So, after our first lunch and of course siesta and shower (thank goodness), we set out to explore the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Alejandra, Marcela's sister-in-law served as our tour guide for the day because Dr. Sicius wasn't going to arrive until Wednesday. She came to the summer in Spain program as as undergraduate, and then she came last year to the St. Thomas University Law School summer in Spain program. Then, she came again this year to the Law School's summer in Spain program. Her program finished just before we arrived, but she stayed to help Marcela with Nico, and she was the perfect person to give the students a tour of El Escorial. What an expert she is (not to mention that she is fun and super sweet as well!)
We walked around town so the students could learn where the ATM was (very important!) and where to get a good iced lemonade . .it was really hot this first day. Then, she took us to the University where the students take classes, Maria Cristina University. I mentioned this in last year's blog, but one of my favorite things here in El Escorial is the walk from the hotel to the univeristy. In this walk, you go past the beautiful monastery of El Escorial built by Philip II. Dr. Sicius taught us that Philip II chose the location for the monastery because of its placement between mountains that offered protection, but also for the alignmnent of the stars in this particular location. I know very little about star alignment . .(understatement!) . . but I will say there is something extremely peaceful about this place. I felt it last year, and I feel it again this year.
Some pictures of our tour the first day . . .Enjoy!
The picture below shows us getting ready for our tour of the town. This is the front door of our home away from home! Hotel Florida (perfect name!) Great hotel with wonderful staff and great food!
Here we are on our first walk to the university with the monastery behind us.
We can start a blog game here . . .count how many times I wear a black skirt here in Spain (or you can play the opposite game and count how many times I'm wearing something other than a black skirt in the pictures in the blog)! Yep . . the students and I joke about it. (Oh and for those of you who read the blog last year, you will see that I'm rocking black flip-flops again this year.) I'm telling you that you only want tennis shoes or flip flops on these cobblestone streets or there will be an injury for sure! No one can really accuse me of NOT packing light! However, I did bring 12 books in my very heavy carry-on. (3 were for Dr. Sicius . .the rest are mine . .hmm what does that say about me? Two black skirts but 12 books??)
Adios for now!
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