Notions Of Change

Barcelona, Part 3

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Circa 1352
Circa 1352
The day before yesterday, I made my way out to Montserrat, a low but almost vertical mountain in Catalonia. Visitors take the train from Barcelona and then a rack railway to Montserrat Monestary. The abbey is located on a sheer part of one of its cliffs. Visitors can visit the audio/visual presentation and museum, the basilica, as well as numerous stores, restaurants, and even a hotel (virtual Tour). Truthfully, these were not terribly interesting in comparison to the mountain itself, which is dotted with religious structures and ruins going back centuries, the area having attracted the devout for over eight hundred years.

I took the Sant Joan funicular up to the top, the Natural Park of Montserrat—what a steep ride! Full disclosure: I did not google what to visit here or where to walk, preferring to experience via exploration. Perhaps not the smart tourist thing to do…but it felt right. And I had an absolute blast, crawling up sketchy trails that were first laid five hundred years ago or more, discovering ruins, and photographing beautiful scenery! Barely anyone passed. It was like being a kid, finding adventure around every corner. Later research described the area I explored as the Hermitages trail or medieval hike. Fun stuff! There is so much on that mountain to see, but I contented myself with the hours long quest, even finding (and leaving) a shard of old pottery. Montserrat is a special place, go visit!Continue Reading

Barcelona and Sitges, Part Two

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IMG_2826The stay in Spain has continued to be awesome, barring three days of recovery from food poisoning. (Note:always make sure that at least one person knows the address where you are staying. You never know if a medical emergency will hit.) 

Some of the discomfort I experienced because of the cultural shift from northern Europe to southern has alleviated. Not knowing much Spanish has stopped being as intimidating. It’s amazing how much you can understand solely through gesture and expression. Several times I’ve asked for directions from friendly locals, and we somehow find a way to understand each other and answer questions in our respective languages.

Culturally, there is an underlying feeling of separateness here from the rest of Europe, noticeable in the subtle ways that many Spaniards and Catalonians refer to other parts of the Union. When I asked, someone explained that it’s only been several decades since Spain opened up following Franco’s rule and, as a result, it’s still integrating with the other countries. 

IMG_2844My friend Alex, restaurant critic extraordinaire, has been showing me around the city and taking me with him when he goes to review a restaurant. It’s been a lovely culinary tour of sorts! If you speak Spanish, check out his blog, Yummy Barcelona. You’ll get the scoop on good places to eat and drink. Some of my favorites have been Bacoa, Chocolate Box, Caj Chai, La Fianna, and Mian.Continue Reading

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