Madrid - day 5

Bonjour! I know it's been several days since I wrote. We have been very busy, up at 7 and going until 10 pm at least. Also, the internet has been sketchy. So, day 4 we journeyed  outside of Madrid to El Escorial. There we saw a huge building that housed a monastery, chapel, and the quarters of the royal family. Then we descended into el Panteón to see where the royal family ( kings and their mothers) are buried in ornate coffins. We had an excellent guide to explain the history and relationships of the  families. We visited other marble coffins in this mausoleum and then emerged into the sunshine. Although it was hot, there was a cool breeze from the nearby mountains. After a delicious lunch, we took our bus to visit the Valley of the Fallen. Lisa, our tour guide, explained the history of Franco and his dictatorship. We saw his grave and the huge stone cross on the top of the mountain.

     Then Lisa took us into a garden to play a game. The students were divided into teams and given pictures by some of the Spanish artists we have studied. Each team had to explain why their picture should be chosen to represent the "Spirit of Spain". All the TPS students did great, but the team here won - each person gave a good explanation. Sarah, Holly, Nicole and Brooke each got a 100 euros - in paper candy as their prize.