Barcelona (Catalunya) & Montserrat, Spain - 15-20 May 2007

Apparently, this was a busy week at Barcelona as all the hostels and hotels we looked up online were fully booked. With no reservations at hand when we arrived late in Barcelona, we scrolled the airport's hotel kiosk and stumbled upon a 'reasonable' rate of E199 at the 4-star Hotel Astoria in downtown Barcelona (it was actually a bargain for a weeknight). It was a splurge but it was well-worth the money. Alas, we had to move out the next day as the rate increased to E300+ per night, way above my student budget! We found a hostel near the marina and although the experience was in stark contrast to the luxury we experienced the night before, the location was excellent. So, you win some, you lose some!

Things were well-run in Barcelona - from the buses to the trains, to the efficient services from retailers and restaurateurs. We walked the Las Ramblas, visited the harbor, and did some shopping. A favorite must-see was the Santa Eulalia Basilica. I was intrigued by Barcelona's two official languages of Spanish and Catalan, both commonly heard and seen on signs practically everywhere on the streets and in public transportation.

 

Above: Las Ramblas

Above left: Placa Reial; Above right: Paella at Casa Culleretes restaurant (since 1786)



Above right: Cathedral of Santa Eulalia

The La Boqueria was no disappointment as far as food was concerned. My senses came alive as I walked the market to find colorful displays of fruits, fresh seafood, exotic fungi, and dried food items.

Some of Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona include Park Guell, La Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila (La Pedrera apartment).

Above left: La Sagrada Familia; Above right: Casa Mila (La Pedrera Apartment)

Above: Park Guell

After Barcelona, the next stop was Montserrat, a mountain top monastery in Catalonia, Spain. The brief one hour train ride from Barcelona to Montserrat was smooth-going. When we arrived at the Montserrat train station, we connected to a cable car and rode up the hill to arrive at the Serrated Mountain, happy for the change in environment and happy to do this pilgrimage as Montserrat was a holy mountain for the Catalans.

A Benedictine monastery sits on Montserrat and serves as a retreat for pilgrims or tourists. While Montserrat can be toured in a day, there is hotel accommodation at Hotel Abat Cisneros in the monastery for guests who plan to have a longer retreat. We stayed 2 peaceful nights in Montserrat. There, we paid homage to the powerful Black Madonna in the Basilica and listened to the Basilica's world-famous Montserrat Choir Boy's choral performance at 5:30 pm. Dinner was pleasant at the hotel's restaurant and it did not break our bank. Overall, we were pleased and satisfied.

One morning before dawn, I went on a solo hike up on the hills. The cool weather and quiet morning combined with the sun's first rays on my face made for a brilliant way to start the day. I felt inner peace and joy. I highly recommend Montserrat for those who seek grace and the great outdoors.