Markets, Picnics and Marches - Day 3 - Montserrat with the Bishop/Kalinowski/Olsen Tour

Wednesday we got an early start so as to make an unscheduled visit to the Boqueria market first thing in the morning. Meeting the group at the hotel, we headed down cto Las Ramblas again, this time with the singular intention of visiting the largest covered market in Europe before embarking on our scheduled trip to Montserrat. La Boqueria first thing in the morning is really the best time to visit, before the crowds descend upon it and you can really explore the stalls. And explore them we did, starting with the colorful fruits and delicious candies that greet you just past the modernista entrance sign. We took in the sights, sounds and smells of the early morning market, from the massive tuna head to the fruit juice stands and dried fruit stops, it was a great start to what promised to be another fun adventure.

The drive up Montserrat, aside from providing spectacular views of the mountain and the surrounding terrain, provides the opportunity to explain the history and some of the legends surrounding what for many people represents the true heart of Catalunya, both spiritually and culturally, which are often intermingled freely here. Examples of this mixing of religion and culture abounded along our "march" down to the Sagrada Cova, site of the original angelic visions over 1100 years ago. The sculptures and statues that line the path were built around the turn of the 20th century, and represent the modernista movement's reverence for religion, nature and Catalunya all in one. As representations of the mysteries of the rosary, their religious implications are clear. The repeated images of dragons and roses (Saint George is here again) and flowers, culminating in Puig i Cadafalch's amazing cross and Gaudi's resurrection scene. Having survived the march (which is in fact just about a mile down and back up), we head into the monastery, arriving with about 15 minutes to spare to hear the Escolania boys choir. The church filled to hear Europe's oldest boys choir, and then emptied to allow us the chance to explore the mostly 19th century reconstructed church.

As we walked back to the car, we stopped to buy a loaf of bread and some locally produced cheese. Upon arriving at the car, we sat down, enjoyed the views over the valley, and enjoyed a picnic lunch with bread, cheese, some dried fruit picked up at La Boqueria earlier and some cupcakes that Elna had made for George's birthday. A lovely lunch and a great way to end our day in Montserrat. Up next, Andalusia here we come!

For more information or to plan your own private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch at 888-480-0013.