Alcalá de Henares, ES

This past week was spent in Alcalá, a town near Madrid, home to the storks and Don Quixote.

Alcalá is known for its white storks. They are even on the university’s coat of arms and on signs across the town.

I was shocked by how large their nests are and the abundance of them on the rooftops.

I kept searching for more at every corner, but each was empty until we saw one hiding in its nest.

Global warming has caused the storks to change migration patterns, allowing people to see them here almost year round.

Alcalá is also the home of Miguel de Cervantes, creator of Don Quixote. He was born in Alcalá and there were murals and signs remembering him. The town also converted his house to a museum, but I didn’t have time to go inside! I will be making another trip back for sure.

But of course, just like any other city, the best part was the cats hiding in random corners.