Madrid, España: El Quinto Día

Now midway through the trip, students took another hour long bus ride to the mountains, visiting El Escorial. Located within the heart of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (no coincidence by the name), Pedro the local tour guide (and popular man within the area…seriously) gave a brief description of the building and all that it entailed. It is a palace, monastery, church, school, and Royal Tomb, that was shaped like grill in honor of St. Lawrence, who was persecuted and burned. While touring the building a hot commodity was the two empty crypts located under the chapel, which caused students to debate over who could move in and the “Confession Room” or “The Secret Lovers Room” (better known by the students), where two individuals stand diagonally from one another facing the corner can have a complete and clear conversation. Upon the completion of the tour, Pedro informed the students that the so called “Lover’s Room” was used by lepers for confessions to the monks and advised that anyone who touched the wall should seek medical attention if there nose falls off.

On the way back to Madrid, students stopped to visit the controversial Valle de Los Caídos, which for some students brought a personal and emotional connection. The monument and burial site to and for the dead of the Spanish Civil War, was built deep inside the Guadarrama Mountains and houses both the republicans and nationalists. It also contains the remains of Francisco Franco and José Antonío, who was ordered to be executed by Franco.

Today’s dinner was a national favorite and for seafood lovers a mini smorgasbord. It was a traditional three course meal, that some students burned their mouth and (mainly) their tongues.