@Rimdawg71
Montserrat 1/27
Jan 27 2023
@Rimdawg71
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Jan 27 2023

Today we got going early (for us) and caught a train and then a rail car to the mountain monestary of Montserrat. \240The trip took about an hour and a half. \240The train brought us to the foot of the mountain and we had to switch onto a rail car that brought us up the mountain.

Monks have been At Montserrat since around 900 AD. The monestary was founded in 1025. It became a pilgrimage site when in the 12th century some kids heard singing coming from the caves and found the black Virgin Mary statue (La Moreneta). \240The belief is that the statue was carved by St. Luke and brought to Montserrat by St.Peter. \240Howevere, carbon dating says it is about 800 years old.

We ate a quick lunch in the cafeteria and then went and saw the church and La Moreneta. She is behind glass, but you can touch the orb she is holding. We had to wait in a line to see her. I can’t imagine what the lines would be in the summer! There is a cool chapel that you go into after you see the statue.

After the church and statue we wanted to check out the mountains. \240We all started the trail up the mountain at the same time, but we all came down at different times. \240Amy was first, Ellie and I came next, and Luke was last. He made it up to the top of the trail. The rest of us did not. \240No matter how far we got, the views were amazing.

Ellie was interested in the archeological dig at a hermitage on the mountain.

We encountered some mountain climbers.

Once down, we took an easier path to another area with some cool views.

You can see the Pyrenees mountains is the background.

We all made it back to the rail-car stop for the 3:15 rail car (Luke ran down the backside of the trail) and headed back down the mountain to the train to take us back to Barcelona.

Luke went back to his place and the rest of us went back to ours for a little rest after all the walking today.

Luke’s host mom, Anna, invited us over for dinner this evening. We had a nice time talking and getting to know her. Luke is in safe hands here.

Octavio (Anna’s 28 year old son), Luke, and Anna.

Robert, Luke’s roommate is on the left.

@Rimdawg71