Background: Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, Spain has played a catch-up role in the western international community; it joined the EU in 1986. Continuing challenges include Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and further reductions in unemployment.
June 4th 2008Europe » Spain » District of Madrid » El Escorial Today we booked a private guided tour of El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen. Once Mikaley & Kyra were packed off to school our guides Penny & Talia drove us up to , about an hour's drive from Arav ... [full story]
April 26th 2008Europe » Spain » District of Madrid » El Escorial
On Saturday we decided it was time for another day trip. We leave Madrid at the end of June, which isn't very long now. We want to see more of the surrounding area before we go. We decided on an aft ... 8 photos[full story]
January 26th 2008Europe » Spain » District of Madrid » El Escorial Ok. So when we left Madrid after like 2 hours of sleep, we took about an hour bus ride to a little town outside of Madrid, called El Escorial. It was crazy beautiful and a tiny little community in th ... 13 photos[full story]
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