Yesterday ended up being a bit of a nothing day. We were up reasonably late and headed off to do washing again. Following that we searched for an Internet cafe to print our flights for the next month. It took a fair amount of time but we eventually found one after getting some sketchy directions from a Spaniard. We printed what we had to and headed back to our regular pub for dinner and the PS3 tournament. Unfortunately hardly anyone was there so they didn't end up running it. I still had a few games with the workers which satisfied a craving. We then headed home for an earlier night then the last couple have been.
Today was an expedition out of the city to a monastery built on the side of a mountain called Montserrat. It was an hours train ride away then a cable car up the side of the mountain. It was not the greatest decision on my part. The car went straight up the side of the mountain and I could hardly look. I spent most of the journey looking at the floor and cuddling a pillar in the middle. Jac of course was fine. We should have taken the train instead.
The structure was a marvel. It has been built where an apparition of the virgin of Montserrat appeared. The original monastery was built in the 1500's and rebuilt 300 years later. It has 80 monks and about 50 boys residing there permanently. They sing daily and we were privelidged to hear them in the basilica. There are shrines and places of worship dotted all over the mountains for anyone prepared to don their hiking shoes. We took a funicular to the highest point which was a tad more relaxing than the cable car for some of the most amazing views you could ever hope for. We really loved being away from the crowds of the cities and in a sacred place of so much beauty.
We tried to come back down on the train but had no luck. Back to the friggin cable car then and back down the mountain with great views of the floor. I loved the way that the floor was a nice silver colour with lots of ripples. Once down alive we grabbed the train home exhausted but very happy with the days excursion. A quiet night at home tonight before some more sightseeing around the city tomorrow.