Christopher Columbus!

Today we toured the Christopher Columbus square (very near our home away from home). We enjoyed the massive Spanish flag (which would not blow in the wind for my photo!) and the tall statue recognizing Christopher Columbus and his major discoveries for the country of Spain. Sarah and I discussed the importance of Columbus and the historical significance in our own lives... it was exciting to be in the country that commissioned the grand expedition that lead to the discovery of our very own homeland!

Thank you Christopher Columbus for having such strong faith in God
and in your great perseverance in seeing your vision to reality ...

Thank you Queen Isabel for having faith in Columbus...

Around the base of the statue is the story, carved into each of the four sides,
of the history of Columbus.

We then made our way down the grand Paseo de Recoletos, toward the Prado Museum.

Plaza de Cibeles, this is one of the many grand statues that grace the busy traffic circles...

We discovered that the Museums are all closed on Mondays... so we enjoyed the architecture of the historic building (built 1785-1811) and toured the attached Botanical Garden...

Autumn in Spain

Carlos the III, King of Spain 1759-1788

Tomorrow we will see the inside of the Prado!

I found the Prado's main website and is very well done. For those who are interested in learning more... go to this link: http://www.museodelprado.es/en/en/welcome/15-masterpieces/

You can then view 15 works of art and hear a narrative description of each piece... spend some time today and learn a little about the art works and about what we will (hopefully) be viewing tomorrow in person!

Tomorrow the Prado!...Wednesday, the Thyssen!