Way back when we launched IT, we promised to include tips from our staff, contributors, and savvy readers. Faithful followers may have noticed that we have yet to follow through on the savvy reader part of the bargain. We didn't forget about it though. We hope that today's posting from subscriber Patricia Tuck-Lee will be the first of many reader tips to grace this space:
Your article about staying at monasteries in Spain ["Spain's Heavenly Retreats," Hotel Central, April 2006 print issue] was of particular interest because my husband and I stayed at a few during our 25th wedding anniversary trip in 2003. We stayed at the Abadía de Montserrat, and what a treat it was to listen to the boys' choir in the evening after all the tour buses had departed. The church was packed during the day when the choir sang and we were disappointed by the performance. However, the evening service was a treat with both the boys and monks singing. The early morning service, which is held behind the altar in a small chapel, was also very private. After, we were able to go behind the altar to touch the Madonna without any line-ups at all.
The Leyre Monastery in Navarre had simple rooms and delicious dinners. The monastery itself was built in the 11th century, but the hotel part is modern with modern facilities.
Another monastery of interest is about a 20-minute drive from Santiago de Compostela. The Santa María de Sobrado monastery in Galicia is run by Cistercian monks. The rooms were basic but clean with private bathrooms and wonderful meals. The old monastery is next to the residential building and the monks were very friendly. One of them could speak English, but it is best to know a few words in Spanish just in case. Another monk was an artist and we got a private tour of the chapel where he had painted all the icons. The monks chanted the 'office' in Galician a few times a day and the music was gorgeous. I will always remember the heavenly sounds that came from the chanting of just a dozen or so monks during evening vespers.
More tips like Patricia's are on their way with next week's first ever Reader Round-up. Be sure to check IT out, or, better yet, use the e-mail address below to contribute your own two cents.
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