Our tour began early in the morning, everyone meeting at the school to get onto buses for about a two-to-three-hour bus ride to Toledo. Arriving to Toledo, we met out guide and walked through the winding streets of the city. The cobblestone street revealing the deep history of Toledo. We visited the impressive Cathedral of Toledo, looking at its amazing Gothic architecture and great artwork. We then explored the Jewish Quarter which offered insights into Toledo’s diverse cultural history, and it was amazing to see that throughout the tour, we were able to take in all three different cultures and how they exemplify tolerance and cultural coexistence in such close proximity.

Afterwards throughout the tour we were given some free time, and we were allowed to explore the beautiful city with our classmates which was incredibly enriching to experience. Going to what would be considered “downtown” or the popular parts of the city and seeing all the giftshops was really interesting. There were also blacksmiths in the city and some of the students were able to purchase swords and other weapons that would be sent to their houses back in the US. Toledo was also where I was able to get a little taste of culture from back home as we were able to find some of the best tacos I’ve ever had in Spain.

Overall, this journey to Toledo reminded me how studying abroad is more than just academics, it’s about experiencing the history firsthand and building meaningful connections with peers. As we boarded the bus back to Alcala, we carried more unforgettable memories and a deeper cultural understanding, excited for the future adventures still waiting for us in Spain.