The Expedition team left France. To date, we have actually visited France twice on the route, so we added a second sticker! Next destination was Barcelona. On our way, we decided to visit the town of Carcassonne to see the fortress that shares its name. This incredible fortress is the largest preserved in Europe, boasting a fortress wall that stretches 3 kilometres and includes 52 impressive towers. The moment we arrived in Carcassonne, we were struck by the medieval charm that enveloped the town. The well-preserved walls and turrets stood as a testament to the rich history and the architectural brilliance of the past. Inside the fortress, we explored the various sections, each revealing a new chapter of history. This quick detour before heading to Barcelona turned out to be an unforgettable part of our journey.
Next, we had a quite busy day in Barcelona. The morning began at the Boqueria market, bustling with stalls offering a wide array of products—vegetables, spices, meat, fish, and more. We sampled three types of jamón, each more delightful than the last. Following that, we made our way to a pastry shop that prepares treats using recipes dating back to the 12th century. Our next stop was a family-owned candle shop that had been in operation for 260 years. Remarkably, they showed us a relic—the ledger from their first year in business. In the Spanish Village, we had the privilege of meeting a 90-year-old lace-maker who has been honing her craft since she was 14. She recently received an award from the King of Spain for her 70 years of contribution to folk art. We also visited other master craftsmen specializing in guitar making, metalwork, leatherwork, and glassmaking.
Next, we had a quite busy day in Barcelona. The morning began at the Boqueria market, bustling with stalls offering a wide array of products—vegetables, spices, meat, fish, and more. We sampled three types of jamón, each more delightful than the last. Following that, we made our way to a pastry shop that prepares treats using recipes dating back to the 12th century. Our next stop was a family-owned candle shop that had been in operation for 260 years. Remarkably, they showed us a relic—the ledger from their first year in business. In the Spanish Village, we had the privilege of meeting a 90-year-old lace-maker who has been honing her craft since she was 14. She recently received an award from the King of Spain for her 70 years of contribution to folk art. We also visited other master craftsmen specializing in guitar making, metalwork, leatherwork, and glassmaking.
