5-8-11 Barcelona to La Seu d'Urgell

Today we rode by bus to La Seu d’Urgell, in the Pyrenees mountains northwest of Barcelona.  Our first stop was a visit to Montserrat, a monastery and basilica on top of a mountain.  Despite the steep, winding roads with a lot of traffic, there were a number of bicyclists riding up the mountain.  The views from Monserrat are expectedly spectacular – we could see clouds of mist below us.

When we got to the main area of Montserrat, there was a group of people dressed in traditional costume to perform.

          We drove several more hours through pretty countryside, passing numerous meadows spotted with red poppies.  We stopped for lunch at a Parador in Cordona.  Paradors are hotels operated by the government.  They are frequently located in old castles, monasteries or similar historic buildings as a way to preserve them and bring in tourists.   Here’s what I had: grilled veggies (eggplant, artichoke hearts, zucchini, red peppers), pork tenderloin (not much taste), and chocolate mousse.

          Our next hotel was El Castell de Ciutat in the small town of La Seu d’Urgell, within sight of the Pyrenees mountains, just south of the small country of Andora.   This small hotel is a member of the Relais & Chateaux association, which means that it is a luxury small hotel.  It includes a castle which they have remodeled in a remarkable fashion, including dining rooms for 400 guests.  The rooms are in a building near the castle, and each room has a view of the town and farms below, and mountains all around. 

View from our room at La Seu d'Urgell

          The dining room had numerous windows with great views of the countryside.   

Getting ready for dinner

 Here’s what I had for dinner

salad of white asparagus, artichoke hearts, garnished with thin slices of Serrano ham

entrée of a small lobster tail with noodles

dessert of a small scoop of chocolate gelato with a small square of a chocolate truffle

Wine was included. 

          The food on the trip has been very good, but like a cruise, you have to exercise will power not to overeat.  The portions served are small, and I try not to finish it all, but don’t always succeed.