Ruins at L'Escala.
Remains of a harbour dating back to the Phonecians
Ruins of a Roman town
Entry through the archway. The large stone on the ground at the front had clear indentations from chariot wheels.
Now in Barcelona
Our hotel was opposite large food markets which provided a visual and sensory feast. While Bob was sick in bed I enjoyed wondering through the stalls.
Mmmmmmm Chocolate anyone. (for the sake of children who may be viewing this, I have omitted the photos of sheeps heads, pigs heads and various other organs!
The Sagrada Familia cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Photos really cant do justice to the sense of space, peace and intricate design. The cathedral is due to be finished in 2030.
Pillars resembling tree trunks rise to the ceiling
Simple stained glass windows (as well as some clear windows) fill the building with light
The outside is covered with a multitude of carvings of Biblical figures and figures from nature
Monserrat, the point of departure for our walk.
As mentioned briefly in the previous post, we commenced our
walk from Montserrat, a cathedral/monastery and world heritage region perhaps
50 km from Barcelona. This is a most imposing place, with a monastery situated
high in the mountains. The monastery is famous for a number of things,
including the Black Madonna, a statue of Mary and Jesus in which the faces are
black.
There is also a school for boys, specializing in music, and the boys sing at a service each day – except the day that we were there! Anne attended an evening service at which the monks sang, and we both attended a morning service before we left. Of course, we couldn't understand a word of it, but that didn't matter.
The landscape
around the monastery is unique for the pillar like rock formations which tower
above it. Being there after the tourists left gave Anne the opportunity to see
the changes as daylight turned to dusk and then to night.
In spite of Bob being unwell, we took those all-important
first steps and started our walk.
We had decided that we would only walk 11
kilometres (we think it was a long 11 kilometres!). Walking conditions were
pleasant – mildly sunny but with a cool breeze, and our path took us on a
combination of tracks and roadside walking. The scenery was magnificent,
although spoiled somewhat by a lingering haze. The track was quite well signed
and in any case, we have printed and digital notes to help us.
We are now in a private room in a “Casa Rural” – a
house/restaurant that rents out rooms to pilgrims. Tonight we have a room to
ourselves. Still adjusting to Spanish meal times, Anne is waiting hungrily
until 8 pm when a pilgrim menu will be offered. Bob is already in bed as his
sickness means he is not eating much.
Our next challenge is to see what things we can take out of
rucksacks to make them lighter!!
Day 4
We cannot always access wifi, so postings are dependent upon
that, as well as the energy we have left at the end of the day.
Bob is vastly improved in health and we have been
lengthening the hours we walk. Yesterday we overdid it in order to reach the accommodation we wanted, and so had a shorter day today,
with some time for rest. Overall though, we think we are getting fitter and
stronger.
Up until midday yesterday we had done a lot of walking on the side of busy roads – noisy and not particularly scenic. Since then we have been on quieter tracks, walking through rural countryside which is green with the early growth of spring crops, and splashed with the pink of trees in blossom. Having missed the significant change of seasons since living in Queensland, it is very pleasant to enjoy this season.
To this point we have been blessed with very pleasant weather, as well as roads which are not unduly arduous in height. We are learning about the amounts of food and drink we need to keep us balanced. Many villages have water fountains to top up our supply.
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