Tuesday in Toledo

I specifically wanted to go to Toledo on Tuesday for the Zocodover Square Market.
One more time...to the train station (opposite direction from Starbucks so coffee had to wait) & a thirty minute ride to Toledo.
The cab dropped us at Zocodover Square. Well, no mob scene like we encountered at El Rastro on Sunday. Well, really just a few people going about their lives. Well....no market. Disappointing.
Coffee & then off to our final Alcazar of the trip. Only the entrance to this one seems to elude us. Up a hill, down a hill, around a corner. Oh - THIS is the entrance? Where we started? Going through a military museum? Oh, the Alcazar is now a MILITARY museum? Disappointing.
A stop for tapas (which makes everything better by the way) & we were off to find the Cathedral. As with the others in this incredible country, it did not disappoint. It was gorgeous. 
The Mezquita....well, couldn't find it after trudging up & downhill a few times. Disappointing.
Back to the train station & Madrid.
For our final meal in Madrid, we decided to head to Plaza Mayor & back to Cantina La Traviesa for a second time. 
Upon arrival, all disappointment of Toledo was erased. We were greeted like long lost cousins. They remembered we had eaten paella & immediately asked what we wanted in it this time. Then a bottle of wine appeared while our meal was being prepared. A few minutes later, the other customers left & the waiters started taking off aprons. They asked if we minded if they smoked. Hmmm....seemed as if the restaurant was closing. When we asked in our broken Spanish, they replied, in equally broken English that yes, they were closed. I believe for a dinner break & then they open again later & stay open quite late. While we ate our dinner, the staff ate theirs. When we quietly tried to pay & leave so they could have their break...they were having none of it. Bob motioned for them to stay seated.....they motioned for him to stay seated. After that went back & forth a few times, we obediently sat back down. Next they brought out shots of grappa crema, followed by shots of an herbal liquor,(they translated on an iPhone to tell me what it we were about to drink!) next a bowl of rice pudding appeared. Then more shots, with the staff. It is an understatement to say it that one of the highlights of our time in Spain. We were so full & so tired when we left. I had one thing on my mind....bed. Unfortunately it was about 5:30! Early even for me!
Final thoughts on Madrid - I was amazed at the massive amount of people in Madrid. Very similar to Rome in my mind but even more people out & about at all hours. 
We left Madrid exhausted. Part of that was due to a pretty busy schedule. There was a lot we wanted to see & do in a limited amount of time in Spain. We checked off almost everything on the list! 
BUT, part of it was the location of the apartment we rented. On paper, it sounded great. And truly it had location, location, location. We were able to walk everywhere. However, the street below us was party central....bars & the crowds I mentioned partying all night. About 4:00 a.m. the last of the partyers would stop. Then the garbage trucks would show up, then the street cleaners, then the Harley's would go down the street. So tired....I just wanted some rest!!!!
And now we are back in Amsterdam ...... Ahhhhhhh! No agenda for a few days...and then company arrives. What fun!!!
We arrived to gray skies, cool temps, crocus & daffodils blooming. Perfect!
Laundry complete, a quick walk to the drug store & the market, an early dinner....a quick visit with Allen. The promise of more visits while we are here. Life is good!