Day 235 : Montjuic

Montjuic is a hill located in the south-west of the city centre and I heard that it commands a great view of the city from the castle at the top, and also houses a few interesting monuments. 


Palau Nacional

I took the metro to Placa Espanya and upon arrival, there was great crowds as it seemed there was a Mobile World Congress happening at Palau Nacional, thus blocking one of the pathways. 

Wanting to be sure I got the right route, I approached the tourist information counter and asked for directions.  I was extremely appalled by the service of the staff though!  A summary of our conversation as follows :



Placa Espanya



Me : How do I get to Montjuic?

Staff : It is just round the back.

Me : I know, but how do I walk there.. there's a congress going on.

Staff : Just walk straight ahead and then turn left.

Me : One more question... how do I get to Montserrat?

Staff : You can take a train (DUH!!!)

Me : Which train and from where (me starting to feel stupid with the answers and attitude of staff)

Staff : Take the Renfe line from Placa Espanya and you will reach there.

I made my way and walked up the windy hill of Montjuic, first of all passing by Torre de Calatrava, a tall and uniquely shaped tower located inside a park, then the Olympic stadium used in 1992 before continuing walking up along the windy paths towards the Montjuic castle.

Torre de Calatrava



Inside Park containing Torre de Calatrava



Olympic Stadium





About 10 mins before I reached the top, I saw a guy walking about 50m in front of me, who turned back a few times.  A short while later, he turned to the side, and he seemed to be behaving oddly with a hand near his crotch.  The sun was in my eyes, and I couldn't see clearly from the distance.  However as I approached closer, I was shocked.



The guy was wearing a pair of spectacles and was decently dressed and didn't seem like a lunatic, however he was wanking himself in the middle of the side walk in broad daylight in public!  Why do I seem to get myself into this kind of wierd situations! 

Castle Monjuic

I quickly crossed the road to the opposite sidewalk and continued my way, while occasionally turning back, just to make sure the guy doesn't follow me.  

A short walk later, I finally got to the castle.  The view from here was magnificent, and as it was approaching evening, I stayed on to see the red ball of fire making its exit for the day. 

Just to make sure that I had enough light to make my way down the hill before it gets totally dark, I quickly make my way back down before heading to meet Davide for dinner. 



Huge Catalonian flag flying on top of Castle



Fountain in another park at Montjuic





View from the top