Bravo Barcelona!

Too tired yesterday to blog. First concert went well in a gorgeous church with a dreadful organ. Acoustics helped any first concert flaws. Prior to the concert was a full day of sightseeing in Santa Creus Monastery (pictured at left, one of the gates) followed by steep adventures through the Roman ruins at Tarragona (pictured is the amphitheatre by the sea) along with beautiful views of the sea. The late afternoon and early evening was a visit to Pau Casals seaside home where we were welcomed and greeted by the director of the Casals Foundation. We then went to El Vendrell for dinner and the concert which was in the church at El Vendrell where Pau Casals´father was the organist.

Today was another day of adventure and our last shot at seeing the sights of Barcelona. Everyone chose their own destination (at least in pairs), our group of five chose to wander the Bouqueria (open market) seeing many kinds of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and spices--more than you can guess! Afterwards we took a taxi to Montjuic taking in the Spanish Village created for the 1929 World´s Fair. The village is a representation of all of the provinces of Spain and the crafts from each region. Lunch was an astonishing experience including grilled rabbit, chicken (the best), a cream gazpacho, and mushroom pie and wine from Penedes region.

Tonight we give an open air concert in the square of Sitges. Tomorrow we see Montserrat and sing a short concert after mass and go to our next hotel, located in Girona for two nights.

Until then, buenos tardes...