Buenas Dias!!
Today my host family took me on a short yet windy drive to the mountain town of El Escorial. The ancient pueblo is centered around a giant monastery that served as a resting place for San Lorenzo, one of the kings of Spain when he found himself ill. He had the monastery constructed with the intention to spend his final years their, as his illness became progressively harsher. Under the protection of the Catholic church he spent the final years of his illness in his bedroom, which was cleverly built in a room inside of the church, so that when he was to ill to move he could still attend religious ceremonies. The church, as well as the library, scientific study rooms, and gardens are still in full function today and our used by the local historians, scientists and creators that live among the old stone buildings of El Escorial.
After our tour of the massive monastery we spent the rest of the day walking around the small town. The vintage restaurants and bars mixed with the laughter and voices of the local crowd served as an incredible depiction of a what a traditional Spanish pueblo looks like. We ate at a small tavern where they served us tortilla and other tapa like dishes and finished our day sipping coffee in a small cafe overlooking the valley the sat below the beautiful mountain town. El Escorial is one of Spain's many jewels, and a place that really solidified what Spanish culture was for me.
If you find yourself in Madrid, take the train to El Escorial. You won't be disappointed.
Que tengas un buen dia!
Dylan
Today my host family took me on a short yet windy drive to the mountain town of El Escorial. The ancient pueblo is centered around a giant monastery that served as a resting place for San Lorenzo, one of the kings of Spain when he found himself ill. He had the monastery constructed with the intention to spend his final years their, as his illness became progressively harsher. Under the protection of the Catholic church he spent the final years of his illness in his bedroom, which was cleverly built in a room inside of the church, so that when he was to ill to move he could still attend religious ceremonies. The church, as well as the library, scientific study rooms, and gardens are still in full function today and our used by the local historians, scientists and creators that live among the old stone buildings of El Escorial.
After our tour of the massive monastery we spent the rest of the day walking around the small town. The vintage restaurants and bars mixed with the laughter and voices of the local crowd served as an incredible depiction of a what a traditional Spanish pueblo looks like. We ate at a small tavern where they served us tortilla and other tapa like dishes and finished our day sipping coffee in a small cafe overlooking the valley the sat below the beautiful mountain town. El Escorial is one of Spain's many jewels, and a place that really solidified what Spanish culture was for me.
If you find yourself in Madrid, take the train to El Escorial. You won't be disappointed.
Que tengas un buen dia!
Dylan