Blogs from San Lorenzo de El Escorial, District of Madrid, Spain, Europe

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After an enjoyable sleep-in we were off to Manzanares de Real to see a 15th century castle in the Elizabethan Gothic-style. The castle was initially conceived as a fortress but quickly became a residential palace. On arrival to the town we noticed there was a huge medieval fair going on. It was enjoyable to wander through the decorated streets with a large variety of vending stalls. We enjoyed a coffee with churros dipped in hot chocolate sauce before heading off to tour the castle. The castle was very impressive from the outside as it has been substantially restored both inside and out. Once inside we enjoyed wandering through different rooms, galleries with tapestries, and viewing paintings and other artworks. We especially liked visiting the ramparts and turrets where we enjoyed great views of the mountains and ... read more
Some of the stalls
Stall selling spices
Huge batch of Paella for sale


This morning after a leisurely breakfast we headed into San Lorenzo for Jim's hair appointment and then coffee. After that we took a drive and short hike to see La Silla de Felipe II (the kings seat). It is believed to be the spot where Felipe II rode in a carriage to overview the construction of his amazing palace and monastery. If true, it was neat to sit in the stone chair where a king in the 1500's once sat. The view of the monastery, surrounding mountains, forest and town were very lovely from this location. We then drove into the town of El Escorial for a light lunch of crepes before returning home. We spent the rest of the day relaxing on the patio beside the pool.... read more
View from the king's seat
Zoomed in on El Escorial Monastery and Palace
Along our hike


Today we travelled again by train to Madrid. From our home in San Lorenzo de El Escorial it is an easy, comfortable, and inexpensive 1 hour trip to the city centre. Upon arrival we boarded a hop on-hop off bus for a tour of the city. We first toured most of the historic city centre, then got off and had a coffee at a nice street cafe. Then we took a walk through a park to the Royal Palace and its gardens, before re-boarding the bus. We finished the historic city tour, and then switched lines to tour the modern city. It was a great way to get an overview of the city's and, given that it is very hot, it was much less exhausting. After our tours, we returned to the train for our comfortable ... read more
 Madrid downtown
Coffee and carrot cake!
Statue near the palace


Today we were up early to get Allison and Patrick to the train station in El Escorial. It was a very sad good bye as we had a wonderful time traveling with them. From the train station we stopped in San Lorenzo for a coffee and pastry and also to pick up a few groceries before heading home. We enjoyed a quiet morning with our feet up before heading out for a walk below the monastery. After the monastery we continued into San Lorenzo to make Jim a haircut appointment for Friday morning. It was a pretty quiet house without Allison and Patrick, but hopefully we will get caught up on our travel blog!... read more
View of El Escorial Monastery from San Lorenzo plaza
Walk below Monastery
Jim ready to take another photo


Today we are off on a 45 minute train ride to the beautiful city of Madrid. Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain with a population in the city of roughly 3.3 million and with a metro area population of almost 6.5 million. Madrid is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage but also boasts some of the liveliest nightlife in the world. On arrival at the main train station in Madrid Allison and Patrick purchased train tickets to Malaga for the next day. Unfortunately tomorrow they will be leaving us as the following day they fly back to Canada. We have had a wonderful time traveling with the two of them and they will be missed. After the train station we found a coffee spot in a pretty area where we ... read more
Our view at coffee
Cute washroom sign
Great architecture


Today is Jim's birthday and we are off to visit the historic city of Segovia. Our first stop is the 1,000 year old royal palace the Alcazar of Segovia which was the former home of kings and queens. The Alcazar looks like a typical fairy tale palace, but it has actually seen many battles and wars. We enjoyed touring and learning about the history of this well preserved castle. From the castle we wandered through the narrow cobblestone street to a square which had an amazing view of the Segovia Cathedral. Before touring the cathedral we stopped and enjoyed a pizza for lunch. Segovia Cathedral, dating back to 1525, is the last true Gothic cathedral in Spain. The sheer size of the cathedral is startling, as well as its many naves and chapels. The final site ... read more
Segovia
The Alcazar of Segovia
Jim listening to his audio guide


This morning we caught a 4 am taxi to the airport in Porto. We are flying with RyanAir for our flight to Madrid. On this flight Jim had to book a separate seat just for his guitar! RyanAir is a no frills airline, but they were on time and the plane was clean. We were met at the airport by Pablo, the exchange home owner of where we will be living for the next week. He drove us to his lovely home in Madrid and there he and his wife Gema offered us a coffee. Once coffee was done we jumped into one of their vehicles which we will be using for the next week and followed them to their second home in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It is a big beautiful home on a ... read more
El Escorial Monastery/Palace
One of the many courtyards
Another courtyard shot


Today I again woke up late, making the group a little late for the Royal Monastery. I barely had time to grab any type of food and we were off. As soon as we got to the monastery I was surprised to how big it is. Cesar said the place smelled like death and after the tour, I realized why. There were so many kings, dukes, queens, princesses and princes in the monastery. There was one for example that gave me the creeps. It was a grave for all the children in the royal family who did not reach puberty. I don’t know why, but the thought of dead little kids spooks me out. Another interesting thing was that the current kings parents, had graves waiting for them. That is a weird thought that you have ... read more
Outside View
In the Garden
Cathedral in Avilla




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