MONSERAT

... unfortunately, I ran out of space in the previous journel... but these photo's cant be left off. Monsserat is a National Park, consisting of a 16th century monastry and basillica. It houses some 80 monks and the oldest boys's choir in Europe. The monks lives are dedicated to prayer and worship of the Black Madonna, also known as the Moreneta. This is due to the dark colour she has become over the years, due to oxidation of the varnish that this wooden statue is painted with, as well as the smoke from thousands of candles / lamps burnt over the years. I found the worship of this statue so sad. People come from all over the world to see the Black Madonna, and if you pay and queue up for hours, you can even go up to touch her. I didnt realise this, and while exploring the Basillica with a guest, Linda (also from SA!), we unknowingly walked in the exit, and against the flow of traffic, and then suddenly popped out right in front of her. I had been wondering what the steady stream of people in the OPPOSITE direction had been all about, and why poeple weren't looking terribly friendly...oops! Quite about turn!

Monserat is the only one of its kind in the world, due to its strange rock formations. These are the joy of many a rock climber who makes his way up these long, column - like rocks. During week 2, 6 of us ventured up the highest peak, to Saint Jeroni. Oh wow what an incredible view. But it had been a really tough walk, with some 1700 steps thrown in to make things exciting! We got down exhausted, but very pleased with ourselves, and even just in time for the bus! Guess they cant really leave with out the leader! he he

During week's 3 excursion, it bucketed down with rain - but fortunately the choir boys were back from holiday's, so at least got to listen to them sing in the basillica, if not climb saint jeroni! Fortunately though, there is also a Funicular railway which runs straight up the mountain - think its scarier then just walking to the top! great experience!

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