Barcelona
These photos were taken our last day in Spain as we drove toward Montserrat.
We thought this huge communication tower deserving of a photo opportunity.
It was strange to see a windmill in Spain.
Unique building where variable numbers of rooms could be bought.
People moved out of this town and all that remain are empty buildings.
Barcelona Montserrat is a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk
mountain retreat about one hour North West from Barcelona by train.
Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance
but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking.
Montserrat is in the mountain at the top of the photo.
Laundry day; every country we visit hangs clothing out to dry.
You can take the train to Montserrat.
Vendors set up outside the Montserrat; we purchased a fig pastry.
We didn't have time to take the funicular up to the top.
The history of Montserrat is fascinating and started in 880 when a small group
of shepherd children saw a bright light descending from the sky in the
Montserrat mountains. When this cave was explored by the religious elders of
the community they found an image of the Virgin Mary, and from that moment
on, the cave became a holy sanctuary for religious pilgrims.
Facade of the basilica
1592 present-day church consecrated;
1811-12 Monserrat destroyed by Napoleon's army;
1858 reconstruction of Montserrat begins
We heard the boys choir and have it on video below.
It was a very impressive service.
The Church was active when we were there, so we were unable to
view the virgin up close.
The Church was standing room only, with almost everyone traveling up the
mountain to attend. Right click here and download a video of the Service.
We came back on the opposite side of the mountain and saw a different view.
Our last afternoon in Spain was 'at leisure' so we took the metro to the
port area to take photos of the Monument of Columbus and the port
of Barcelona.
The Rambla de Mar at the modernized Port Vell.
A very large sailboat.
This photo was taken through the mirror under the roof.
This young Spanish girl stopped and posed for me.
Spurgeon poses with the lobster in the background.
The happy Spurgeon.
The 'Happy Lobster'.
Can you see the Blue Man in the background? The Rambla is
a popular place to stroll because of its proximity to the port
and bars, restaurants, and shops and its street performers.
An Advertisement for the Wax Museum.
Gran Teatre del Liceu located just off the Rambla del Centre
where we spent time watching mimes and people and watching
out for pickpockets.
We stumbled on the Roman Tombs as we were wandering about
in the back streets, just off La Rambla. The tombs are located in
the unassuming Placa de la Vila de Madrid. You will see them in
a sunken part of the square, looking a bit unattended and exposed.
The Boqueria market.
Oh yea; we started to buy one of these and ship home. Nice BMW.
