Ah...family support

With spirits and energy levels flagging, a visit from my beloved Aunt and Uncle from California could not have come at a better time.  We met them in Madrid on their way to France and on our way to Barcelona.  Together, we re-explored Madrid (but this time without the peace of the summer holiday time) and enjoyed showing them around the city we had come to know and appreciate.  Autumn had arrived and with it, cold and windy weather, but also lovely fall scenes in Retiro Park.



We also had a chance to visit another recommended city, Toledo.  We spent a day as real tourists and made our way up and down the hills of the city, stopping at every place that boasted an El Greco painting inside (including his completely disappointing burial site - visible through a roughly-made hole through the wooden floor of an old church).  It was an attractive but exceedingly touristy place.
    

Thanks so much, Harry and Ellie, for taking such good care of us and allowing us to be your guides in Spain.  We also want to send a special thank you to our wonderful Spanish friends, José, Teresa and Sebastian for their wonderful hospitality in Madrid.  It´s always better to stay with friends!