We embark on an adventure to live like the locals and take the train to Montserrat, the site of the Benedictine monastery. It was established in the s and is home of the Virgin Mary of Catalonia statue.
Most tourists take a guided tour service to Montserrat from Barcelona, but I had already been in Barcelona for an entire two days prior to Marla arriving and felt like we could handle this journey on our own. As we started asking people on the street if they spoke English, the first few walked away quickly as they did not want any part of my sign-language Spanish.
We finally found a very patient, elderly lady waiting at a bus stop. After an amusing conversation she speaking Spanish, me speaking with my hands β and Marla obviously enjoying this comedy show β we found our way to the train, bought our tickets, and boarded.
The minute train ride was delightful, and we watched three small Spanish boys around the age of six having a wonderful time together, for it was a school holiday. Mischievous giggles from six-year-old boys are adorable in any language, and their eyes gleamed with enthusiasm in anticipation of their day off. As the train pulled into the station, this colossal, boulder mountain, carved by millions of years of rain and wind, rose up into the brilliant blue sky.
It was obvious why this site is a pilgrimage. Excitement ensued as we departed the train and boarded the incline up the mountain. I love overlooks β walking to the edge and looking out across the view and then down into the abyss.
