We are heading back to Southampton where we'll arrive in 3 days. But before our leisurely days at sea begin, I need to catch up on the past couple of days.
On Monday, we were in Monaco, that tiny country on the Mediterranean famous for its casino. Called the playground of the rich, I can see how it got its name. Evidently not just anyone can become a citizen and real estate is very expensive. It's a pleasant enough community to wander around though. We had to anchor in the harbor and take the tenders into port, so Allen and I did so early in the morning. Monaco is more than Monte Carlo, we discovered. There are different sections to the country which is hugs onto the side of a hill rising from the sea. One can see why a Grand Prix would be so popular here--the streets curve and wend their way up and down the hill and look like a bit of a spaghetti bowl. There are several public lifts (or elevators) to get folks from one part of town to another.
Allen & I decided to wear shorts since it was a warm day, but that meant that we weren't allowed into the big casino there. Oh well, there went our chance to strike it rich. But we had a pleasant day wandering around until we had seen enough and then headed back to the boat.
I've long had a desire to visit the tiniest countries of Europe ever since I learned they existed when I as in high school--Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, & Vatican City. With this trip, I've realized a part of that goal with my visits to two of those countries. I guess I'll have to get the other 3 on another voyage.
Yesterday, Tuesday, was our last port of call on this cruise, Barcelona. And what a city to end with. This was our first visit to Barcelona (as indeed it had been for all the stops except for Florence) and it made me want to return. It's a beautiful city with lovely scenery and fascinating architecture. In fact, the highlight of this entire cruise will very likely be the visit we made to the Sagrada Familia church which was designed by the Barcelonan architect Antonio Gaudi. Gaudi lived in the 19th century but was years ahead of his time in his architectural visions and designs. Throughout Barcelona there are many striking Gaudi buildings, but the pinnacle is the Sagrada Familia, a church that is still, more than a hundred years later, under construction, such is the scope of this edifice. Rising from the ground are several spires; the sculptures look modern and exciting, telling, at one entrance, the passion of Christ and, at the other, the Nativity. Inside and out, scaffolds rise and workers are busy doing whatever is necessary to erect a building such as this. It is clear that Gaudi was a person of deep Christian faith who made sure that the Nativity entrance was completed before his death to inspire the workers to continue this sacred place. Allen & I took an elevator part way up one of the spires for views into the church and out over Barcelona. I shan't quickly forget those vistas across this tempting city and into this holy ground.
We spent the rest of the day wandering the streets of Barcelona. Marilyn had heard about a cafe that served excellent hot chocolate & churros but alas we were unable to locate it, missing another treasure that we'll have to come back to find.
Now we are at sea, heading south down the eastern side of the Iberian Peninsula before we turn through the Straits of Gibraltar once again.
Ahoy!
On Monday, we were in Monaco, that tiny country on the Mediterranean famous for its casino. Called the playground of the rich, I can see how it got its name. Evidently not just anyone can become a citizen and real estate is very expensive. It's a pleasant enough community to wander around though. We had to anchor in the harbor and take the tenders into port, so Allen and I did so early in the morning. Monaco is more than Monte Carlo, we discovered. There are different sections to the country which is hugs onto the side of a hill rising from the sea. One can see why a Grand Prix would be so popular here--the streets curve and wend their way up and down the hill and look like a bit of a spaghetti bowl. There are several public lifts (or elevators) to get folks from one part of town to another.
Allen & I decided to wear shorts since it was a warm day, but that meant that we weren't allowed into the big casino there. Oh well, there went our chance to strike it rich. But we had a pleasant day wandering around until we had seen enough and then headed back to the boat.
I've long had a desire to visit the tiniest countries of Europe ever since I learned they existed when I as in high school--Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, & Vatican City. With this trip, I've realized a part of that goal with my visits to two of those countries. I guess I'll have to get the other 3 on another voyage.
Yesterday, Tuesday, was our last port of call on this cruise, Barcelona. And what a city to end with. This was our first visit to Barcelona (as indeed it had been for all the stops except for Florence) and it made me want to return. It's a beautiful city with lovely scenery and fascinating architecture. In fact, the highlight of this entire cruise will very likely be the visit we made to the Sagrada Familia church which was designed by the Barcelonan architect Antonio Gaudi. Gaudi lived in the 19th century but was years ahead of his time in his architectural visions and designs. Throughout Barcelona there are many striking Gaudi buildings, but the pinnacle is the Sagrada Familia, a church that is still, more than a hundred years later, under construction, such is the scope of this edifice. Rising from the ground are several spires; the sculptures look modern and exciting, telling, at one entrance, the passion of Christ and, at the other, the Nativity. Inside and out, scaffolds rise and workers are busy doing whatever is necessary to erect a building such as this. It is clear that Gaudi was a person of deep Christian faith who made sure that the Nativity entrance was completed before his death to inspire the workers to continue this sacred place. Allen & I took an elevator part way up one of the spires for views into the church and out over Barcelona. I shan't quickly forget those vistas across this tempting city and into this holy ground.
We spent the rest of the day wandering the streets of Barcelona. Marilyn had heard about a cafe that served excellent hot chocolate & churros but alas we were unable to locate it, missing another treasure that we'll have to come back to find.
Now we are at sea, heading south down the eastern side of the Iberian Peninsula before we turn through the Straits of Gibraltar once again.
Ahoy!
awesome trip, sounds like you are having a great time. i am going to Warminster tomorrow, does that count for anything?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it counts to Warminster!
ReplyDelete