Celebrating Columbus Day weekend with Columbus!

For Columbus Day weekend we decided, what better way to celebrate than to go visit where Columbus lived for awhile and see replicas of his boats (the nina, pinta and santa maria).  Two hours away from us is a town called La Rabida, Spain, it is right on the portugal/spain border and there is a monastery there and this is where Columbus stayed between 1491-1492 waiting for financial backing from the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, for his voyage to the New World.  What I didn't realize is that he brought his son, Diego, with him, who I think was around16 or so, and they lived here at the monastery coming up with their plans to sail.  

I have to admit, I was fascinated.  I remember learning all about Columbus and everyone knows, "in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue," but to actually see where he lived, walk where he walked, and planned and see the boats he went on--it was unreal to see such history.  Anyways, here are some pictures from our trip!

Posing with the Columbus statue

They had all these really cool paintings depicting Columbus' life and voyage

More cool artwork--it was like art and a sculpture--looks better in person

The monastery was heavily influenced by the moorish architecture

The room of the monks-where they ate and prayed and Columbus also did.

Original papers with Columbus' signature--FASCINATING! 

 From the monastery we went down to the wharf to see replicas of the three ships.  I was SHOCKED at how small they were--I cannot imagine crossing the ocean on those tiny little ships!  On the other side of the ships, they had a replica village of what Columbus discovered.  Apparently, Columbus discovered naked men and women and parrots in huts--that was what America was depicted as.  We got a good laugh out of that!

Is that Columbus--no just Ethan! 

Inside one of the ships

Playing with the turtles

Discovering America!

Kids and I with the three ships behind us!

Giant King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

Ouch!  Kailey is getting her hand eaten!!

What can I say, we had an amazing time and we are so fortunate to see where so many historical events took place--hopefully the kids will remember all these places we are taking them, if not we are taking LOTS of pictures!!!