Costa Brava

As I write this, the rain pounds against our sea-facing windows, and we just returned, drenched, from a Tesco run. It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago we were laying on the beaches of the Mediterranean!

For the last part of our trip, we decided to relax. We rented a small place in Begur, north of Barcelona, and spent our days playing cribbage on the sun deck (below). We also explored the curving coastal roads, discovering hidden beaches. Yes, I got car sick. One evening, we sat outside for dinner at a restaurant and a local family sitting near us requested to move inside because they were too chili. And we were almost too warm! Our time spent soaking up Vitamin D while reading at the beach was among our favourite. I even convinced Garrick to go swimming (twice!).

Travelling is usually a slightly stressful endeavor for me, but this trip was truly peaceful. Spending 10 uninterrupted days with my scholar husband, who left his thesis behind, was a treat. So, here's the last of our photos. I'll spare you the ones of us at the beach....

Bliss!

Day Trips: Montserrat & Girona

We made an effort to make our holiday fairly low-key. Our main destinations were Barcelona and Begur. On the trip, we did take the opportunity to visit two other nearby places, and we're glad we did!

Montserrat: 

The name literally means "serrated mountain". We took the train from Barcelona, and then changed to the Montserrat Rack Railway to reach the Benedictine abbey nestled in the mountains. From here, multiple funiculars can take you higher.We made it in time to hear a boys choir; however, there was no seating available in the abbey so we ditched the crowds and went hiking. The rock formations were quite dramatic! 

 

Girona:

One of our waitresses at a restaurant in Begur recommended that we drive to nearby Girona to see the flower festival. She must not have thought we were convinced because she pulled up photos on her phone to persuade us. We were sold. Locals open up their homes to display beautiful floral arrangements, as well as local businesses. Similar to Barcelona, the hope for Catalan independence was clear. Also noteworthy was a custard filled glazed croissant, not pictured below. 

That's all for now - the beach is last, but definitely not least.