A Trip To Montserrat

Montserrat is a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat about one hour North West from Barcelona by train. Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking. (Source)

 These rocks look incredible and quite mysterious.

 It is believed that these mountains were "serrated by Angels" (carved by Angels) thus comes the name Montserrat.  The building on the right, if I'm not mistaken, is where the Benedictine Monks reside.  There are only 30 left today.

 In geological explanation, these area used to be a lake and this is why these rocks are very smooth and strangely situated in the middle of grassy hills.

 Neo-Romanesque statues and design adorning the basilica.

 This is a beautiful church.  While we were there, we heard the performance of the choir boys. They really have angelic voices.

 Inside the basilica, one can find the La Moreneta or Black Virgin. La Moreneta is the Patroness of Catalunya.

 There's also the Cami De l'AveMaria where devotees and pilgrims can light candles.

 It was cold and windy when we visited, but for a few moments the sun gave its warmth.

 This is the Sant Joan Funicular which you can see is pretty steep.  This is another 820 feet above the monastery.

For those who love to hike, you can start at the foot of the mountain and climb your way to the top. A lot of pilgrims and devotees do this.

I think Montserrat is truly worth a visit. It's not just a place for pilgrims, the religious or devotees, but for anyone who can truly appreciate beauty.

Perhaps, these rocks were truly serrated by Angels, and if they're not, I'm still happy I got to experience Montserrat's beauty and grandeur.

A Short Bitter Update

In a few days, spring semester begins once again. My classes are less interesting compared to the fall, but it looks like the requirements aren't demanding as last year. Anyway, I wanted to post a short update before I get lost again in the realm of late night classes, lectures and textbooks. For the next few months, I'll miss the fun of going to bed early or having those lazy nights molding in front of the TV.

In the other aspects of life:

I have been keeping quiet about this, but today was the breaking point. I got a call from my clinical nurse that I need to repeat the bone-marrow biopsy. Imagine how I sunk into sudden depression. The reason for this repeat biopsy is because of an unexplained tumor on my left leg; I noticed the growth about a few months ago. The few weeks before my flight to Spain, I went through several tests including MRIs (twice) and a Cat Scan. The surgeon overlooking my case believes that the tumor is benign and does not like the idea of surgery because of my low platelets. So here I am again, facing another biopsy. Whatever happens, this is no longer in my hands.

Amidst the challenges in my world, the wedding plans are on-going.  Sometimes I feel that I am putting so much burden on Kepi. I am thankful he's on my side but I am also sad that he has to carry a lot of my stressful situation.

116 days to go before my wedding day.

So much that has happened and is happening are out of my control, and these remind me of a quote from the movie Lord of the Rings.

'So do I,' said Gandalf, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.

Gaudi's Casa Batllo And Casa Mila

These two designs of Gaudi are the strangest yet most fascinating buildings I've come upon in Barcelona.
 
Casa Batllo - the masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, invites you to visit a monument that is much more than a building; it is an artistic legend. Hidden behind the exceptional modernist facade, which mirrors a calm sea, a whole world of surprises and refined architectural details is waiting. Casa Batlló, the definitive must-see benchmark of modernism.  This architectural work by Antoni Gaudí will seduce you with its radical design and with the great array of visual solutions used. In every nook and cranny you will discover something surprising, details which could not fail to enthral all those who love the fantastical. (Source here)

I love these windows. I feel like being in a fantasy world just by looking at them.

This building is hard to miss because of it's fish scale-look like walls.

As a whole, Casa Batlló is intensely evocative of the sea, of what is really meant by Mediterranean, of naturalism, theatricality, carnival and magic. Gaudí's creative freedom and the individuality of the early years of the 20th century, when applied to this masterpiece, forge a strong connection to the values which prevail in the Barcelona of today. (Source here)

Built between 1904 and 1906 - now more than a century ago - at the request of the textile industrialist Josep Batlló, at the height of the artistic maturity of the brilliant architect, it is a true masterpiece which seduces visitors by its exceptional design, its refined succession of artistic details, and its creative use of materials and color. 

Casa Batlló is a tour de force of shape, color and light: shape through Gaudí's modernist language; color through the great daring of the completely new application of chromatic color scales in architecture, and light through the outward-projecting windows, balconies, and the light which enters through wells and internal windows, a light which was a precursor of modernity. (Source here)

A few blocks or a few minutes walk from the Casa Batllo is La Pedrera or Casa Mila.

Like Casa Batllo, there's a strange similarity to this building's design.

Casa Milà, popularly known as ‘La Pedrera’, is a most unusual building, constructed between 1906 and 1912 by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) and declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1984. Today it is the headquarters of Fundació Catalunya-La Pedrera and houses a cultural center that is a reference point in Barcelona for the range of activities it organizes and the different spaces for exhibitions and other public uses it contains. (Source here)

Barcelona is an architecture's delight.  You can't leave Barcelona without seeing these two buildings.

For visiting information:

La Pedrera, Provença, 261 - 265. 08008, Barcelona.

Ticket Prices:

Adult: €16.50

Reduced: €14.85

Children (six and under): free

Children (seven to twelve): €8,25

  
Casa Battlo, Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona.

Ticket Prices	Retail Price
General	20,35
Groups + 20 persons	17,30
Students / Youth Card / Pensioners	16,30
Residents in Catalonia	16,30
Children under 7 years old	Free

Barcelona And Gaudi

The first time I visited Barcelona, I was mesmerized with the La Sagrada Familia. My second visit to this city proved the same especially that it is a growing building and that work will continue for at least another decade.

A prime example of Gaudi's modernist style - based on forms found in nature.

The first time I visited, I only remember the darker part of the building, but look at how much it has grown. It's like a living organism that continues to grow.

A view from the Plaza de la Sagrada Familia.  When we visited, there were Christmas shops there selling Christmas items and sweets.

After Sagrada Familia, we took the bus to Park Guell, another of Gaudi's work and design.

A mosaic design on the ceiling at Park Guell.

Pillars that look like trees.

Mosaic tiles are used around the park.

This is a rock fountain above the famous "gecko" at the park.

I love how playful this window is.

This park is worth the visit.

A welcoming sight as you enter the park.

Seats adorned with mosaic tiles.

I like to remember this as the gingerbread house.

Just playing around the park - me, wearing a big hat.

First Night In Barcelona

On the day we arrived in Barcelona, we were so worn out from the 8-hour flight that we checked-in at our hostel and slept for about four hours.  It was around 6 pm when we woke up due to hunger, so we decided to walk around Las Ramblas to look for a place to eat.  Not far from out hostel is the Guell Tapas, and since we weren't picky that night, we decided to chance it.

For starter, Kepi and I shared a plate of crispy, deep fried baby squids.  We were happy with this choice as the baby squids were crispy and tasty.  I highly recommend this as a starter or appetizer.  Even Kepi, who's a bit picky with some types of food, loved this dish.

 For our entree, we shared a plate of Seafood Paella.  This was ok and there was nothing spectacular about it; I've had better Paella before.  This dish was good and satisfying.

While enjoying our dinner, I was learning the maps and points of interests in Barcelona when I glanced upon this short description of Placa Reial.  I thought it was hilarious.  Kepi and I had a good laugh.

After our dinner, we walked around the famous La Rambla.  That night, the Christmas lights were on, there was a chill in the Barcelona air, and the Christmas markets nearby attracted people like flies.

La Rambla was full of life...just as I remembered when I visited during my college days.  It felt great to be in Barcelona again.

Madrid...My Quick Thoughts

Hmmm...Madrid.  What can I say about Madrid? I can only speak of the city center of Madrid, as I have not experienced the entirety of the place.  In the areas where I've been, I found them: noisy, frustrating, dog feces scattered on the sidewalks (The sidewalks are washed every night though.), and crowded (It actually feels like New York.). The lack of personal space here makes me miss the narrow yet quiet streets of Seville. Heck, I'd rather deal with the hourly ringing of Seville's church bells than listen to the madness of Fuencarral or Gran Via at night.

Are you disappointed yet? I hope not because Madrid has a LOT to offer. It is just that when I travel, I try to present the places I have seen as accurately as I can. Sugar coating my posts won't help anyone.

Madrid is rich with history.  Experience the beauty of this city with a good stroll at Plaza Mayor, mingle and chow down tapas at Mercado de San Miguel, enjoy a breakfast of chocolate con churros at Chocolateria de San Gines, wander down Calle Mayor, or get lost in the beauty of Palacio Real.  For those into the arts, Madrid has great museums to boast for. One of them is the Museo del Prado that houses Goya, Van Dyck, Rico, Velazquez, Raphael, Murillo and Rembrandt paintings. I was surprised to find a copy of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa here.

Madrid is a great place to shop. I was amazed that their shops are not inundated with foreignly mass produced items. I found it easy to find products made in Spain, and that is a delight for any traveler who wants to bring home souvenirs. I am a firm believer that souvenirs should be made from the country you're visiting. Otherwise, the idea of a travel souvenir is lost.

According to my Spain guide book, "[n]o city on earth is more alive than Madrid, a beguiling place whose sheer energy carries a simple message: this city knows how to live." This city truly knows how to live, but it proved to be too much for me. Perhaps it is old age or that my idea of a vacation does not involve being pushed and shoved while crossing a street; I can experience that in New York anytime.

Madrid was not for me, but it doesn't mean it is not for you.

Hola Seville!

We temporarily bid goodbye to Barcelona, as we took the train this morning to the capital of Andalucia. Seville is a charming city filled with the remnants of the old world and loaded with gastronomic adventures. It is so easy to find traditional Andalucian cooking here. The tapas are by far tastier and filling than the ones I have tasted in Barcelona.

Tonight, we visited the Alcazar and Seville's Cathedral, ate at a traditional Andalucian restaurant where we feasted on seafood, bought sweets made by nuns, and got lost on the narrow, maze-like streets of Seville.

Tomorrow, I look forward to seeing more by foot, take more photos, eat more seafood, drink more cafe con leche which I find addicting, watch a Flamenco performance or just perch at one of the numerous plazas and watch Seville open like pages of a book.

Goodnight Barcelona

I am finally done with Fall semester.  All along I thought I wouldn't make it.  A few hours after I submitted my final paper yesterday, we were on our way to the airport to catch our flight to Barcelona.  After a couple of weeks of stress and no decent sleep, I can finally catch up on some much needed rest and relaxation here in Spain.

Our first day was spent relaxing, napping, a little night stroll at Las Ramblas, and a sumptuous dinner of Galatian fried Calamari and seafood Paella.  I am glad we picked a hostel in the Las Ramblas area. It is a great location as there are so many places to shop and eat here.

Also, I am excited to visit the Filipino restaurant I used to frequent when I visited here in my college days.

Our Christmas Tree Is Up

We have so many things going on at the moment, so we stayed up late on Friday to make time putting up our Christmas Tree.  Having the tree up really makes the house cheery.  It also signifies the beginning of the exciting wait for the birthday of Jesus Christ.

Although most of my Christmas shopping is done, I can't celebrate yet as I am still preoccupied writing my second 15-page semester paper.  It's getting harder and harder to focus on school as everything - from brightly lighted houses to Christmas sales at the mall - seems to be on Christmas break already.

Are you ready for Christmas?  I think I am. I just think it is coming too fast and I'll surely miss it when it's over.  This is my favorite time of the year.

A Zzzzzz Post

This is how I feel these days...

Source

I am now in the final two weeks of Fall semester, and I find it hard to find inspiration to finish my two semester papers.  It's hard to function when you have so many things in your mind - health, lab tests, fear, pain, anxiety and more.  I keep asking myself how I got here.  My health is my number one source of frustration, and sometimes it is tearing my inside apart.  I know I am whining, but my personality that is impatient and spontaneous does not fit the challenges of Aplastic Anemia (AA).  AA requires a lot of sit, wait and observe, and I can't stand it any longer.  I want to get well...NOW!