New Hometown

We learned today where we are heading to in Spain.  We knew all along we would be somewhere near Madrid, but exactly where was not going to be determined until we got closer to arriving.  I guess they think we are close to arriving, because today the leadership in Spain decided where we are going to live.

Our first home will be in Alcala de Henares - Alcala for short.  This was our first choice town.  We loved the town for many reasons, but mostly because it gave us a variety of opportunities for Alex's schooling, was close to language school for us, provided public transportation for Hannah to her school, and was just a beautiful city all around.

Alcala is in the Madrid province.  If you look on the map below, find Madrid.  Off to the right of the "d" is a yellow dot.  Alcala is about there.  The population is about 200,000.  The town was conquered by the Romans in 1st century BC.  Needless to say there is quite a bit of history in the town.  It is filled with cobblestone streets and old buildings.

Alcala is known for a variety of things, but while we were there two things stood out - storks and Don Quixote.  The town is the home to more than 90 pairs of storks.  They make their huge nests on top of many of the cathedrals.  Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote was born in Alcala.  There are statues of him as well as his supposed home.  There are even festivals that celebrate both his birth and his death.

And for those of you who know me, there was a chocoleteria in Alcala that served fabulous chocolate and churros!

Hannah and Don Quixote

A possible Language School

Stork Nests on the Cathedral