Montserrat, 60 minutes NW of Barcelona, literally means "serrated mountain." It is a protected National Park due to its unique geology and is the home of an amazing 9th century Catholic monastery. Our purpose in visiting was to attend Mass here and do some hiking. The landscape is unlike anything I've seen before and attracted both seasoned and unseasoned hikers. When Dennis and I were awestruck by the unique outpouring of rock. I immediately wanted to climb the mountain and thought my Real Chicks would LOVE this place! We observed hikers with backpacks and trekking poles just as frequently as those who carried only a water bottle. One's ability to hike Montserrat did not depend on their level of experience, Montserrat was the experience and it can take any hiker to the next level. Our trip to this area surpassed all expectations! Montserrat was not only a pilgrimage of the soul, but of the body as well. When you experience Montserrat, you experience God!
We traveled to many places that spoke volumes of cultural history. There are several incredible museums we stopped into, such as the one dedicated to the famous Salvador Dali. I also really enjoyed the numerous castle towns and the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.
The area of Spain we visited is called Catalonia, inhabited by more than 8 million. Caltonians speak a different language and have a culture far different than the rest of the country. For this reason, they are seeking independence from Spain and have been since since the times of Franco. Catalonians are defined by two emotions: "seny," which means common sense and "rauxa," which means creative chaos. So now, when I fly off the handle, I just say that "it's a Caltonian thing!"
In Spain, we were reminder how to live in the now, to enjoy each moment as you can. This became apparent the night we were able to attend the World Cup soccer game between Spain and the Netherlands. A young man, Jose, who owns an outdoor restaurant/bar on Pals beach, had set an enormous plasma TV inside of a cave so that the locals could watch the game. He advised us that no food would be served during the game and only alcohol during the break. Jose had "tourists" in his bar that night, many Dutch. He had a bar packed with Spanish and Dutch fans and could have made a killing in food and beverage sales but he was more interested in making sure his employees could watch a once in a lifetime game without interruption. This would be completely unheard of in America! Not one patron complained and it was a most memorable night as Spain went on to win...and become Wold Cup Champions!
The locals were very friendly, yet private. It was a nice surprise to see men practice the art of chivalry in a non-threatening way. During the evening hours, men and women, young and old, dress up in their dining attire. Romance was very much alive with the locals, as they strolled through the streets, holding hands and gazing into one anothers eyes. Men were the unoffensive protectors of the women and, as a result, women held an attitude of confidence and poise. Women expressed a freedom that you don't often see in America.
While in Spain, we were able to catch a glimpse of God's glory in nature, beautiful architecture, surreal dining, wonderful wine, exotic beaches and a people who seem genuinely happy to see you. I am glad that Dennis and I seized this moment and took our trip as there are a million excuses we could have come up with NOT to go. It always seems like there are reasons that hold us back. We committed to the idea and now have memories to last a lifetime. I would encourage all of the Real Chicks to continue to embrace Carpe Diem and explore! I look forward to hearing about your adventures.
