TOLEDO, MAY 1999 – Not far away from Madrid,  the capital of Spain, is a little town called Toledo.  This town has a medieval look and many interesting historical buildings are preserved over here.  When coming from the railway station, you can see the town on the hill, surrounded by walls and a river, a fortified city.  Obvious landmarks are the fortress (Alcazar) and several cathedrals.  But to me the most interesting thing to do in Toledo is to wander around in the narrow streets, have a sangria on one of the quiet squares and watch the people in the streets and on the balconies.  Just think for a minute you could be back in the Middle Ages of Europe. 

When I visited Toledo it was quite hot, even in the month of May.  Spanish people have their rest in the afternoon (siesta), so it is very quiet in the streets.  To see the real Toledo street life however, go there in the late afternoon and in the evening, the moment people get out and  have a chat, and the children play football in the street.  And then in the evening go for some tapas first, and then to an open air restaurant to have some delicious paëlla, with on the background some spanish music …
Spain is the land of the sun, a place to enjoy life, to forget your worries and relax…

Picos de Europa, Spain , 1154 m – visited august 2007.

The lakes of Covadonga can be reached after a climb of more than 1000 metres, taking the bus is recommended (very few cars are allowed only in the morning time), an exciting trip.  The lakes can be reached by walking from the bus stop , an easy hike . 

A special attraction are the cows which are walking around everywhere and really beautiful.

Picos de Europa, Spain – visited august 2007.

Many interesting and challenging walks exist in the nature reserve of Picos de Europa in Northern Spain.  A rather easy – but a bit long – walk is through the Cares Gorge.  An almost flat path is carved out of the rocks all the way from Puente Poncebos to Cain.  Return the same way or by jeep.

The walls of the canyon reach 2000 metres, the heat inside the canyon is sometimes nearly unbearable.