Gemütliche Familien in Toledo

Milagros and Paco were wonderful hosts. I stayed with them for a week in late July 2015. In July and August they don't live at the address near the city wall listed in "Homestay" but rather a few minutes' drive outside the city in their country home where it is cooler, so this is where I stayed. They asked me before I booked if this was OK with me. I had my own room and a bathroom. The rooms all have flyscreens, so I could leave the windows wide open all night. The house has a lovely swimming pool - perfect to jump into after a day's exploring in Toledo. Each evening we would plan what approximate time I wanted breakfast and when I wanted to be dropped into the city. I would go in the morning, visit the sights and catch the bus back in the afternoon (the bus leaves each full hour from the main town square, Pza Zocodover). Usually after a swim I would withdraw for a late siesta but I was welcome to sit in the loungeroom and read/watch tv or on the terrace if I had wanted to. I chose to have dinner with them each evening, usually around 9 p.m. - Mila is an excellent cook! It was our little joke that I was queen for a week. I chose to stay with a family so that I can practise my Spanish, which is just past the beginner stage. Mila and Paco were extremely patient and I'm sure I improved. Mila and Paco have both lived in Toledo most their lives and are both interested in the history of the city and have lots of lovely books about it. They are willing to answer any questions one has and they have a few insider tips too. My tip: when you need a break from museums, churches and narrow streets, walk along the "nature track" along the river bank from the Puenta de San Martin to the Puente de Alcántara. Another tip: The "Toledo Time Capsule" at the Real Fundación de Toledo-Museo Victoria Macho is not worth the 5 € since one can read the information it provides in the first 2 pages of any guidebook, however it's worth paying the museum's normal entry fee to stand on the balcony and enjoy the view. Nice café/bar: Bar Botanic Legendario in Plaza San Vicente, 4 .