Journeying with Jan

  We drove in a bus about an hour from Barcelona, to Monserrat, a Benedictine minastery in a mountain range. The monastery was founded around 1025 A.D.  Their mission was to teach theology and music. To that end, they still have a lovely boys’ choir.  The boys have to leave when their voices change.  As we understand it, Montserrat means “serrated mountains” for the shape of the peaks. Looking at the view below. Several structures are built into the mountain side. You can see the river below, whose valley we followed up from Barcelona. That’s not a waterfall. It is a tram track!  Not to worry — we did not opt to go where it goes! The Black Madonna, who was found in a cave there, is the reason for the founding of the monastery. The entrance to the Basilica  Interior of the basilica.  The Black Madonna is in the balcony in the center on the second level.  Pilgrims were allowed to walk in front of the statue to ask special blessings  , and they ...

 This church is intended to be a multigenerational endeavor, and therefore it is not finished.  Many architects have worked on it, but they are trying to follow Gaudi’s plans. The plans were lost in a fire, but enough people had worked on it that they were able to piece together most of the original plans.  It is unlike any structure I have ever seen.  Because of the busyness and touristy aura, however, I did not experience it as a sacred space. An awesome space, to be sure. Just as sampling of the exterior sculptures:   The columns are made to look like trees.  They are made of different stones depending upon the weight load each must carry. The idea is that one enters the Garden of Eden. See the branches at the top? Looking straight up at the ceiling in the center The stain glass windows are exquisite. And my favorite, the light coming through the windows and being filtered in the ethereal air: Now for some doors, original furniture: Awesome Christ Candle...

Lobby of Hotel Nouvel  Our room.  The first night we were comfortable. Last night and today it has been a little cool. I sent Paul down to the front desk to ask how to turn on the heat.  The reply was, “We don’t have it turned on yet. It’s not cold.”  🤔🤷🏻‍♀️ Here are the stairs…after we take the elevator!  😂  Yesterday we had a private half day tour around the city.  The highlight was visiting Sagrada Familia, which is unlike any other church building in the world. Some miscellaneous pictures around the city: The facades of many of the homes are pretty wild, with owners trying to outdo one another. The tree-lined streets are so pretty. Arc de Triumph  Of  Barcelona hosted two Olympic Games and one World’s Fair, so they built some cool buildings to house the various events.    The main Olympic events were held on top of this high hill overlooking the city. On this street they are beginning to put up Christmas decorations.