Unfortunately it was jammed packed with everyone standing like sardines as they drank.
We continued our walk along the many narrow picturesque streets. We had earlier seen a little tiny hope in the wall, that was offered various sausage sandwiches. We decided to buy a mexican sausage sandwhich that we shared. We sat at a nearby square as we enjoyed the pleasantly spicey sausage.
Hera wanted to go towards a pretty and moderately large square ringed with restaurants near La Ramblas, so we headed there. We looked about for a free table on the edge of the square and found one. We sat and ordered a couple of rosé wines, that we savoured as we talked and people watched. Vendors abound. And a large contigent of them sell a mouth gizmo that sqaucks during the day, while at night the same group sells a lighted contraption that is sling shotted high into the air with a rubber band, and with little helicopter blades it slowly drifts back down. A couple next to us decided to buy one of these toys, and soon vendor after vendor came buy to sell other trinckets they had.
This morning, we took our first train. As I have said before, I think to really enjoy and appreciate a place, one should learn how to use the local transit system of buses, metros and trains. And not be afraid to give them a try.
We were headed off to Montserrat. A monastery has been located on these serrated mountains for over a thousand years, and it apparently has one of the oldest boy's choir. The guide book made the train station seem overly complicated. In fact, it was quite simple. Getting off at the Placa Espanya metro stop, we followed the signs and were soon at the train station. Helpful guides are there on hand to help with the automated ticket machines. You have to decide when buying your train ticket how you want to get to the top of the mountain as there are two choices. (Both are covered with your train ticked and cost the same.) You can take the cable car built in 1930, or the newer tram. We decided on the cable car which stops at Montserrat Aeri, while if you take the tram, you get off at the next stop.
The serrated rocks that give this mountain its name is grand and spectacular to behold. One can see why people have been drawn here for the past millennia.
The Basilica major attraction is the Moreneta, the black Virgin Mary, which can be seen from a distance above the alter, or one can queue and wait in line to get up close and touch the orb that she holds. The rest of the statue is protected by glass.
The other attraction is the boy's choir. We arrived 30 minutes early, and the Basilica was already full with standing room only. It only got more packed as we got closer. I was impressed that the monk gave a little welcoming introduction, in 5-6 languages, as well as do a reading in several lnaguages as well. Finally the boy's choir arrived. A hush fell over the crowd and they started to sing. Their singing was good, but fairly short. About 10 minutes.
Overall, I was impressed with the geology of the mountain, but I cannot say I was overly impressed with the spirituality of the place. Never the less, we lit a candle as is our custom.
In the end, I was happy I went, but I was very happy we did so on our own rather than with a tour group. Not only is the tour group much more expensive, but you have no choice on when to go or return.
Back home, we did not get the chance to go to the market this morning to get some fresh seafood, so Hera decided to make a Lentil and Rice dish with onions and tomatoes, seasoned with various spices.
