Driving to Segovia from Madrid, we stopped at Franco's monument of "apology" to the Spanish people, known as "el Valle de los Caidos" - the Valley of the Fallen. Travelling on the highway north of Madrid you can see the 500 foot tall stone cross from a considerable distance. This monument built here by forced labor, is the final resting place for the dictator. Also entombed here is the leader of the Falangist opposition to Franco's rule. Many think of this place as an example of Spanish Fascism's architectural theater. There's no denying that it is a spectacular place to visit. We were told that two small cars can be driven side by side inside the arms of the cross. The basilica is comparable in splendor to many of Europe's finest examples, and even more so for extending almost 300 yards and six stories tall into the mountain. It's dark and cool inside and as you walk toward the main chapel you experience mixed feelings - is this a holy place, or just a grand setting for a megalomanic dictator's mausoleum?

    This is a place you'll have to see if you visit Spain. We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the surrounding park and met a guy from Texas before continuing our journey to Segovia.

Inside the basilica, near the main altar. Marti took a photo of me sitting at (what would have been) Franco's feet. Oh how the mighty have fallen - and Spain is a better place for it, and more fun to visit now that he is buried here rather than sitting on his throne.