Decibellas on Tour: Barcelona & Costa Brava - day 2

Day two began in a way that would make any wellness influencer proud: early morning runs, gentle strolls, and the quiet smugness of those who had already “done something” before breakfast. The rest of us offered moral support.

The morning was blissfully unstructured, giving everyone time to explore Calella at their own pace. Leather goods were admired, pottery was contemplated (and in some cases purchased), and the town was thoroughly charmed by a steady stream of Decibellas.

Now, a quick note on choir dynamics: if one person stops for coffee, everyone stops for coffee. This theory was conclusively proven when we accidentally (but enthusiastically) filled a small café. The owner’s expression moved from delight to mild panic as wave after wave of Decibellas appeared at the door. Still, spirits were high, caffeine was flowing, and no one was turned away!

After lunch back at the hotel, it was time for the main event: a trip to Girona, where we would be performing that evening in the magnificent Girona Cathedral.

First challenge: the 89 steps. Approached with a mixture of awe and quiet concern, they were conquered with determination, dignity… and several photo stops (purely for the view, of course). At the top, we were greeted by the sheer grandeur of the cathedral — and a helpful insider who whisked us up a set of secret back stairs to deposit our concert wear. Always reassuring.

Facilities were noted (one toilet, one bidet — no further comment required), and it was mutually agreed that strategic pre-concert planning would be wise.

With a couple of hours to spare, the choir scattered once more. Some headed for the river to admire Girona’s iconic hanging houses, while others wandered the narrow cobbled streets, discovering artisan shops and pretending not to check their step counts.

Back at the cathedral, it was time to warm up. The acoustics were… incredible. Glorious reverberation, but with just enough echo to keep us on our toes. After a few adjustments (and ignoring the slight technical hiccup with the amp — touring life keeps you humble), we settled in beautifully.

The audience was impressively sized, thanks in no small part to Pixie’s expert street-level marketing campaign. Highlights included recruiting a pair of German travellers with time to spare before their flight — who later declared the concert the highlight of their week. Not bad for a casual pavement invitation. 

By the time we returned to the hotel, it was late, and dinner became a relaxed, slightly improvised affair across various local restaurants. Full, happy, and still humming, the Decibellas called it a night — ready to do it all again tomorrow.