Barcelona On the 4th day of our Western Mediterranean cruise, we introduce a special experience in Barcelona. From the grandeur of the Monastery of Montserrat to delicious Korean food and Gaudí’s architecture, it was a day full of diverse sights and activities. We even created unforgettable memories with the unexpected luck of hitting a jackpot.
Monastery of Montserrat: A Sacred Sanctuary in Nature
The 4th day of our cruise began with beautiful ocean views. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast on the Costa Mediterranea, we headed to the Monastery of Montserrat, located near Spain Barcelona. As soon as we got off the bus, the building we saw was equipped with convenient facilities such as a souvenir shop, restaurant, and restrooms, making it easy to use. The monastery was a bit further up, but as we walked following the people, we encountered mysterious rock formations that felt like sculptures.
While enjoying the sea view that never gets old, we chose a quiet breakfast restaurant instead of the main dining room. Although there were fewer dishes, it was convenient to serve ourselves, and we could enjoy our meal leisurely even at an early hour.
The Monastery of Montserrat is located at 08199 Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain. On the way up to the monastery, the rock formations behind it sometimes look like giant sculptures depending on the viewing angle. Although the wide-angle correction on my Galaxy was disappointing, I was able to capture some decent photos.
This place is famous for the Black Madonna statue, but we regret not being able to explore it deeply due to lack of free time and not taking any photos.
The path to the Black Cross, which starts near the monastery, takes about 15 minutes. Along the way, breathtaking scenery unfolds, and the vast, open land and sky, along with the buildings below, create a spectacular view.
There was also a mini-train that went up to the mountaintop, another popular spot, but time was tight, so we chose the Black Cross view. I regret not having more time to go all the way to the top and enjoy a different landscape.
We bought a magnet from the souvenir shop, which is a must-have. While descending by paid train, we could still enjoy the wonderful scenery outside the window.
OBBA Corea BBQ: A Hearty Meal
After visiting Montserrat, we returned to downtown Barcelona and visited OBBA Corea BBQ for lunch. Located at C/ de Nicaragua, 97, 08029 Barcelona, Spain, this Korean restaurant served generous and delicious meals. The side dishes included yuzu salad, stir-fried kimchi, spinach, and stir-fried potatoes. The kimchi, in particular, had a unique charm, tasting like a mix between fresh and stir-fried kimchi.
The main dish, kimchi jjigae, was rich and deeply flavored from being simmered for a long time with plenty of pork. It had just the right amount of fat, which was perfect for my taste. The kimchi was also well-fermented, making for an excellent combination. However, I thought it might be a bit too strong for some elderly people due to its slightly intense flavor.
The soy sauce bulgogi was a bit salty, but it was suitable to eat with rice. After the meal, sweet oranges were served as dessert, concluding a satisfying meal.
Casa Batlló & Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s World of Art
After lunch, we explored the iconic architectural landmarks of Barcelona. First, we visited Casa Batlló, located at Pg. de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain. Designed by Gaudí, this unique building, though only viewed from the outside, left a lasting impression with its innovative design that broke conventional norms. We also visited Casa Milà but regret not taking photos.
Next, we headed to Sagrada Familia at C/ de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain. This unfinished church, also designed by Gaudí, looked like a construction site as work is still ongoing. It seems European buildings often undergo renovation.
We also took close-up shots and photos of the back.
Barcelona Street: Street Art and Leisurely Time
Barcelona Street was full of vibrant art. We encountered street performers who put on special shows for tips. In particular, the woman covered in gold paint looked like a living statue, making it hard to tell who was human and who was a sculpture. It wasn’t until I saw her receive a tip that I realized she was a person.
During our free time, feeling thirsty, we sat at an open-air restaurant nearby to enjoy a moment of leisure. We had a beer at Restaurant Central Rambla 26 BARCELONA, located at La Rambla, 26, 08002 Barcelona, Spain. The beer was 14 euros, and the cocktail was 25 euros, which was a bit pricey. The cocktail was large, but 35,000 won was a steep price. Looking at the receipt, it seemed to be operated separately from the main branch.
There were many soccer-related items in the souvenir shops on Barcelona. I quickly bought a baseball cap with the Barcelona logo, but it didn’t fit, which was disappointing. I’d love to give it to someone looking for a pretty navy blue hat.
Churrería: Unforgettable Sweetness
The churros from the Churrería located at Baixos, Carrer dels Banys Nous, 8, 08002 Barcelona, Spain were so incredibly delicious that the word ‘crazy’ wouldn’t do them justice. Even though I don’t usually enjoy churros, the ones here captured my taste buds. Since it was a bit far from the square, I’m grateful to the person who bought them for me. Thinking about them still makes my mouth water; they were fantastically delicious.
After finishing our sightseeing, we returned to the Costa Mediterranea for dinner. The course meal that evening didn’t suit my taste except for the cheese gratin and mille-feuille, but since I had already filled up on churros, it wasn’t a big disappointment.
Unexpected Jackpot Luck!
After dinner, while playing casino games for fun on the ship, something amazing happened. I hit a jackpot! Although it wasn’t the grand jackpot, I was lucky enough to win the major jackpot of 1,290.74 euros (approximately 1.8 million Korean won). In my excitement, a passing waiter congratulated me and took a photo, and the casino manager personally guided me through the prize claim process. I felt incredibly happy, thinking, “When else in my life will I have an experience like this?”
To celebrate this wonderful stroke of luck, I immediately enjoyed a drink. The day concluded with the ZiplunoMas performance, ending on a high note.
