Immersion in Medieval Culture - The Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Day 1

Sometimes a trip comes together at the last minute. Sometimes it comes after months of planning. Such was the case with the Bishop/Kalinowsky/Olsen group who arrived on Monday. The process began back in December, and after numerous emails, phone calls and months of planning arrival day came. Meeting at the airport, we headed directly into the heart of Catalunya's history: Montblanc's Setmana Medieval.  Think of it as a giant Renaissance fair, in a walled city. Everyone in the town gets involved, from the costumes and banners throughout to the the children parading, and even the local supermarkets hung burlaps signs befitting the era.

As we walked through the Bove gate, we walked into a different place. Welcome to your vacation. Stopping at the various stalls, with the pastries being of particular interest, we made our way winding through the streets lined with centuries-old buildings to the Gate of Sant Jordi. Sant Jordi, or St George, is the patron saint and according to Catalan tradition, it is in front of the walls of Montblanc where he slayed the dragon.

A trip to the Santa Maria Cathedral, home to the Catalan Courts in the 14th century,  and a walk along the upper levels provided spectacular views over the city. As the rain was holding out, we were able to get a clear view of the activities and parades, as well as see the walls that once demarcated one of the region's most important cities. One of the interesting things to note were the numerous balconies throughout the old city, and how they were decorated and used. After a brief pit stop for a coffee, we headed up to the Pla de Santa Barbera, where the Castle of Montblanc once stood.

Lunch was a tapas affair. Iberian ham, sausages, peppers and sangria were shared. But dessert was to be eaten on the street. At one of the stalls we had passed earlier, which was selling all manner of Coques, a local pastry. Chocolate and Cabello de Angel pastries were bought, and shared among the group. A spot more of sightseeing and back to the car to get back to Barcelona, tired but satistied.

For more information or for help planning your private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.