June 28, 2009

Buenos tardes a todos. We just finished visiting El Valle de los Caidos and El Escorial. Both were interesting in their own wasy and added to the historical knowledge that we look for on this trip. El Valle de los Caidos is a monument/tomb in the side of a mountain about 45 minutes out from Madrid. It was built as a testament to Francisco and his followers “los derechos” by the people that fought against him and were taken prisoner during la Guerra civil. The monument triples as an active Catholic Church. The visitors of which, we concluded were likely supporters of Franco. He and his right hand man, Jose Antonio, are buried at the base of the crucifix in the church. To giant cast iron angels guard the entrance to the church and also the tomb of Franco. In the corridor leading to the church are 6 tapestries “tapices” depicting the apocalypse. On the ceiling are statues of some of the Catholic Virgens who also happen to be patron saints of the different branches of his military, army, navy, etc... It was an experience filled with conflict, because it was such a beautiful place but one that was built as a monument to such a horrible man by people who didn’t even like him.

After El valle de los caidos, we visited el Escorial, a monastery, library and tomb of the royal families of Spain. The library at el Escorial is to be the second best in the world second to the Vatican based on quality not quantity. 45,000 books make up the entire library. One of the most beautiful things in this place were the solid wood doors that we made into pictures when they were constructed. Using different types of natural wood, the artists made the most beautiful works of art that seemed 3 dimensional. We stood among the bones of the kings and queens of Spain in their underground family tomb. Glanced at the marble tombs of all of the royal children that died before the age of seven due to illness. An unforgettable experience, surely

Now, after a rather healthy lunch, of paella and beer, we are on the way to Toledo where we will shack up for the night and probably go out and party. ☺

Vaya con Dios.