The last two days have been distinctively different but both amazing. On Friday we took a tour to Colonia Guell and Montserrat. Colonia Guell is an old industrial town which was owned by Guell for all his factory workers to live in. By providing them with housing and all the amenities that hey needed he kept his employees happy and working. As Guell was Gaudi's primary patron there are Gaudi touches through the town wih the outstanding one being the church and crypt that Guell commissioned him to build. This was the first church that Gaudi built and was fascinating. The whole structure is curvy with beautiful windows scattered around. Even the pews in the church have a Gaudi design. As the factory closed in 1973 much of the town is deserted but was a great stop on the tour. From there we were off to Montserrat, a monastery and the oldest choir school in Spain for boys 8-14 in age. This was rebuilt in the 1800 s after being destroyed by Napoleon. The monastery is built on the most amazing rock face and the views are spectacular. We first took a rack railway up to the monastery. For an even better view we later took a funicular up to the very top. Loved it but not as good for those with a height problem. The basilica was beautiful with the unfortunate part being that it seemed that half the school children in Spain were there and had no respect for the silence within a church. We did get to hear the boys choir sing which was beautiful but was a long wait for two songs. We were so lucky to have another beautiful day so we could enjoy all the vistas.
From history and religion we spent yesterday walking along the boardwalk and beaches of Barcelona. The beaches themselves are wonderful and along the way there are marinas, a multitude of restaurants the aquarium and on and on. The wide expanses of beach are dotted with volleyball nets and childrens play apparatus. Breakwaters have been built so that there are calm beaches interspersed with surfing waves. Fun to sit in a beachside bar with a wine in hand watching a surfing lesson. Children played in the sand nearby while their parents also enjoyed a refreshment. Very civilized.
Entrance to church
Exterior with very unusual windows
Beaches of Barcelona in October yet!
Street performers abound in this city
Comfy but hard chairs along the walkway
Some of the peaks of Montserrat
View down from top of the funicular
Part of the cloisters with the mountan showing through
Certainly no expense was spared when building churches.
Having fun with one of the living statues along Las Ramblas. They all have to audition so are very good.
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