13th June 2016 L’Ametlla De Mar to Tarragona
Today we set off early in the hope we could avoid the afternoon winds but it looked like they were going to follow us earlier than expected. The weather was the warmest we have experienced to date, reaching 33 degrees. Arriving in the marina and getting the Bimini up was such a relief. We moored next to an identical boat to ours which is unusual, the couple are Danish and speak very little English so we were unable to share our views and experiences of the boat. Behind us is permanently moored a boat from Grimsby “Duplex”. We have not seen anybody on it so have been unable to chat to them either.
14th June 2016 Tarragona
Today there is a strong breeze warning so a day sightseeing around Tarragona, a historical City where the Romans settled in 218 BC. On our arrival at the marina we had been given a very informative magazine about what there was to be seen, that evening we sat and highlighted what we felt were the important bits for us to see.
We made our way up into the old town, walking on the shaded side of the street as the heat is becoming slightly uncomfortable, even early in the morning. Our first destination was to see the Monument to Heroes of 1811, popularly known as “Els Despullats” (the nudes). It commemorates the first centenary of the siege and pillage of the city by Napoleons troops during the Napoleonic war. This statue is re-enacted by locals but I believe they keep their clothes on.
Our next stop was Placa Del Pallol, where corn was bought and sold in medieval times. We ambled our way along the narrow streets and up towards the cathedral. Inside the cathedral our visit was made more special by the fact the organist, violinist and female vocalist were rehearsing, we could have sat there all day, feeling at peace. The cloisters to the side of the Cathedral were tranquil with water features, trees, flowers and small chapels off .
After a spot of lunch and obviously a cold alcoholic drink we wandered off to look at the Amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century AD and measuring 130 meters by 102. Despite its age the structure is impressive and with the views of the blue Mediterranean behind it. The battles fought there can only be imagined now. Our final stop for the day was a look out from the Balcony over the Mediterranean, the sun was beating down, the sea looked so blue and inviting and the flowers brightened any day with their vibrant colours. Large ships were on anchor waiting to make their entry into the port and it was time for us to head back to the boat for a rest.