If you want to buy a sword, but don't have the money or can't figure out how to transport it, there are creative solutions (if you don't mind getting a sword that isn't really a sword)...some stores sell letter openers in the shape of swords and I bought my father a set of steel olive picks that were in the shape of swords...he loves them!

From the times the Moros (Arabs) ruled in Spain, there was a certain type of inlay of gold strands on silver. For example, I purchased an inlay of Don Quixote on his horse with a windmill on a disk about 7 centimeters in diameter and the entire inlay was in gold. This is called Damascus gold because it is done in only two places now in the world - Toledo and Damascus. They sell a lot of junk stuff to tourists, BUT if you will look for this, it is a rare item indeed. They will seal it inbetween two panes of glass with a bronze frame around it for you to hang on the wall or to display on your desk, etc. It is very beautiful.

Take the Atocha from Madrid to Toledo for the day. The train station in Toledo offers a great view of the city. Once in Toledo there are a lot of nooks and crannies to explore. Siesta's are around noon - so most shops will be closed during this time. I believe the last train back to Madrid is at 9:30 p.m., so make sure you catch it.

La Cathédrale et la vieille ville sont pour moi des souvenirs indélébiles ! Magnifque ville !

Grab a bite at Ñaca Ñaca in Plaza de Zocodover. You'll walk out with a smile on your face.