Mountains & Beaches, Oh My!

On Thursday, we ventured out of the city to see a church built onto the cliffside.  It is said to be the source of the region (Catalan) pride's and has had a history going back to the 800s.

We had an interesting train ride with Brazilians & emigrated Cuban-Americans.  I was even serenaded in the train. We then had to take a steep ride up a cable car, which always makes me cringe. (Again, thanks Murren.)

Beside being built on the mountain, this church is famous for its Virgin Mary statue & it's choir.  Even after waiting almost an hour, the statue, church & choir were memorable and moving.  

Then we went hiking, after another train ride straight up the mountain.  The original monastery & church was built into the sheer cliff higher up.  You cannot beat the view.  Great job Monks!

After that, we decided to end our day with  a walk down a few of the city's beaches & enjoy this view.  I got to stick my feet in the (cold) Mediterranean Sea.  I promised myself I would come back to the Mediterranean when it was warm enough to swim.  

I found my shop (eyescream & friends) & had to get a plate.   We ended this hike at the goldfish statue where the 1992 Olympic village was built.

To end our day we made a few other  rounds in our neighborhood, in which we went to the fancier part which is upscale.  We had to end the night at Dow Jones for the wifi.