Belgian churro I had at the Christmas market in Bruges? It was more like a sweet snack. In Spain, however, the churro is a bland pastry to be dunked in your breakfast hot chocolate, like what he’s doing here…you might say it’s a Spanish dunkin’ donut. On my first full morning in Madrid I have to go find …