Montserrat

Our one night stay in Andorra was pretty simple. The country is known as a ski and wellness destination and we weren’t planning to do either. I had suggested a spa as a contingency and also thought the mothers may be sore and tired, but everyone was well and wasn’t interested. So after breakfast, we drove around and passed by the local St. Steven’s church pictured here:



The city was way more busy and crowded than I expected. Here’s the rotary in front of the national bus station:



I was a little disappointed that there was no immigration interview at the border crossing and we were just waved through. However, at customs, we were the only car waved over and I was asked to open the trunk and answered questions about our purchases and cash. Andorra has low taxes, so luxury goods and duty free items are all over. But when he asked me what I bought, I responded with gas, as it was cheaper without taxes and compared to Spain and France. He was not amused and a bit confused and let us go.

We then drove 2 hours southeast including 7% grade declines. The hybrid SUV got fully charged as I didn’t have to gas that much. From the highway, here you can see the Montserrat mountains, our next destination, and thanks to Mary Ann’s strategic photos:



We arrived at the cable car parking lot and prepared to take the cable car up the mountain which has been running since 1930!











We arrived at the top of the mountain which can also be accessed by funicular or by road. I had read the funicular was undergoing planned maintenance and I thought since the traditional experience is a day trip from Barcelona by train, the cable car would be fun. Also, the hairpin turns are very time-consuming as we know from our drive in and out of Andorra.

At the top is the Santa Maria de Montserrat - an abbey of the Order of Saint Benedict. It is notable for enshrining the image of the Virgin of Montserrat. As this is my 3rd trip to the Barcelona area, I wanted to visit and as it’s on the way into the city. Our beloved Father Chang had also recommended, as he was a Benedictine priest as well. Here are some photos leading to the abbey where there are about 70-80 monks:











We were here to see the famed Black Madonna. But I had managed to book a daily 1 pm concert where the Escolania’s chant, "Salve and Virolai" is performed in honor of her.

The Escolania of Montserrat, which belongs to the Monastery of Montserrat, is one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe - since the 14th century. It is composed of more than fifty boys, from ages nine to fourteen and before they undergo puberty. We managed to get seats and listen to the 3 songs for the 15 minutes. Apparently all these boys are from northeast Spain and in addition to singing, they learn to play an instrument.



You can see the statue above the choir:



The church is quite lavish and ornate and has different lamps everywhere:





Originally, we had a 2:30 pm booking to go see the statue up-close, but we asked to enter early. The Thomas sisters adeptly recalled this was like when we visited St. James’ tomb in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral as it was also behind the altar. Here’s our visit to behind the altar and getting to touch Our Lady of Montserrat or the Virgin of Montserrat:















A view of the church from Mary’s vantage point:



Exiting the visit, you’re able to light candles for loved ones, which we did:





We then enjoyed a buffet lunch at a nearby hostel and walked up and down the street while the vendors impressed us with their Korean. A photo from our walk and the view:







We then descended in the cable car and drove the 1 hour to Barcelona. Driving these 3 days was fun, even though I get a little anxious in foreign countries. I’ll miss the GPS reading out “CG minus 1” (CG-1) or the radio ads that says to call “cinco cinco cinco cinco cinco cinco cinco“ or 555-5555. Also the French and Spanish radios both seem to like Miley Cyrus a lot.

I had booked us at a Marriott property - Le Méridien Barcelona in the heart of the city and on La Rambla. The traffic was way better than expected and after checking in, Tresa and I returned the car to Avis. Returning rental cars in European cities can be tricky as the garage itself is never with the actual address, but we figured it out. 

Tresa and I then walked 10 minutes back to the hotel and all of us rested before heading out to Bar Cañete which appeared on multiple lists. Despite our reservations, we waited over 15 minutes and observed the many tourists who I perceived to be well-off while Mary Ann made other observations. The food was tasty, but I was generally frustrated with the inattentive service and slight condescension. Nonetheless, I think the waiter, who was not our main waiter, did not expect me to call him out as quickly, firmly, and calmly as I did. I legit saw fear in his eyes and as Mary Ann said, he tried to make it up to us afterwards. Here’s a collage of the meal, and maybe because they have gotten so popular, they have gotten a little too complacent:



Then we walked back to the hotel where some of us split a bottle of red wine. Here’s to completing a safe road trip and our last few nights of our trip in Barcelona!