Monasterio De La Vergen De Esperanza

Calasparro, inland Spain. Paddy fields where paella rice is grown.

The chapel is high in the hills, built into the rock. The chapel was establish in the early 17th Century. The ceiling inside the chapel is hewn from rock and the altar is absolutely stunning. I will post some additional shots tomorrow, as it is late here now.

Above the entrance to the chapel, higher on the cliff even still, is a promontary which is looking like it will fall down soon. All of the cliff face is framed and wire covered.

This place was absolutely beautiful. Tranquil. Stunning.

Except for...

behind the alter, in a separate room were hundreds of plastic 'dolls', limbs, pictures of people, "L" plates from cars etc etc. The Saint is the Patron Saint of Hope. The assorted items are offerings for prayers for those with injuries, or who are ill, and in some cases, who have lost their lives. I can't explain to you without it sounding silly, but Corin and I couldn't bear to be in the room - it felt morbid and oppressive, absence of hope, just because of the weight of sadness from the despair attached to the items. We had to come out of the room.

Down by the riverside, there are brick built barbeques every 25 yards or so, which can be booked by ringing the monastery administrators - so you can go to the river for a family day out and barbeque properly - none of these throwaway foil things.

Great meal out tonight with friends, Colin and Julie. Thai. Yummy yummy.