Reaching Madrid

When I announced that we had a seven hour drive to get from Costa del Sol to Madrid, the kids groaned. Obviously they didn't realize that actually, they were in for a treat. Our first stop along the way was Cordoba. During the 10th century, Cordoba was the most populated city in the world. Today it still has the largest old city in Europe, and right in the center is a historical gem, the Mezquita-Catdral.

I had ordered a children's book about this place from Amazon before we left, so the children understood that it began as a church, built by the Visigoths, then became a Moorish Mosque and now is a Cathedral, after being captured during the Reconquista. There is also a synagogue on the complex as well. For many years all three religions worshiped in harmony, but the Moors pushed out the Christians and Jews and now the Christians will not allow the Muslims to worship in their cathedral, despite a request that was eventually decided by the Pope. When we arrived in the building, we were taken back by its beauty. The columns and arches, decorated with red and white, drew us in. The place was rather dark, with a bit of incense drifting in the air.

We wandered through the cathedral and then around the complex. When we entered the old town, some sort of festival was taking place but we couldn't figure out what the meaning was.

Our next stop was in Consuegra, to see the windmills that were described in Don Quixote. We took a tour up to the top of one and not only saw the workings of the mill, but also were able to see a view of the surrounding area. It was interesting to compare the grist mill in Sudbury, where we loved to have picnics, and these windmills that accomplished the same task of grinding wheat. I pointed out to the kids that, in Sudbury the mill used water, but that when we looked out across the miles of farm land in front of us, there was no water to be seen. A different type of force had to turn the mill stones. We climbed to the top of the hill, wandering amongst the Spanish windmills.

Our last stop of the day was the Puerta del Sol, or Sol, to the locals. I had been told that I simply could not miss walking in this area at night. I understood late evening walking areas, but nothing prepared me for the Sol. The place was packed, unlike anything I had seen. It was hard to even drive thought the square because there were so many people roaming around. Everyone in our car put their faces to the windows, in awe of the masses. We found a parking spot and wandered the streets, holding tight to hands and insisting that the little ones stayed in the double stroller. There were street performers about that we stopped to watch. We already appreciated the Spaniards love of life, but this scene made us almost want to become one! It seemed that the entire capitol of Spain was out having a good time.

Well before the crowds left the streets, we decided that it was time for us to turn in. We were excited to be in Madrid.