Here are, in no particular order, as list of things that you should know about Toledo:
1) Things don’t really get started until 10AM
Yesterday I woke up at 7 and was out the door by 7:30. Quieres un café? Nope. Coffee shops don’t open until 8 (at the earliest).
2) It’s always acceptable to drink
As soon as the coffee shops were open, I saw at least three people sipping a glass of wine with their muesli and orange juice. Coffee shops also serve alcohol. I’m not saying you should, but you can.
3) Don’t drink sparkling water (or regular water) directly out of the bottle. Especially if it’s a big bottle
I’ve never had so many people try to give me a glass at once.
4) When dining out, it’s not necessary to say thank-you three million times
They think it’s weird and creepy.
5) Don’t smile at or make eye contact with random strangers
Also weird and if they’re the opposite sex they’ll think you’re hitting on them.
6) Take a nap in the afternoon
The siesta is still alive and well in Toledo. Everything closes down during naptime, so you’ll feel like you’re walking around a ghost town if you stay awake.
7) They pick up their dog poop
Unlike Madrid, in Toledo you don’t have to constantly worry about stepping in a steaming pile of dog shit. I think this is great.
8) The steep, cobblestone roads are not an acceptable excuse to avoid high heels
If the little 80-year-old lady is rocking her pumps, then you should be too.
Want more Madison? Send her a message to talk shop about marketing, stretching and beyond.
I made up a saying about walking the sidewalks of Mexico. “Watch your head, step in shit. Watch your step, hit your head. Watch your head again, trip.”
Whoa man, talk about a jet set lifestyle! Toledo!? If I could only be so lucky.