So, I left you as I was about to head off to Montserrat which is about 50k's north of Barcelona and is the spiritual mountain- a pilgrimage centre to the Virgin Mary and also a monastery and centre for religious studies- very similar to Meteora in Greece. A lovely place, very well organised, can take a funicular up the mountain or a cable car or walk as the pilgrims did in the old days but wouldn't recommend that as it is very very high; there are some lovely walks up onto the mountain and away from the crowds. Stayed a night in the car park, wasn't sure where to go next then spotted a small entry about a walled town called Montblanc outside which is the largest Cistercian monastery in Spain- well that had my name on it, so off I went and thats how I got to sleep in the car park of a monastery and enjoy a very peaceful night.
The next morning I was prepared for a long drive- I wanted to visit a village called Albarracin- one of the 20 most beautiful villages in Spain in an area called Aragon - this is an inland area, very traditional Spain - lots of plains but high mountains as well with little villages and small towns dotted all over the place and a number of big cities. But it was a long way, much further than I thought so I was feeling very weary when I eventually arrived in Teruel my stop for the night. This is also interesting in its own right as it has a lot of interesting architecture from the Moslem days so was looking forward to seeing it. As is the routine i went to the tourist office to get a map and also ask where I could sleep for the night- oh no problem said she - the car park by the bus station - looked really easy to find from where I was parked so decided to have a drink and a wander round town which I duly did, arriving at the aforesaid car park about 7pm - only to discover that it was height barriered - 2.1 and Betsy is 2.4 - oops! So I followed the signs for the autobuses and went down into the garage to ask for help - only to discover that yes - this was the place - amongst the buses!
and to add insult to injury it cost 14e's! Well, by that time I really didnt have a choice so after a bout of hysterical laughter got sorted and went out to find a glass or two of good red wine as felt I was going to need help sleeping. But it wasn't that bad- once the 11.15pm bus to Madrid left and then the shutters were closed at midnight all was peace and quiet again till 6am when they opened them up again - then of course the early buses started so by 8am I was driving out and breathing gulps of good fresh air - well, lifes never dull.
However I am pleased to say that it was worth it to see the beauty that is Albarracin - originally built in the 10thc its like walking through a history book and the campsite is so peaceful ( this is the view from my pitch) that I have stayed an extra day and just enjoyed being in the mountains.
So, as usual all's well etc - will be heading towards Mojacar tomorrow but will take a couple of days I guess cause there's a couple of places I want to visit on the way - I'm not far from Cuenca where I broke down in March, was thinking of popping in for old times sake but I'm guessing his English wont have improved neither has my Spanish so it seems a long way for a nod and hug.
So, thats it for today, hope you enjoyed the story, Bye for now
Jx
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