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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Montserrat, Spain

Riding up the windy road we arrive at Montserrat on our final afternoon of traveling in Europe.
We were hoping for a quiet time of reflection, but what we found was many tourists.
Montserrat, the serrated mountain, is a religious pilgrimage for many people to touch the black madonna. It has been an important site for the Catalan people for a thousand years.
Inside the monastery, the black madonna sits in the alcove above the monks.
There was such a long line, we didn't climb the stairs to see her up close.
My quiet time was spent here in reflection.

Now it is time to say farewell to Europe.
It was a wonderful three weeks of travel.

Some travel tips:
1. Pack light, you will have to carry what you bring and buy.
2. Take an empty bag for shopping.
3. Plan well and be flexible if plans change.
4. Smile and enjoy the people you meet, even if you don't speak their language.

I met a little boy of about 3 years old on the train to Barcelona.
He was looking out the window saying "mi casa".
I repeated "mi casa" and his eyes lite up that I would speak his language.
Now it is time to return to "mi casa" (my home).
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10 comments:

  1. Laura SchaeferDecember 15, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photos. I hope to make it to Spain myself someday!

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  2. DutchbabyDecember 15, 2009 at 11:01 AM

    This looks like a perfect ending to a memorable trip. I would have probably passed on the long line as well. Your choice to spend the time in quiet reflection was a beautiful alternative.

    Your travel tips are great. Even one word spoken in the local language conveys respect and will be rewarded many times over.

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  3. UnknownDecember 15, 2009 at 11:57 AM

    WOW! Gorgeous. Maybe we can travel together someday.

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  4. Annie JeffriesDecember 15, 2009 at 12:15 PM

    This has been a most wonderful journey, Marilyn. Thanks for sharing so much of it with us.

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  5. parTea ladyDecember 15, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    I've enjoyed your travel posts so much and am sorry to see them end. The photos were wonderful.

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  6. La Tea DahDecember 15, 2009 at 7:24 PM

    What a joy it was to revisit your travels with you, Marilyn. Thank you for writing up your adventures and sharing your pictures with us.

    LaTeaDah

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  7. UnknownDecember 15, 2009 at 7:38 PM

    What a great day that must have been. Beautiful photos. Aren't the Cathedrals of Europe just mind boggling?
    And your travel tips are right on.

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  8. bethDecember 16, 2009 at 6:01 AM

    thanks for taking me on a little trip of beautiful !

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  9. CarolineDecember 16, 2009 at 9:05 PM

    Spain is such a wonderful country...I so wish I could hop on a plane and fly there now!

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  10. MaryDecember 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM

    We didn't get there but came close! It looks beautiful.

    Yes, your travel tips are perfect - I'm using them tomorrow when we head North!

    ReplyDelete

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