Montjuic, The Gift That Keeps on Giving

It’s a safe bet when people think of Barcelona they think ‘beach.’

That is fine by me, knock yourself out.

Me? Montjuic every time.

Even before the happy years of archery up by the castle, I favoured the hill.

If I wanted to go out and read a book, loose myself for a few hours I would be very unlikely to  choose the beach.

Too many things to consider, too much crap to take with you. 

On Monjuic there is actual grass. 

And trees. 

Want some sun, no problem, need some shade? Roll a few metres left or right and you are under shade, you don’t even need a blanket.

Much more spontaneous. 

Far fewer drunken tourists as well.

The occasional South American birthday parties for kids. 

But they hardly impinges on the peace and quiet.

In the height of summer it always feels fresher up there, the indolent sounds of nature, the city for more distant than it actually is.

So, Montjuic…

…I felt I knew it quite well but lately I have realised ‘nope, not at all.’

I have a friend (Tyg) who does tours in the Botanic Garden, a place I had never been to! 

So I got a free tour. That was nice. 

Lots of new plants with spikes to avoid, new scents to enjoy and there was even honey suckle; that took me back to my silly-serious youth.

They even have a section with Bonsai trees, probably the main reason people go to the garden, I wonder what influencer made that famous… to be honest it’s a bit crap and personally Bonsai trees creep me out.

Whilst up there I said to Tyg we should try the cemetery next time, I had been a couple of times and thought ‘Next time I’ll be the expert guide!’

So the following week we went.

It was then that I realised I had somehow managed to miss a large chunk of it.

And by far the best part.

The new section is ok, if you like your cemeteries like condominiums, or council estates.

But the posh part of town is the best. More trees, more mausoleums, just more.

The rich just can’t help themselves.

Some fancy and some really grotesque places to finally lay down your hat and call home.

I wonder how long before some twat tries to park their yacht up there.

I felt inspired. My long running gripe with graveyards and how to make them work seemed solved.

I just need lots of statues and architecture… The photos basically took themselves.