Toledo was covered with colourful fabrics hanging outside and drapping from the sky. Many of the buildings were built by bricks and the soil was almost red like parts of Italy, or Australia. The sun was fierce. But the fabrics softened it all and together with the lanterns and flower bouquets, I found it surprisingly romantic. It wasn't until afterwards that I realised it was because I went there just after Corpus Christi, during which "ancient tapestries, hangings, banners and shawls" were hung outside walls, balconies and windows along the possession route. The thought that Spain might just be able to rival Italy's status surfaced as I walked up and down the stone steps of winding streets.
