Day 3: Sky-high nose in a book

It was a beautiful day for taking pictures around Plaza de España, so we´re going to continue there for today´s post. From looking at Edificio España, we do a 180 and take in a monument dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes. Walking around to the far side, the monument features statues of Cervantes, Don Quijote, Sancho Panza, Dulcinea and Aldonza. This is the photo-op side, where you´ll often see busloads of tourists taking turns climbing up on the statues to get the perfect picture (as I´ve mentioned before, I am not a fan of climbing on statues. At least this one isn´t hundreds of years old and crumbling, but still...).

Back to the task at hand, looking up, but back to the other side of the statue first. The first figure we see is Lady Spanish Literature herself, dressed as a woman from Cervantes´ time. And what´s that in her hand? A book, of course! As we make our way around the statue, you´ll see that all the statues are reading. Each statue represents a continent, demonstrating the transcultural nature of Don Quijote. This is one of my favourite statues in the city - it probably has something to do with all the books. ;)

If you´re looking for some Spanish literature (and there´s lots of good stuff out there!), Don Quijote is a classic place to start, and the Plaza de España has lots of places to sit in the shade, or the sun, while getting lost in a great book. At ground level, it´s also an ideal location for people watching. Walking home from dinner one night, we saw an outdoor swing dancing class! Cultural festivals, shopping markets, tourists from all over the world... you really never know what you might see.

From reading too much, and sleeping to little, his brain dried up on him and he lost his judgement.

-Miguel de Cervantes