THE PRODIGAL BLOGGER RETURNS!! :D
Sorry for the delay...between no direct access in Toledo, no computer in Lourdes, and all social networking blocked where we were in Bilbao, there wasn't much ability to blog! (and then I got lazy yesterday...oopsies...)
But have no fear, Zorilla and I have still been busy!
A bit of backtracking...
Toledo--Monday and Tuesday
After Madrid, we hit Toledo. It was a really neat place, all old cobblestones and winding alleys. Mom, being the Toledo girl herself, was pretty thrilled about it, but I must say it was entertaining for the Toledo, Spain folks to meet someone from Toledo de Ohio...because there is a street called Calle Toledo de Ohio! Imagine their surprise to find out that Toledo de Ohio was an actual place--Huzzah! The antiquity was quite cool, but it was hot as baseballs there. Siesta was definitely a welcomed part of the day on Tuesday. From there, we headed to Bilbao, via Madrid...
Bilbao, part 1--Wednesday
Let me tell you, my dad is the man. Anyone who is willing to drive around in a 6-speed (but only 1.8-liter engine) van in a country he doesn't know with a language he doesn't speak on highways that confuse the locals is my hero (fortunately he already held that spot, but THAT confirmed it.) We stayed in a little apartment, and it was cozy. But no worries! We still liked each other after all was said and done! ;) So we settled in, went tapas bar hopping, found the BM Supermercado (insert your jokes here...personally, I think we found some pretty good sh*t there) and then we went to Lourdes, France.
Lourdes--Thursday and Friday morning
For those of you who know me, you know my obsession with Lourdes doesn't come from an all-consuming love of Catholicism...rather, from the 9 years of Catholic schooling that will remains the reason that I know how to diagram sentences and why I still refuse to wear anything plaid. HOWEVER, Lourdes was totally worth the side trip. The town itself was really super-kitchy, with neon lights everywhere and stores selling religious artifacts at every turn. The grotto and the basilica, on the other hand, were incredible--very serene, and truly a place of faith. Leave religion out of this conversation, it was a place where anyone can find peace. The candlelight procession, in all the different languages, renewed my faith in faith--so much diversity, all there with the same intention.
The next day, Mom, Kathy, and I went to the baths. It was 54-degree water, and of course, I'm thinking, I'm an Ohio State student, I did Mirror Lake twice, I can do this! Yeah. Right. After waiting in line--did I mention there were about 15 men in line and it took them about as long to exhaust that line?--we went back to the holding area where they make you take off your clothes and they give you a wrap instead. That didn't make me real happy, but there you have it. Then they take you back to the baths. Where they take the wrap they gave you, put a wet sheet on you, and walk you into the water. I was too busy to do anything but do what the little ladies told me to do, but after I got out, I felt pretty good! But this isn't the place to describe that--if you want more, let me know!
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