Aranjuez

The day after Cuenca, we took another day trip to Aranjuez. Stopping at a little town called Chinchón, I thought it would be fun (not to mention picturesque) to run through this open field:

However, I forgot that I don't like creepy crawlies. And what likes to live in fields of flowers and grass? Lots of  bugs!! Also, this field was located in a valley, meaning there was a steep hill to descend before I could get to this cute picture spot. Dragging a few branches as I slid down the hill, trying my hardest to avoid rolling head-over-heels, I made it to the valley with only a minor flesh wound:

Finally validated with blood, I climbed on a wall because apparently I really enjoy heights...and pretending to be a tightrope walker :)

After Chinchón, we ate lunch in the plaza in front of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, walked around the luxurious and expansive gardens, and then finally got to tour the palace. It's a second home to the same people who lived in La Granja, which explains the similar gardens and decoration inside.

              

Aranjuez is also known for its strawberries and huge farmers' market. We were all stoked to go see it but we somehow forgot about siesta. So it was closed by the time we got there. Bummer! I was so looking forward to buying strawberries and taking a picture to show Colby and Talyn how organic I was. Never fear though, us BYU kids are all about the mercado. So we bought some strawberries there and ate them in the shade. 

You can't go to Aranjuez and miss the strawberries. That's just not cool.