The one stop return flight from Kelowna to Barcelona was as quick and efficient as the one that brought us back to Canada in early May. Hard to imagine that four months have passed since then. One night at a hotel, for a good nights sleep ( that neither of us got on the plane !) and we were ready to pick up our van. I’d confess to there always being a little trepidation at such times – hoping it would be in good condition and wondering if it would it start immediately after such a long period of storage. We need not have worried on either count – apart from a thin layer of dust, certainly to be expected, the van looked exactly as we had left it. Reassuringly, all door locks opened upon pressing the key fob ( the tell-tale sign of a flat battery when they don’t – yes, we’ve experienced that ). A short jab on the start button and the big V6 settled into a nice smooth idle – bliss ! Our profuse thanks to Gonzalo and his partner Gallegos and we were on our way. Camped up not far away so we could do the necessary unpacking and packing and general clean, followed by a full-on grocery shop – becoming a set routine when we restart these trip segments it seems. By next morning we were ready to pick up where we’d left off in May.
There had simply not been enough time to visit Barcelona‘s world famous Monastery of Montserrat back in May so made it our first port of call this time around. Perched high on a mountainside to the northwest of Barcelona, access is mostly by cable car or funicular rail. We chose the latter and enjoyed the expansive views as it climbed the steep ascent to the monastery. This is one place that did not disappoint. First built back in the 1025, it’s been well-preserved and expanded upon over the years. Not only is the basilica itself spectacular but the nearby museum contains extensive period jewellery and much famous art – works by Monet, Dali and Picasso among many others. A total bonus as far as we were concerned !
Before continuing south along the Spanish coast ( our original plan ) we decided that a short detour to ( ever so quaint ) Andorra was in order. Barely a 3 hour drive from the monastery through some scenic Spanish countryside, this little principality tucked high in the Pyrenees and wedged between Spain and France, had enchanted us so much during our first trip there ( while on our honeymoon ) that we followed up with a ski trip just 6 months later. Not sure why but there is just something in these kinds of tiny statelets that draws you in – Monaco, Liechtenstein, and Andorra ( just three remain in Europe ) – historically anomalous entities that seem to belong in a bygone era, yet still flourish today.
The few days in Andorra were idyllic. The weather was as perfect as you could want – clear skies, warm days and, importantly for those sleeping in a van, cool nights. We explored the shops in the a.m. and hiked in the afternoons, a couple of easy ones to start with around Lake Engolasters ( being a bit out of shape after too much of the good life during summer at home ! ). In a place where flat land is scarce, and traffic is heavy, we did well to find a couple of great, peaceful camp spots, albeit high in the mountains – a tortuous climb to reach them but the views and quiet solitude made up for it.
While the camping and hiking were nice, our time in Andorra coincided with a Catalunyan national holiday so all the Barcelonian’s were making a bee line for the place and the roads were jammed. In addition to its historical and physical attractions, Andorra’s long been a duty-free area. Locals advised us to stock up on everything we could here, prices being considerably lower than Spain or France. No further encouragement needed !
Our shopping cravings and outdoorsy experiences sated it was time to decide where to go next. Straight down the Spanish coast and head to the beaches right away (plan A), or head to Girona and Cadaques on the Costa Brava for a little culture first ( plan B ). Plan B meant we just might also catch up with some old Kelowna friends who were passing through Barcelona at about the same time so that’s the route we went. Details to follow !
Till next week….
