Today we chose to go to Monserrat – it’s a mountain town about 90 minutes outside of Barcelona. It is a very beautiful mountain “town,” that has an abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. The abbey is known for the Virgin of Montserrat – a wooden virgin Mary statue that you can go up and touch.
First step to get to Monserrat? Take a metro! We took the metro line nearest our hotel to the main metro hub. There we had to buy a Monserrat all inclusive ticket. That ticket included the train to the cable car/gondola (or the cog train) that will take you to the top of the mountain, access to the abbey, and access to the funiculars.
We got to the cable car and got in line – thankfully it wasnt very long. We had to wait a few rides, but in that time the the hazy clouds lifted on the top of the mountain. Up on top, we decided to go to the abbey first. Here we found something like a grotto where you could light a candle for someone. We chose to each light candles, and then had to find the right alcove to place it in. It was a pretty moving experience.
After the candles, we headed to go see the Mary statue. You go to the side of the pews and behind the alter. We saw there was a crypt, but it was closed. It is a one way walkway up to the alcove behind the alter, so we got our pictures and then walked out – we realized we should go back and take better pictures, but the church closed for a while for the boys choir.
During the closure we decided to head up to the very top of the area via funicular. Sadly for Lauren, but happy for me, I talked her into doing a short little “10 minute” hike. I should point out that the sign lied, it was at least 20 minutes up, about 10 minutes down – but regardless, Lauren wasnt happy. It was a beautiful view, I wish I had all the time in the world to explore up there. We went to see a chapel, which ended up being closed (we didnt realize thats what we were hiking to until the way down).
After our time on the top, we headed back down to get lunch. When we got down though, the little market was right there, so we stopped there first. We did some shopping on our way to find food. We wanted to sit at the restaurant with a view, but that place was closed (it’s so confusing to figure out the hours of operation here), so we had to settle for the cafeteria. I got chicken tenders and fries, while Lauren got fries and a salad. It was nice to take a quick seat.
After lunch we headed to see the Mary statue again and go into the actual chapel to check out the interior. When we headed back to see the Mary statue, we also go to go to the crypt. It was a pretty basic crypt, with modern pews – very confusing (old with the new kinda thing).
After we finished at the abbey, we decided it was time to head back down the mountain and back to Barcelona. We took the gondola down, and JUST missed the train, so we had to wait another 20 minutes until the next train back into the city.
We took the metro to an Aldi. Fun fact about Aldi – there are TWO different Aldi’s. There is the blue Aldi and the orange Aldi. In America we have the orange Aldi and Trader Joes! That is right, Trader Joes is owned by the blue Aldi! There isnt much difference between the orange and blue Aldi’s just the original ownership. We got some snacks and enjoyed the three level Aldi before heading the a food hall called The National.
We ended up at the tapas place within the National – very good food, not the greatest service. But the bathroom, it may have been the coolest one Ive ever been in. It was a single entrance to the bathroom, with each stall door gender specific. And the soap dispenser was so unique!
After dinner I got gelato (yes, even though I also got dessert AT dinner) and walked over to the place we are going tomorrow for dinner. We walked back to the hotel and enjoyed the evening – it was a beautiful night.
Tomorrow we are going on a hop on hop off bus and to a tasting dinner thingy Lauren found (she really finds fancy food places).
Normal Travel Girl 
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