Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a very large and busy city. It has some of the world’s most famous museums (Picasso), architectural wonders (Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia), parks (Park Güell), and cathedrals. One can actually over-load on cathedrals in Europe, so for this post we will just take a look around the streets of Barcelona saving the shots of the Barcelona Cathedral for later because it really was amazing. For now though, venture with us to the markets, particularly the central market in the heart of Barcelona. It was a day which could satisfy any desire for the unusual in tastes of every kind.

Before I get to the other photos though, I must tell you about our fantastic trip up to Montserrat today. It is a monastery and hermitage set on the heights of mount Montserrat. The views took one’s breath away, as well as the hike up to the ancient sacred cave where the statue of the black virgin was discovered in the 12th century. It is said she was carved by the Apostle Luke, brought to Spain by the Apostle Peter, hidden away in the cave during the Moorish invasions, and discovered by shepherd children. The whole trek up the mountain, and seeing the ancient twelve stations of the cross was an experience I shall remember for the rest of my days on earth. There was a holiness surrounding the entire area, even in the midst of mass tourists. To top it all off, we were taken there my our newly met friend (actually I met him online while studying Spanish), Salvador. A very special day indeed!