The Atlantic

If you really walk slowly, it could take nearly fifteen minutes to cover the village of Montsegur on foot. You wouldn't see anyone, and if you are like me, you would wonder if maybe you are the only one here. Maybe this perfect little village is suspended in time, holding its breath, and will only exhale when you drive away in order to carry you along on a gentle breeze of farewell. It was very peaceful, the only sounds were from the birds, and the water trickling by in the stone gullies and streams. This was such a far cry from Barcelona that I again wondered if it was real. Could it be that "reality" is simply what we want to believe about anything? My reality is that Montsegur will be with me forever.

Montsegur VillageWe drove east towards the Mediterranean Sea, passing villages and mountains, not realizing in advance that we would be on the "Cathar Route". Here and there were signs pointing towards Cathar fortress remains, until we began seeing less of the mountains, and more of the wintering vineyards and rolling hills. The drive was so very beautiful, but inevitably we needed to pivot south and use the great divided highway that would lead us back to Barcelona.

En route we stopped for one evening in Figueres, Spain. The hotel was quite nice, and is known for its gourmet restaurant. In walking distance from its central location was the Salvador Dali Museum. We arrived at 3:45 PM and learned that the museum would be closed on the following day (Monday) so we quickly dropped our luggage and made swift work of getting to the museum for its final ninety minutes of availability. Without question Dali was brilliant. This was our very first museum, and it was an excellent choice. Thanks to our friends in Denmark, Mette and Bo, for giving it such a strong recommendation!

Salvador DaliThat evening we enjoyed the Degustation Menu at this hotel's fine restaurant. This was another first. The Degustation Menu included six small courses selected by the chef. The concept is to go slow, experience a small amount of something simple yet elegant, and savour it leisurely so as to fully appreciate it. It was Divine! My favorite was the single scallop, bathing in a creme and honey reduction, sitting upon a delightful little ladle/spoon. Can you imagine your favorite selection of the evening? Conjure it up... and make it so!

In the morning we assembled ourselves for the return to Barcelona. There was no lingering as we made prompt work of the drive, gassing the car, returning it, and hopping in a taxi to take us to the Port. Our journey to this point has all been a delicious appetizer for our excursion over the Atlantic. Currently we are on a small, Italian cruise ship heading for Morocco, and many of the Atlantic Islands located just beyond its coastline. Last night we passed through the Strait of Gibraltar, leaving behind the Mediterranean Sea and entering the Atlantic Ocean. At this moment I am gazing at the city scape of Casablanca, Morocco. I am so glad that you are with me!