Cruise Day 1 Barcelona (in port)
Embarked! Nice accommodation! Berthed opposite Montjuic Mountain, old fort on top now a museum and grounds landscaped for Olympics.
Afternoon spent visiting Barcelona Cathedral – plans laid down in 1298 & finished 1913. Usual impressive windows, bell towers & organ but unique cloister with orange & medlar trees, tranquil fountains & ponds, shady palms & a gaggle of white geese.
Wandered back down Las Ramblas (old riverbed) to waterfront and ambled along the 1.5 km-beautiful beach, well provided with services – restaurants, public amenities and super clean! Impressive Frank Gehry “Fish Sculpture”. Area all redeveloped for 1992 Olympics including lovely Port Vell. There is an overhead cable car from port to Montjuic- quite a distance & works by counterbalance. Dined at the impressive Toscana restaurant on board – outstanding.
Day 2 Barcelona tour and trip to Montserrat. Nice to go to places we had seen a bit of already & be somewhat knowledgable!
Montserrat (serrated mountain) is very impressive on approach and the monastery is literally perched on the cliffside. Peaks are result of geological upheavals 10 million years ago and modelled by the weather. Fascinating shapes, many rocky outcrops have names and if you use your imagination you can see anything in the rocks! Can access by road, train, cable car and funicular railway to highest point!
Main attraction is the icon of La Morenata- statue of Black Madonna in the Bascilica. Huge queue to go & touch the orb she holds – we resisted. Basilica again very impressive, grandiose high altar, enamelled panels, beautiful organ and choir boys singing. Boys are aged 10-14 and basically attend a private school at the monastery – some board there while others who live locally go home each day.
Madonna apparently discovered by shepherds way back (according to legend St Peter bought Madonna to cave in AD 50) – they couldn’t move her at the time so monastery founded there by Benadictine Monks. Lots of history – interesting but won’t record! Dined at Red Ginger on board- very nice Asian style.
Day 3 Palma de Mallorca – beautiful place – ochre coloured houses. Trip to Santa Caterina vineyard- way more impressed than we imagined. Especially beautiful red wine – grapes very sweet but wine only able to be cellared a short time – (2-4 years). Wine all sold & consumed locally. Reportedly vines from Mallorca used to found Californian vineyards. Enjoyed the wine, olive oil, bread and flavoured salts in a beautiful 750 year old villa courtyard. Very pleasant way to spend time! Quick visit to Andratx – lovely beaches but locals complain about rapid development of resorts!!
Chilled afternoon by the pool and dinner at Polo Grill. Evening entertainment on the boat has been very enjoyable- music and dance show, stand-up comedian and cabaret.
Weather is very warm- loving it. Generally sailing at night- calm and serene!
