Aranjuez

Saturday we planed on going to El Escorial, but when we got to the train station we found out that they were working in the tunnel and we wouldn't be able to go (at least from there) for another week. We looked up at the departing trains and saw that in 4 minutes there was a train leaving for Aranjuez, I was pretty sure I saw something about that place in our travel book so we jumped on the train.  Thankfully we had brought our Spain book with us, so while we were on our way we quickly read up on the town.
It was a short 45 minute trip on the commuter rail (you can't beat $3 train tickets) and it was pretty country side so the ride went by quickly. When we arrived we decided against taking the bus into town and walk. I'm happy we did, the streets were lined with tress and there was a nice breeze which made it a really pleasant walk (plus Sadie fell asleep, which is always a huge plus).

**In 1178, the area was acquired by Ferdinand and Isabella, they converted Aranjuez into a royal site.

The palace (built in the 1500's) is the first thing you see as you walk into the town. It is known as the Spanish version of Versailles, although I'm sure it is not half as big. But it is beautiful, and we probably could've spent all day walking the gardens had Andrew not been asking for food the whole time. We didn't make it inside the palace because every time we'd get close to the entrance Andrew would protest.
It sure is different traveling with toddlers, although you don't see as much of the actual "sights" as far as going into every museum and into every place in the guide book, I feel that you experience more of the everyday life and really are able to get a feel for a place that you can't get from the tourist sights.

We then had a fabulous lunch at a place just off the river where the waiter gave the kids bread to feed to ducks right from our table.

After lunch we made it onto the "big white train" as Andrew called it (even though it was quite small). It takes you for a tour of the city while telling you about the different sites. It was nice but a bit on the long side for me. We ended the day with getting some of the towns yummy strawberries to bring home with us.

It was such a great day, nice and relaxing while still getting to see a lot of sights.

He was loving having open space to run around!

They are having a rock throwing contest

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*photo by Andrew

*photo by Andrew

Trying so hard to stay awake

He lost the battle

I couldn't handle this. It seriously looked like he was dead.

Plaza Mayor