About the We're Going on a Bear Hunt Walk in Madrid
If you pay attention, you quickly learn to spot all the symbols of power and national pride embedded in Madrid. The bear, of course, is the primary symbol. But, what about the golden fleece? Or, the chain and pendant? Nevermind the myriad images of the great painter Velazquez. Using these symbols and images as a kind of treasure hunt, we've devised this three-hour family tour of Madrid to help children (and their lucky parents) learn to read the city and decipher clues to its history. As we move along we learn about the major kings, queens, artists, and other figures who populate Spanish history.
Our hunt begins in Puerto del Sol where the symbol of Madrid, the bear, stands eating a strawberry from an implausibly high strawberry "tree". Why the bear? Why strawberries? These are some of the questions we'll ask as we move into the medieval core of the city, passing Plaza Mayor, the main market of the city, and other notable stops.
Depending on the interest of the children in the group,
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If you pay attention, you quickly learn to spot all the symbols of power and national pride embedded in Madrid. The bear, of course, is the primary symbol. But, what about the golden fleece? Or, the chain and pendant? Nevermind the myriad images of the great painter Velazquez. Using these symbols and images as a kind of treasure hunt, we've devised this three-hour family tour of Madrid to help children (and their lucky parents) learn to read the city and decipher clues to its history. As we move along we learn about the major kings, queens, artists, and other figures who populate Spanish history.
Our hunt begins in Puerto del Sol where the symbol of Madrid, the bear, stands eating a strawberry from an implausibly high strawberry "tree". Why the bear? Why strawberries? These are some of the questions we'll ask as we move into the medieval core of the city, passing Plaza Mayor, the main market of the city, and other notable stops.
Depending on the interest of the children in the group, we will bring along clues on printed cards, which can form an actual treasure hunt. Who can find this symbol? Who can find that one? Using this exercise we'll attempt to train our eyes to see a historic city like Madrid more clearly.
Our walk will have plenty of opportunity for dialog and discussion about Spanish history, architecture, and even cultural norms like "why is dinner so late," or "what makes jamon Iberico different from ham?" Speaking of which, we may take a few minutes and try some tapas or perhaps a hot chocolate at the city's most traditional chocolate shop.
