Tarragona

Tarragona on Monday, a lovely city on the Mediterranean south west of Barcelona, founded before 1400 BC. During the Roman Republic the city was fortified and much enlarged as a Roman colony. At this time it was converted to a fortress and arsenal.

It was around an hour long train ride from Barcelona to Tarragona, on the Refe train line. Jody was the guide for the day, so that meant an early train 8a, with many grumbling about the early rising. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the Metro station, train station and trains were. Barcelona does a fantastic job of keeping things clean. Most everyone had missed breakfast so a quick bit at the Tarragona train station cafe before we started.

First stop, after climbing up the hill to the city, was an overlook view of the Playa El Miracle beach.

Roman Amphitheater

The Roman Amphitheater, unfortunately like the states, Monday museums are closed. But they had several views from above, and we were able to get an idea of what it looked like. Interesting to note that the crowd had their backs to the ocean.

Did I mention that Tarragona is on a hill? Between the Metro flights of stairs, train stations and cities up on hills, the stair step function on the health app is going off the charts. It’s whipping us all.

Homes within the original fortress city, a plaza to the right

From the amphitheater we headed further into town to visit the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana y Primada de Santa Tecla. The Cathedral was built in 1154 AD, but updated in 1195, 1277, and 1375 AD. Interestingly traces of a temple dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus were found under the nave.

Main aisle of cathedral

Stained glass over door entry

Small chapel

Fresco paintings

Rotunda in main aisle

Organ

Rotunda in smaller chapel

Cloisters

Everyone was anxious to hit the beach, so by a long circuitous route we ended up on the beach. We hoped for food options along the beach, but after reaching it, realized that the eating was up on the hill with the town. One option available, a shack providing snacks, sandwiches and beer. Unfortunately, Señora no habla Español, so Suzy habla Español muy mal. I hacked my way through it and only ended up with 2 bags of chips that I thought was originally a tortilla with potatoes for Liesel, then thought they were a part of the sandwich meal, but really were just 2 euros each. Liesel did get her sandwich, and it was fried potatoes with fresh squeezed tomato juice and a drizzle of olive oil, on a baguette. Man I’m working too hard for someone else’s lunch.

Playa El Miracle

Lunch done, we changed into our suits and found an empty spot on the sand. Liesel and Jody attempted to body surf. Sabrina and Chris just bobbed around in the water. I waded out a ways, but returned back to our towels to do some sketching. Such an interesting place to people watch/draw. Some of you may have spent time on a European beach, you’ll understand that for some, tan lines are simply not acceptable. Plenty of characters to watch, or try not to watch. A favorite of that beach, based on the darkness of the tan, was a lady in her late 50s–60s, who spent her time at the beach walking from one end to the beach to the other and back again, along the water line. We applauded her goals to keep fit and active, but couldn’t say more about her, because there wasn’t much left to say or perhaps too much, if you catch my drift.

Our hunger for a good meal, and a train to depart soon back to Barcelona, ended our first day at the beach. We showered off, and walked to the train station to change. Then headed back up the hill to partake of dinner. We had fish dinners, fish soup/gazpacho, and Catalayn Cream pie. Back down the hill to catch a train, through the Metro to home. Simply exhausted.