Day 19 * Zaragoza

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Morning: Zaragoza * Evening: La Granja d'Escarp (Lleida Province - Catalonia)

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When we wake up in Zaragoza, we are amazed: our camper van is locked with a 'caution tape'. Obviously, our parking spot here under the trees is not entirely legal. We move our vehicle and luckily avoid a fine, everything is very relaxed.

We ride our bikes to the city center. On the way, we stop at a street café on the Ebro for some cafe con leche and delicious croissants.

Our destination is the IAACC Pablo Serrano Museum, dedicated to this regional sculptor and modern art. The postmodern building looks spectacular from the outside, but is rather disappointing and confusing on the inside. Nevertheless, the exhibitions are interesting. There is a great photo exhibition about deserted places and garbage in abandoned landscapes. Plus, the overview exhibition Aragón y Las Artes 1936-1957: a fascinating insight into art, culture, and architecture during the time of the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime.

At lunchtime, we have a delicious sandwich with jamon iberico at Plaza de Pilar. Once again, the city is full of people, as the Fiestas del Pilar attract everyone to Zaragoza.

Naturally, we also take a look at the Basilica del Pilar. It brings back memories of our Catholic past...

Then it's back on the road. Heading towards Lleida. Shortly before, we turn off and enter beloved Catalonia. In La Granja d'Escarp, we find a parking spot with a beautiful view. The sight overlooks the valley with its many orchards and the mountains and rivers that converge here at Aiguabarreig Segre-Cinca.

The weather is wonderfully mild, so we take an evening stroll into the village. The people here are very relaxed and we like the atmosphere. Therefore, we sit down in one of the bars and enjoy the Catalan village life.