http://www.britsoccat.com/WittyWalks
(sorry you will have to highlight the link and paste into a new window)
Since we had no plans this past weekend, we decided to join them on a seaside walk (more of an easy stroll, really) from the town of Sitges, south of Barcelona to Vilanova i la Geltru, some 7 km, much of it alongside the Renfe railway lines. See map of the area:
http://maps.google.es/maps?q=Sitges+map&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Sitges&gl=es&ei=LybYTJFMjMviBsaStJwH&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBoQ8gEwAA
We left our house in Caldes d'Estrac about 8:45 a.m. in beautiful sunshine, armed with some snacks, water and sunscreen! We found a free parking place close to the train station where we met our group, some 60+ people in all! We walked to the coastal boardwalk through the old part of Sitges, admiring some of the architecture and homes built by rich "americanos" who made their fortune in Cuba. Apparently the person who started Bacardi rum, Don Facundo Bacardi, was born in Sitges in 1814 and you can visit Casa Bacardi to find out more about it! (Another day...)
Below are some typical houses of the 19th century in Sitges "old town" area, many of them reflect the style of Antoni Gaudi, so popular in Barcelona.
The beginning of the seaside boardwalk in Sitges
We marvelled at some beautiful homes overlooking the sea, many occupied only in the summer months.
Looking back towards Sitges centre, popular restaurants line the boardwalk.
and ahead to a hotel, our first "meeting place" to catch up all the stragglers!
Another large hotel overlooking the sea, some ducks being fed in the river, a golf course to the left.
As mentioned, much of the walk, once we were out of the city, bordered the Renfe train tracks (both commuter and short-distance trains). We had to walk up and over the hills whereas the trains went through tunnels.
Looking ahead towards Vilanova, our destination in the distance.
There were many sheltered coves along the route, although the beaches were quite rocky.
A lovely old house with a gorgeous view...except for the train tracks right at their front door!
Kathie and Pat just before entering Vilanova and a refreshing drink at a local bar/cafe followed by a typically late Spanish lunch "al fresco" in the late afternoon sunshine! The food was nothing particularly special but the company was interesting and the weather glorious!
We were told that this not typical of most Witty Walks, where far fewer people turn up! Usually they meet out in the surrounding countryside, hike up a mountain, across the top then down the other side, enjoying a picnic lunch en route or meeting in a local restaurant for lunch. We hope to join them again sometime, depending on our schedule!
Hasta luego....
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