Barcelona ! What a wonderful city. Began our day with a tour of this incredible place. Our tour guide Montserrat ( yes, like the mountain), took us first to the symbol of Barcelona, the cathedral.
As we turned the corner, what a sight! This cathedral has been in the process of being built for over 200 years. It started with the value of about 2000 euros ( which was a lot in those days). One of the reasons it is taking so long is that the money used to build it is entirely donations form people. Today that come basically in the form of entrance fees to the structure.
And what a structure it is, 9 tall towers, with nine more to go! A huge sanctuary, and much more. The outside consists of beautiful statues that tell the stories of the Bible! It was slated to be completed by 2024, but because of the pandemic, will not.
After we left this magnificent place, we were taken through the city past a famous building designed by the famous Spanish architecture . On through more plazas, high end shopping, past a former Bull fight arena( bull fighting was outlawed in this district), more statues and fountains and up the hill to the former Royal palace.
This palace is now an Art museum . From the front terrace are the most magnificent views of the city.
Following a stop here, saw the tall insignia of the Barcelona Olympics. Hosting these Olympics has brought great attention and tourism to the city in the subsequent years. Went past the Olympic Stadium, down the hill, and out to the port and water.
Here we were treated to views of the beach and ships. There was even a boat show going on. Drove past our dinner spot of last evening, viewed the Olympics village ( now apartments ), and several sculptures created for the Olympics, as well as the Columbus sculpture.
Back for a quick lunch and a walk, and it was on the bus to Montserrat. Monny, our guide shared with us the background of this place.
This jagged mountains are made up of unusual rocks. The legend has it that shepherd boys were guided by a light to a cave where they discovered the “brown “Madonna and child. It was too heavy to carry, so adults came to carry her when guided.
Anyway, there was a monastery (still in existence) here since the 14 hundreds. There is a boys school, with only 50 boys. This competitive school ( in that it is difficult to get into) has a requirement that all students play two instruments, one of which is the piano. They also make up a boys choir that sings almost daily at the church and around the world. Because of this, boys can be no older than 15, because of their voices changing.
Began climbing the hill to this magical place. The views were unbelievable. Saw beautiful rock formations, views of the valley and other mountains, and a convent, as well as other buildings.
After a walk through the plaza and taking in the views, learned some more about the monastery. One of the ways they support themselves other than tourism is by making a type of alcohol!
Lined up to see the Madonna, part of the church, and rows of lighted candles,before a little free time.
Rode down the gondola, before boarding our bus,and back to the hotel. Here we said goodbye to Domian, who has been our fantastic driver this entire trip. Boy can he maneuver through tight old town streets and around hairpin turns!
Tonight was spent with the group at a local restaurant. Enjoyed delicious tapas, some more great fish, and a nice dessert, all accompanied by Spanish wine. Back to the hotel for a nightcap with new friends, and it off to bed, as tomorrow we fly home.