Barcelona!!

Monserrat was on our way to Barcelona where Tobi and Britta joined us! There will be several postings to follow, mostly with Guadi works. Look him up, he was a very creative architect from 1852-1926 - my pictures cannot do him justice. Of course, not everything you see here will be his works, we went to markets, parks and the ocean. Okay so no Guadi in this post, just the next several!

Monserrat Part II

Unlike most Monasteries, this one sees a lot of visitors and a lot of money. I've seen a lot of churches and this is one of the most ornate, not to mention a pretty incredible setting. But just wait, soon you will see some of Guadi's work in Barcelona.

Montserrat Part I

On our way to Barcelona, we drove up to Mont Serrat, another Monastery that sits on a hill and is famous both for the dramatic setting and the statue of a black Madonna!

Our Wonderful Place in Montblanc

Day trip to Tarragona

Tarragona is on the ocean and known for being built over Roman ruins. We had fun exploring!

Near Montblanc

Wine tasting and a visit to a working Monastery.

Montblanc walled city

Ty and Bob inside one of the gate towers.













One of the churches inside the walled city













Gate tower










Car entrance

Spain Cont. Montblanc

After the Wool and Wedding Festival, we continued on to Montblanc. The drive was beautiful, but we could not find our bed and breakfast. Thanks to free wifi and our iPhones, we located the dirt road the house was on. We were there 3 nights and made a couple of day trips, one to Tarragona, one to a Monastery and one day was spent in the walled city of Montblanc.

Spain Part II Wool and Wedding Festival

On our way from Girona to Montblanc (Spain, not France) we went through a city called Ripoll that was having a festival. It was such a fun day! Sheep shearing contests, weddings, dancing giants and communal food!

Spain Part I Cont. Exploring Girona

Girona is an old city with part of the city wall still walkable and beautiful churches and cobblestone streets (built on a hill). The concert was a guitar orchestra playing the "Sound of Silence'!

Spain Cont. Bike Ride!

We rented bikes and rode from Geneva to the coast and then were shuttled back. It was 27 miles and rained a bit on us, so we ducked inside for a drink.

Spain Part I Flowers

We flew from Geneva to Barcelona and then took a bus to Girona. We were there 3 nights enjoying the local festival of flowers and a bike ride. Here are some of the flower exhibits!