Happy Valley

And all was quiet in the town of Happy Valley. In case you are not overtly familiar with Disney Movies ill fill you in. Happy valley is the small little town which is the setting for the Disney version of Jack and the beanstalk with such characters as Mickey Goofy and Donald. Anyway before the giant came and stole the princess Happy Valley was one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth.

Well my friends, I have found happy Valley. A little town 45 minutes north of Madrid called San Lorenzo. This town would not really be on anyone’s radar were it not for the fact that it houses one of the largest Spanish palaces ever built, El Escoral.

I really am running out of words that accurately describe the greatness of these buildings. I will say this, so far this is the most spectacular building I have been in. The Mausoleum where the kings are buried is the most intriguing and beautiful room I have ever been in. I wish I could have taken pictures but sadly they were not allowed. Imagine if you will a room cast entirely in Two different colors of Marble. Inside this room lie the bodies of 12 rulers and their wives. The Coffins where the remains are held are also made out of marble and detailed in bronze. This room is one floor underneath the rest of the building and to get to it you go down a stairwell, which is also cast entirely in Marble. The entire underground which houses the remains of the kings, their wives and children is something I have never seen before. Totally amazing.

There were multiple moments on this tour where I stood with my jar open taken aback by artistry contained in this palace. Not only was the burial room spectacular but equally as amazing was the Basilica which is the main feature of the Palace. A Grand Cathedral highlighted by Life sized Frescos on the ceiling and an altar with bronze statues that was 23 meters high. I would say that it matches and exceeds the quality and artistry of Versailles but I think that this Palace has way more class.

Tonight I spend the night in Madrid, sadly I have found hostelling in big cities is not car traveling friendly and there fore it will cost me more money to house my car then myself for the night. Oh well, I still really appreciate the freedom the car gives me and I would never be able to fit in all the sights I desire to see with out it. Tomorrow morning I will visit a market that is close by and then take the long trek into Portugal

Theme Song for the day. I promised myself I wouldn’t double dip so I wont. But ill let you know I wanted to really bad. Anyways, I am surprised it took me this long to get into some Coldplay but the time has finally arrived.

“Fix You” By Coldplay

Portugal wont find many significant sights so I hope to relax, although I probably wont, don’t want to waste any time.

Forever Yours

Nathan