Monserrat

Rain was predicted for today so we took rain gear but it never materialized. We took a taxi to Plaça d'Espagne where we found the train to Monserrat. We had to stop and ask a couple of times but once we were there, a woman at an information desk helped us decide which ticket option we wanted. Then, a man from the railroad took us to the ticket machine and helped us get tickets. As is the case with most ticket machines in Europe, our credit card wouldn't work so we had to use cash. It was 19 euros for a round trip ticket on the train and the cable car to Monserrat. We had a choice of taking the rack train or cable car the rest of the way to Monserrat after getting off the train and we chose the cable car. We were early for the train so got seats. Good thing because it was standing room only by the time it left. Linda and Chas Boss got on, too, so we joined up with them. It is about an hour's ride on the train and then transfer to the cable car for a five minute ride to the top of Monserrat. We immediately went to look for some lunch which we found in a functional cafeteria set up to serve tourists quickly. 

After lunch, we made our way to the Basilica to hear the Choir Boys at 1:00. The place was packed! We could just see the front and a little of the boys. A short service preceded the choir boys who sang for ten minutes. These boys are selected and live and go to school at Monserrat. Monserrat is a Benedictine monastery currently with 30 monks. It has been animportant pilgrimage since the 11th century though the current Basilica was built in the 1850s and the facade only completed in 1968. 

We decide to take the funicular 820 feet up to Sant Joan, a small chapel on the mountain top. The funicular is straight up the mountainside. It is quite warm and uphill to the little chapel. We hike down the mountain on a steep path which is made manageable because the surface is rough concrete with some embedded stones. It takes us about an hour. We reward ourselves with gelato when we get to the bottom. We make our way to the cable car and the start of the trip back. We don't have to wait at all and made a good connection with the train which was crowded. Chas kindly gives me his seat and I am grateful because I am tired. 

We go back to the apartment for a rest before meeting Chas and Linda at 7 Portes for dinner. This restaurant is very close to our apartment. We have a nice meal and visit with them. It has been a very nice day.

                                           Cable car up,to Monserrat

                                                  View from Monserrat

                                                    Monserrat

                                               Basilica and Boys Choir at Monserrat