Collioure ……..and a day trip to the Costa Brava

September 11th

Saturday morning was nice although windy contrary to what the host had predicted…..we spent the morning touring the town and taking it easy as we are here for several days:

…..and in the afternoon took the Petit Train Jaune (actually not a train):…….to Port Vendres which is south of Collioure…… it was fun as it took us on little roads through vineyards winding its way to Fort St. Elme, a hilltop fort built in the 8th century commanding a strategic site protecting the ports of Coullioure and Port Vendres ……

…..and then, finally “home”. Time for an afternoon beverage, followed by a stroll looking for a resto…..

……of which there many, in the end selected a small place featuring MOULES….very delicious, yes Annie ate almost the entire portion of Moules in a Roquefort sauce and I managed to eat the balance of hers, as well as mine, which were in a Catalan sauce……full speed ahead yummy!!!!

…..followed up with a drink at the Templars Bar where we were serenaded by a Jazzy Horns Band and yourself was instructed by the waiter that when you order a Pernod …it is pronounced as Perrr… noohh and you should really order a PASTIS. …so my much for my best French. He was actually ok and I am now religiously asking for PASTIS ! Well another good day is done ……

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September 12th

On Sunday we left bright and early, avoiding the market which was already creating havoc when we left for the Costa Brava.

We drove quickly (actually kinda slow, it was a beautiful morning, and, as per usual, the road was windy and with precipitous cliffs) only stopping for a few pics….

…..the goal was Port Lligat, the home of Salvador Dali, and then, Cadaques which once was one of his stomping grounds and now is a shi-shi R&R spot for the well to do ….……passed through customs (actually retired buildings with pro Catalan independence graffiti), gassed up in Spain (cheaper)

….and arrived in Port Lligt. The white house on the left is Dali’s.

Then we made the requisite pilgrimage……

As Dali said, he was not on drugs but he was the drug!!!……..hmmmm !!!!!!!

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On that note we left for our last Spanish stop, Cadaques…..althhough not rated as an MBV in fact it is one, albeit Spanish. Tough to get to but the setting is beautiful:

….we very much enjoyed this “white” town so different from those in France … and the interior of the Santa Maria de Cadaqués Church was stunning with its baroque excess contrasted against the plainess of the surrounfing town…

As an aside, so far whether in France or in Spain, the towns we visited have been very clean and all the infrastructure well maintained …we have personally witnessed the cleaners in the wee hours of the morning…

The afternoon was fast becoming early evening and we reversed course for Couliore……after another nice day it was time to pack it in……tomorrow a new adventure.