Montserrat is the most important mountain in Catalonia. Famous for its gothic shapes, beautiful views. For many around the world it is a spiritual mountain topped with mystical stories. One such is that of the Nazi plan of glory as they were looking for the holy grail in Montserrat. We were in perfect timing to see the monks during noon mass. They sung in perfect harmony but we were not allowed to take pictures or videos. I then took a trek up to the top of CavallBernat where you got a 360* view of the area at 3000ft above sea level.​

​

One of the most important and beautiful wineries in the region.  Located in an impressive castle that dates back over a thousand years old, some of the walls are still 10th century originals.  The winery reigns over 1000 acres and we were allowed to wonder among the vines that were days before harvest.  They explained the process of taking the grape from the vine to wine.

Well the night life for the older generations! I went through Viator (great travel app) to find tours.  I knew we would be jet lagged and tired but I didn’t want the day to be waisted so I found a Dinner and Show.  We were very pleased with both but afterwards we were very excited to just be able to sleep it off.

This was performed in a small room and chairs were around the table or dance floor.

This was the first table dances!!!

The excellent musicians 

Tablao Flameco. 

Desserts 

Assorted Tapas

Sangria 

Arriving in Barcelona at 9 am is not a good thing especially if you didn’t sleep on your overnight flight.  Check in was not until 2pm.  Thankfully we could store our luggage until then.  After walking and sightseeing we were able to check in.  I chose an apartment over a hotel.  You get a lot more room for the money, a lot quieter and more quaint since there is only a couple of apartments per flat.

All my bags are packed

I’m ready to go

I’m standin’ here outside your door

I hate to wake you up to say goodbye

But the dawn is breakin’

It’s early morn

The taxi’s waitin’

He’s blowin’ his horn

Already I’m s0 tired

I could die

So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you’ll wait for me

Hold me like you’ll never let me go

‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane

Don’t know when I’ll be back again( well I do know – September 14)

Oh babe, I hate to go (not really)

Every place I go, I’ll think of you

Every song I sing, I’ll sing for you

When I come back, I’ll bring you something 

So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you’ll wait for me

Hold me like you’ll never let me go…

But GO I must.! 

Little Rock to Atlanta and then to Barcelona 

Arriving around 9am tomorrow 

Pictures and Post of upcoming Mediterranean cruise to follow!  😉

 

The Reflecting Pool and monument to the Men of WWII

Somberly reflecting the cost of freedom

Here lies in honored glory a comrade in arms know but to God

One of the three Medal of Honor recipients interred at the cemetery

It covers 172 acres and contains the remains of 9,387 American Military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations in World War II

The names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the Normandy Campaign but could not be located and/or identified are inscribed on the walls of the semicircular memorial

With Respect

 

The small town of Caen, France has devoted their lively hood to the restoration of peace in Europe by the Allied troops during the Second World War.

The heart of Caen is Liberty Alley, where this larger than life statue stands to memorialize the men and women who fought for freedom.

Some of the many archives preserved for future generations to learn and remember.

Weaponry used by the Allied Troops

Modes of transportation

A window to the world of France in 1944