Escorial y Entierro

Friday
I had high hopes for my visit to El Escorial, the immense monastery-palace built by King Felipe in the 1500s. I envisioned something Bridehead-esque (if you haven't read this work of art by Evelyn Waugh, please run, don't walk, to do so) but initially felt disappointed. While architecturally grand, the high stone walls of the palace were austere and un-inspiring. Inside, I found the somber tombs of Spanish royalty frankly creepy. My ambivalence ended, however, with the last room on our tour: the Library. I officially have a new favorite room. In the entire world.

This one room houses priceless literature including manuscripts by Teresa of Avila. Better yet, its wall and ceiling murals literally capture everything that I hold dear. They represent an ascent from reason to theology, moving through the 7 liberal arts and most great figures of Western thought to get there. Let's just say that every PLS major needs to see this library.

Sunday
Attended "El Entierro de La Sardina", or "The Burial of the Sardine" - a uniquely Toledan custom. Gorgeously masked and costumed dancers move through the streets, interacting with the onlookers and pretending to cry as they carry a large papier-mache sardine (that's right, the fish) to the river. The parade commemorates some obscure historical event involving rotten fish and a Spanish king, and marks the end of Carnaval weekend.