Travel Post #24: Montserrat

We decided to make the trek to Montserrat on our final day in Barcelona. Montserrat, meaning serrated mountains, is a little over an hour outside of the city (it took two subways, a long train ride, followed by a short train ride up the mountain, to get there). Montserrat was founded in 1025 to commemorate a vision of the Virgin in the mountain. Today a community of about 80 monks live there. Many make the pilgrimage to Montserrat to see the LaMoreneta, or Black Madonna. I'm not Catholic, but the whole experience was uplifting. The fog on the mountains made it all very mystical.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*I know I look a bit somber, but I lit a candle and said a prayer for a friend whose husband is not doing very well.

Travel Post #23: The Old Charms Fair

Any trip would not be complete for me unless I visited at least one flea market. Friday was the day. The one we chose is known as Els Encants, or Mercat Fira de Bellcaire. This market has been held since the 14th century, making it one of Europe's oldest. (Els Encants Vells literally means the old Charms Fair.)

 

 

 

 

My loot from the market:

We made the grueling walk up a very steep hill to visit Gaudi's Park Guell. It was a beautiful day and the park was filled with people out sightseeing and enjoying a lovely Friday morning. This is how our guidebook describes Gaudi's imprint:

Imagine a Disney fairytale, scripted by Tolkien and filmed by Fellini, and you've conjured a picture of Park Guell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a long, late lunch - or was it dinner? Vegetarian paella for me, seafood for Howard.

 

 

While we were enjoying our leisurely linner, we met and visited the entire time with two delightful people, Duncan and Jane, from the UK.

Remember the museum that was closed yesterday because it was a bank holiday? Well, we went back on Friday because Howard really wanted to learn more about Catalunya history. It was a marvelous, interactive museum and so worth the time.I give you: Museu d'Historia de Catalunya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We jumped back on yet another subway and wound our way over to another of Gaudi's madcap creations, Casa Batllo.

 

 

Since we were out on a Friday night, we strolled Passig de Gracia.

 

 

A few photos of our Friday meanderings.

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, it was time to head home.