On our way to VaughanTown 8.30am and there is a gathering of Anglos in the foyer, and a gathering of Spaniards outside, ready to board the bus. The rule is we have to sit with a Spaniard - this is the first of our One-on-Ones. We will be stopping for a coffee break at 10.30am and when we get back on the bus we are to swap partners. At the briefing last night we were told to speak at our normal speed, with our normal accent and not to try and make it eas...

Saturday A nice relaxing start to the day - I woke late and read my book for a while, before venturing out for a walk. I am getting to know the neigbourhood now and I wandered down to where I had breakfast on my first day = but the cafe was crowded so I headed back up the street and went into a quiet little bar. Most of the bars are small with standing room at the counter and only two or three tables. There was a big billboard outside showing a meal - stea...

I really haven't got the measure of this city yet, and I'm staying clear of the metro. There's a big football game in the city on Saturday night and there are a lot of people around, and a lot of police (armed and in groups of 6, rather than just on their own or in pairs) so I'm playing safe and going everywhere by taxi. I wandered around another plaza today Plaza Mayor, and walked to the next one, about 5 hours walking altogether today. I found the plac...

After my late night last night,it was an early start as I had to find my way to the meeting point by 8.40. I had tried for a hotel pickup but not possible from this hotel, so the receptionist suggested I go by train - change lines - and it will take about 20 minutes. Too complicated for me, so I got a taxi. Another taxi driver who can't speak English - this time a very aggressive woman driver - but she dropped me off and pointed in the direction I need...

I'm not feeling quite so brave or confident ths morning after my somewhat 'anxious arrival' last night I asked at the hotel reception if they could arrange for me to be picked up here in the morning for my Toledo day trip, but no I have to catch the metro. Oh darn. Will have to find my way today. And then I went downstairs to the restaurant to have breakfast, but my name was not on the list as I had booked room only, and I was told I could not have break...