El Escorial

We took a day trip to El Escorial to see the palace built for Prince Felipe II, which is now used as a monastery. The monastery was cool, but the best part was the walk to it from the train station, through a very pretty park. It is fall time, and the leaves display an array of colors. Make sure to see the last video, which shows the girls playing in the leaves.

This palace (now monastery) is huge. Its basements house the tombs of dead kings, queens and family. We took a tour with a guide, because its size and many doors render it disorienting.


Edgard explains something interesting about the architecture. This palace was built during the time of the Spanish inquisition and during the time of the Spanish conquest of South America. It was a real power center.


Courtyard inside the palace. A mass was being held while we were there.



The girls enjoyed the garden at the rear of the palace.


It was a pretty, sunny day. The palace is perched atop a wonderful hill overlooking the country. Madrid is visible, but probably around 75 miles away.


This water fountain is a decoration outside of the prince's house, which is just down the hill a bit from the king's palace.


We enjoyed the palace (monastery), but we enjoyed the park even more.
These signs led us to the palace.

The girls played with sticks.

This leaf was the size of Edgard's head.



Another important discovery in the park.

The girls made a pile of leaves and then jumped into it.

Katherine made the full dive.

WAHOOO!!