Episode 1: (click)
Episode 2: (click)
Just one night stay, I discovered the sunset only about 9pm, sunrise begin at 6:30pm. (Day is long and night is short). After breakfast, we move off at 8:45am to Montserrat. It a place there they build a Monastry on top of a mountain!
Montserrat of Spain (Click here)
One of the most visited sights in Catalonia is the Monastery of Montserrat, located near the top of the 4,000-foot (1,200m) high mountain, is home to about 80 monks. The monks welcome visitors and invite them to participate in their daily celebrations of Mass and recitations of the Liturgy of the Hours. The monastery is surrounded by strange rocky crags and caves, and was founded in 1025 to celebrate local visions of the Virgin Mary.
We took a toilet break on the foot of the mountain before ascending.
(Cannot do without my cigarettes, simply cannot!)
(Can see the monastery?)
Actually we took hundreds of photo but I only shown you a few. Just like all the place of interest we visited there a entrance fees. At 10:15am we were on the top and were greeted by mountain views and the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking.
(Taken on the mountain top)
(Front view of the monastery)
(Mum with her charming smile)
Also we can hear church bell and there actually choir boys singing.
(Sister - background was the church entrance)
(The building was incredible beautiful)
(We didn't go to the very top of the mountain)
Exterior was more specular than interior. Inside was nothing more than sculptor and painting.
(There were scupltor like this all over the place)
(Wonder is there holy water from the tap)
(Mum strike a pose while I have to wait)
(Donate some $ and you light up some candle some good luck)
(Mum & sister brought a plain bread, just look at their packing. Very pretty for sure I know but for a plain bread it cost about 4 Euro.)
While at the monastery, brought myself a drink and a ham bread. Cost me 5 Euro ($10). Kanina, I can get in same stuff in Singapore for a mere, $1.50/-.
Left at 12pm and we went to this place called, "Park guell"
The Guell park is one of the most intriguing parks in the world. The pavilions and main staircase designed by Antoni Gaudà look like they belong in some fairy tale. Within the park, the entrance serves as the lowest point.
(Look at the crowds)
These surroundings were constructed with a design dedicated natural forms. Specifically, surrounding the entire park is a wall of undressed stone.
(Guell Park were a true work of art)
(Now this place is under World Heritage Site)
From the Public Square, various roads or walkways extend throughout the landscape. In addition, bridges and viaducts which have been constructed out of natural stone and other materials incorporate natural forms, seemingly flowing into the landscape.
(It is a very bold design considered when it was first build during the 19th century)
At the first large landing in the staircase is the Hypostyle Chamber. Though there exists only 96 columns within this chamber, it is frequently called the chamber of the Hundred Columns. The roof of the chamber is adorned with large, mosaic tiled medallions and concave and convex patterning. The roof, itself supports the floor of the public square, located above.
(Mum staring at tiles)
(Additionally, the columns can be considered to be of Greek-like Doric style)
They are broader at the base and a bit oblique, but are also original in style because of their exaggerated design.
(It was freaking hot today)
(The architecture and mosaics look so much more colourful)
(Is this a handsome chap or what)
(Represents an exceptional and outstanding creative contribution to the development of architecture and building during 1914)
From here, a double staircase leads up to a hypostyle chamber. Above the chamber is the Public Square and undulating mosaic benches.
(The stairway is partitioned, it seems, by three islands. First there is a grotto. Then, Partway up the stairs there is a serpent-head in front of the coat of arms of Catalan, captured in a medallion. About halfway up the stairs, is the famous lizard, decorated with mosaic-styled scales.)
Back to Barcelona in the afternoon which was free and easy. Went shopping, brought Springfield's t-shirt and that's about it. Everything else were so damn expensive. On the street, men & women definitely very stylish. They simply dress to kill.
(So sat and thinking where we go from here.)
(Mum was like an explorer)
This building was designed by Antoni Gaudà AGAIN!
Mum wanted to go in, sister raised hand, needless to say I lost. So we went in. Need to pay as usual and it's not cheap just to see some bloody building.
We were given some listening device and I thought it cool. When you walk to a certain part of the building, there is a code/number on the wall. Just press the code/number, listening device will explain to you. No need any guide whatsoever.
Shot from inside the building.
(At the rooftop)
(Notice the design somewhat similar with Guell park)
(It was the building chimney, unusual isn't it?)
Came out of the building in an hour time. Nah...not special in my book.
(We really don't know what to do next so we just mingle with the local crowd to absorbs the atmospheres)
Oh yeah we had our lunch "tao pao" and eat in the park. Guess what for lunch? Fucking bread AGAIN. Everywhere were bread....and more bread.
(Mum feeding pigeon with leftover bread)
(Walk until evening. God, the people here are beautiful. The way they dressed)
Dinner time: We eat the cheapest food we could find. KFC, 18 Euro for 3 persons. Good deal, I reckon.
(Never seen mum eating KFC so happy before)
Last note before I ended the day, my hotel is the same like last night. No pub...no bar...no nothing. I mentioned it at some countryside location, which bloody hell mean that I can't go out; back to the city to see some "show". Nevermind as tomorrow we will be going to Valencia surely I have my chance,...
Video of Monastery of Montserrat (click)
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