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Published: October 22nd 2017
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Montserrat
This image belies what is actually up there. Geo: 41.2358, 1.69233
Friday morning, we left the delightful little site in the Pyrenees, heading back the way we had arrived a week earlier, towards Perpignan where we rejoined the motorway, but this time in the direction of the Spanish border into Catalonia. Estimated journey time just under four hours and about 170 miles to the resort of Vilanova y Geltru, 30 miles to the south of Barcelona.
Other than taking the ferry to Santander a few years ago when we stayed in the western Pyrenees, it must be 35 years (before we married) since we last holidayed in Spain, so this next month or so we shall either love it, hate it or be indifferent. All those British tourists, not to mention those who have made it their main home, over the years have clearly found something to attract them.
With no traffic holdups and sound navigation instructions, we arrived at Vilanova Park just after midday and what a contrast to our last stop. This site is huge - a small village in effect - comprising camping/caravan pitches as well as static chalets of assorted designs. It is attractively landscaped with trees and shrubs, with staff cleaning and attending to all areas, places
Cable car at Montserrat
One of the modes of transport for getting to this remote location. to eat, well-stocked supermarket and an entertainment programme.
We were escorted to our pitch (D27) which is at the end of a cul-de-sac of about a dozen caravans, so quite private, though a little tricky to pitch due to a number of obstacles like trees to negotiate. Thanks to the motor mover we got it into the desired position ready to set up camp yet again (this is the 18th time since leaving home).
The neighbours to our left, a family from Barcelona (Mum, Dad and son) who have recently returned from their main vacation in Italy, are very friendly and keen to practise their English, and were joined yesterday afternoon by their daughter and fiancé who both worked as pharmacists in the UK for a while last year. It was good to make this acquaintance earlier today to complete the family 'picture'.
Meanwhile, a more mature couple from London have now come into the pitch opposite so last night we were chatting with them 'til almost midnight. They have been coming to this site for many years off-season so are accomplished 'snowbirds' and anxious to pass on tips for things to do in the area and further afield.
This afternoon (Sunday) we took
a drive to Montserrat (30 miles away), or rather drove to the cable car station then made the final approach via the steep ascent. On arriving at the top, it was not what we had expected at all and turned out to be very modern and commercialised. However, we chose to queue up for one of the recommended 'must sees', the Black Virgin installed within the basilica, which must have taken the best part of two hours! At the outset, there was no indication whatsoever of how long it would take to reach the revered relic, but after a while we felt we were at a point of no return so continued. It is indeed a most unusual piece of art given the distinctive black faces, but the true believers are genuinely moved to be in its presence and to touch the orb in her hand which is exposed through the glass canopy.
Meanwhile, Montserrat is something of a religious 'resort' with hotels, restaurants and 'boutiques' selling keepsakes (tat). I was also disappointed to observe the inappropriate behaviour of small children, noisily running around in a religious space, unchecked by their parents. It was more like a theme park than a
spiritual experience.
Having seen enough, we took the return cable car, followed by the 45-minute journey back to the site where we cooked paella for tea. Later, it is off to the terrace bar where it is live jazz night.
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Barbara
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Lynne, does a road not go up there any longer? I remember going to Montserrat with my parents when I was a teenager on a bus tour as part of a day trip to Barcelona from Lloret de Mar! We didn't take any cable car although I do recall a ve
ry mountainous road with lots of horrible bends in it! I still have a prayer card with the Black Modanna somewhere in my bible! Your trip sounds so wonderful. I love watching for it and seeing where you are now at!