Feb 17th - Feb 18th: Day Sixteen

So despite being sick yesterday I woke up this morning feeling really good. Unfortunately, it didn't last long. Halfway to our first destination I was ready to go back to bed. And during our tour I really wasn't paying too much attention to what our guide was saying. BUT, I'm glad I went on the trip today. It was a lot better than just lying around the house doing nothing. Plus, the places today were simply gorgeous!

The first place we went to was El Escorial monastery. It was built in the 16th century by Philip II of Spain to commemorate the battle "San Quintin" and to be used as a burial place for the monarchs of Spain. Today it's a monastery where the monks come to worship.

The second place we visited was El Valle de los Caidos (or Valley of the Fallen). This was built in honor of those who died during the Spanish Civil War and houses the bodies of everyone who died. It was closed to the public today, though, but we managed to get in by saying we were Catholic and were there for Mass. So, it's safe to say that I was Catholic for the afternoon.

Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take pictures inside either of the two buildings, but I found some online! I really think it takes longer to upload this pictures than it does to go to the places, take them and come back. BUT, after a good hour their up! =)

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Carol

El Escorial

Right inside the doors is this; the Patio of the Kings.

This is the library; the first room we came to. I got yelled at for trying to take a picture but I found this one online. It doesn't give the room justice AT ALL!

This is where the monks worship (there's actually a sign saying you're not allowed in during those hours). Once again, this picture does NOT do the real thing justice.

This was the view out of the back of Escorial. I'd love to wake up to a view like that every morning!

This is the monument at the 'Valley of the Fallen' (the view there was spectacular!)

This houses the bodies of those who died in the battle, too. There are apparently 9 levels with around 40,000 remains.

This is apparently the biggest cross in the world (or close to it).

Once again, we couldn't take pictures inside the 'tomb', but I found this online. As soon as you walk inside there's an entrance, than a large set of doors that leads to this. It was the longest, quietest hallway I've ever been in (the one girl said it reminded her of the Chamber of Secrets from Harry Potter). Once you reach the end of the hallway there are pews for mass, and a 'statue' of Christ on the Cross. And, like the other three, this picture is NOTHING compared to the real thing!