We are now visiting one of the most popular destinations in Spain. We are writing to you while relaxing in the wonderful park El Retiro. It has a lake in it where people can rent boats and row around. Yesterday we went to El Escorial, a monastery built by Philip II. It was constructed over a 21 year period and has a room with the tombs of most of Spain's royalty. We're not sure we would want to sleep there. Today we saw the Palacio de Cristal--a very beautiful building made of metal and glass that was built in 1887. It was designed to be a winter garden for exotic plants. Tomorrow we are going to El Prado to see the art of Spanish masters like Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, and Murillo, among others. We are looking forward to seeing you.
Con amor,
Mario y Patricia
