Thursday, May 24, 2007

I Want Breast Groping

second Released: Montserrat

N ll go again for another outing in the vicinity of Barcelona. This time we start to 50km away, to visit Montserrat, a monastery in the mountains 1235m altitude. This is the retreat of the Benedictine monks.


Arriving we can already see the Montserrat with its very characteristic rocks.







After an hour's drive and climb the mountain, we finally arrive at their destination.


We immediately went to see the sight that presented itself to us ... it's breathtaking. We have a view to Barcelona. When the sky is clear we can even see the island of Mallorca. This is a true impressive.




We continue our visit and come to the monastery built in the eleventh century in the middle of rocks. The monastery is very large, with sculptures of the twelfth century fiction. There is also a central place that overlooks a large church.


Every Sunday at 13h you can listen to the songs of the Choir performing Gregorian chants and other religious songs, sung by children. These songs are apparently known in the world.
Finally, there is the Shrine of the Black Madonna, in a box constructed above and behind the main altar which is accessed through the side chapels of the Basilica. The Black Madonna is the patron saint of Catalonia.

After visiting the monastery, it is 14h, as it is to go to the restaurant located below the sanctuary. Little opportunity to taste some specialties such as meat croquettes and Catalana cream (which looks like a creme brulee). We also took the opportunity to take a group photo: On the right we have: Vincent, Mary and Navy and Right: Virginia and me.



After lunch, we decided to take the funicular to reach a climax on Montserrat. It is true that the view from the funicular is quite impressive given the high percentage of slope, about 70%, which makes us hesitate a little, especially Marie, who at a certain fear of heights. But finally we decided to imprint.


From up there we have a view of the interior in the direction thus Zaragossa. We have a broad enough view throughout Catalonia.
For fans of walking, there are many hiking trail where you can just walk down to the monastery. Here are two small
photos we took at the top of Montserrat with a view of Catalonia behind us.


Finally, I would say that this visit is really essential when it comes to Barcelona. It has exceptional views and a monastery by his impressive size. Unmissable.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Dressy Pants For Wedding

3rd Visit: Montjuic (National Park)

U not new Barcelona tour took us up on instead of the 1992 Olympics which took place on Mount Montjuic.
We begin our visit to Placa Espanya. This is a great place where the FIRA (International Fair of Barcelona) which annually hosts 3.5 million visitors. Se was also the "gateway" for the 1992 Olympics symbolized by its two huge columns on each side of the avenue leading to the castle!



We borrow so this avenue with a magnificent view of the Palau Nacional and its many fountains located below and waterfalls.

Here is a picture taken from the two columns from Plaça Espanya with fountains which start at the columns and continue along the avenue to the foot of the palace.

The National Palace which hosts today several museums on the Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque, photography ...


After climbing the many stairs leading to the palace, we have a beautiful view of the Placa Espanya. We can even see (at Crane) the former arena of Barcelona which is undergoing renovation to become a great mall. The new arena is located in the heart of the city. I intend to go elsewhere to attend the corrida in Barcelona on June 10th ... I'll give more details at this time.

Every Friday and Saturday evenings there is also a show of his water-light. The large fountain that you see on the pictures above, is driven for 30 minutes with the play of light and classical music, opera. Excellent sight to see and hear.



We continue our tour by exploring the Montjuic hill behind the palace. We see in particular the Olympic Stadium (interior and exterior). From outside it does not seem obvious that this is a football stadium!



We continue climbing the mountain, reaching its climax at the Montjuic Castle. Hence we have a 360 ° view of the city of Barcelona. On one side the city center and inland to Mount Tibidabo and another side beaches and sea



That ended our visit. After nearly three hours while walking uphill, as it is returned to rest because it is the weekend which means that tonight is out in bars .... then surely discoteca!