The Pyrenees: Queralbs

The Catalan Pyrenees and their foothills have a rich cultural heritage, featuring countless Romanesque monasteries and churches. Enroute to and from the Vall de Nuria, we stopped at the small mountain village of Queralbs; the two principal economic engines of the small village include tourism and hydroelectric generation.

The Romanesque church in town (below) was built in the 10^th century and is dedicated to St. James. According to Monica, our tour guide for the day, the stone houses -- picturesque with their own simplistic charm -- have remained with their respective families for generations. Not surprisingly, they are difficult to heat in the winter.

Chatting with a couple from Scotland, I asked how they thought the election for Scottish independence would turn out on September 18. “It’s goin’ down,” said the husband in a rich Scottish brogue, sounding a lot like Groundskeeper Willie in The Simpsons. Unfortuately, he said, Scots living in England and other places are unable to vote.

After a walking tour of the village and a stop at church, we adjourned to a local eatery for “aperitius,” small snacks of various meats and cheeses, along with Catalan wine. The Scottish husband was initially reticent to partake. “See this?” he asked, pointing to his midsection. “This used to be my chest.” After a good laugh, he joined in.