Travel Review: Spain, Madrid, Segovia, Barcelona, Basque, St. John of the Cross, Guggenheim, Olympic Village, Montserrat, Culture

Each day was memorable in its own way.  The guides chosen by the tour company were of the highest quality.  Not only were they expert in their information but friendly, engaging, patient, and encouraging.  The travel team became like friends, going out of their way to ensure that we had as complete an experience as possible in the time allotted.  Our travel specialist ensured that we walked Madrid end experienced not only the high culture but also the pinchos (butter fried Bacalao is proof that God exists and that he loves us.)  Our travel specialist found a way to get us a special trip to the hill where St. John of the Cross used to pray and from which we could see the whole of Segovia--an opportunity not afforded the average traveler and only accessible to someone who knew the area.  He showed us with passion and energy the beauty of the Basque culture.  By explaining the history, the language, and the area, he made the region both beautiful and mysterious.  I must also endorse a Guggenheim guide who uncovered hidden jewels within the museum.  Our guide is passionate about Barcelona and with a taxi driver as our companion, showed us parts of the city--such as  Mont Juit, the Olympic village, and the seafront-- we would not normally see.  Indeed even on our guide-less last day, our driver turned our disappointment at finding the Cova San Ignacio unexpectedly closed into a joyful visit to Nuestra Senora de Montserrat.   Each made suggestions and each accommodated changes with patience and professionalism.  We cannot say which day was most memorable:  the entire trip is a beautiful memory.