Easter (a day early)

Today we boarded a train at 8:00 am to begin our journey across northern Spain. Last night we welcomed the arrival of Easter by traveling a short distance to Chinchón to watch their annual Passion play. 

(This photo shows where they staged the Last Supper.)

The previous night we had the good fortune of seeing one of Madrid's Semana Santa processions right below our apartment window. No crowds to fight, and we could see the procession, albeit one of the shorter ones, in its entirety. We watched as Jesus' crown of thorns, then nails, were carried by, followed by Jesus himself, interred, and a traditional Spanish funeral procession, concluded with a band (from Chinchón), and - of course - the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

(Mary wearing a sunburst golden crown and royal robe,surrounded by lillies and candles.) 

The past few days in Madrid & surrounds (Toledo and San Lorenzo El Escorial) have been simply beautiful. Perfect weather - cool in the slow mornings, sunny and warm without much humidity during the long afternoons, and the most beautiful, clear blue skies. We have eaten amazing meals and drunk delicious sangria in a variety of locales. 

We feasted yesterday in celebration of the the Holy day in an ordinary restaurant on Chinchón's Plaza Mayor. Even though we arrived before noon and were hoping to secure a table outside, none seemed available...until we were invited to the balcony. White linens were set for our Menu del Día. A jug of house wine, large helpings of grilled meats (lamb chops &pork medallions) - not to mention the white asparagus spears and Spanish migas. 

Migas in España

White asparagus salad

Easter Feast - everything comes with fries!

Slowly, we savored our generous servings of custard/pudding, because we were reluctant to leave our table with a view of this amazing town. All day we were delighted with smells of olive oil, anise, garlic, rosemary, grilled meats and fresh air. What a way to welcome in Easter - and send us on our pilgrimage. 

Good to the last bite!

Our view from the balcony - you can see the area where they staged the crucifixion and the resurrection was portrayed with the stone church above the plaza serving as the tomb.

Much like native Spaniards, we got little sleep last night (Holy Saturday), as we packed our backpacks with all but our few items of clothes we washed and hung to dry. As we exited our perfectly located apartment at 6:15, we joined in with the all-night partiers stumbling home before dawn. 

Buen viaje y buen camino