and our final stop....Barcelona pt 2

Let me count the ways I love Barcelona! Our hotel was situated right in the heart of the city-a half block from Las Ramblas on a foot traffic only wide alley (there are a lot of these in the city). Our first day we hiked up to the park and finished the day off with the Picasso Museum. Little did I know Picasso painted simple portraits before he became famous with his Cubism art.

Monday was Sagrada Familia, which was as grand as I expected it to be. They continue to build it (have been since 1926) and hope to finish in 2026, the anniversary of the architect's death-Antoni Gaudi. Beyond crazy can describe this monstrosity, which can offer mass for 6500 people. It has tree looking columns, christmas trees, fruit scruptures, a giant Jesus on a cross...pretty much everything. Gaudi's style is gingerbread house influence. Or castles that look like they were poured out of sand.

We followed that with a walk to Park Guell, which required a massive hike up a hill to the top. Despite the work out (just about killed me), the view was spectacular. And of course, the park was designed by Gaudi, so lots of ice cream sand castles and beautiful mosaic work. Dinner was a recommendation from the hotel clerk (I take my grandmother there). Spectacular. Delicious. And authentic.

Tuesday, Alan headed home and Maddie and I headed to the funicular of another beautiful fort looking over the city, Montjuic. Think we hit every form of transportation in barcelona-subway, metro, cab, bus, and cable car.

We walked down the national Museum, where we thought we could lunch in a beautiful room overlooking the city. Until we sat down and discovered the cost of lunch. We almost had to sneak out without paying for our 3.00 soda, as the server was pissed we refused to order food.

That night, we arranged flamingo dancing and Paella. Lots of fun, despite the effort to try and get the audience up and dancing with them. We looked the other way. And we sat next to a texan family, who were the epitome of obnoxious Americans. Wouldn't try and speak even a thank you in Spanish. And don't they live in a Spanish speaking state???

That night, we had our upscale dinner at a place called Pla. It was classy, yet unpretentious. Plating was stellar and the waiter comes to your table and sits down to discuss today's specials. Lovely on all levels.

Our last day was on a Barcelona beach amongst the naked Europeans. You get used to it..a way of life. And Americans can be so prudish. Our Victorian heritage i suppose.

Trip home was uneventful. However, Alan had a trip from hell. A large Nigerian woman in full Nigerian garb, sat across the aisle from him, and after an hour, started throwing up. She ended up laying in the aisle of the plane due to illness. No where to put her, as the plane was full. They got to baltimore and could not land thanks to severe thunder storms. Then they started running out of fuel and had to fly to Norfolk to refuel. Came back to Baltimore 3 hours late, only to be quarantined because of this woman's illness. finally got home at 1 30 AM. After being up for 30 hours.

college bound

Tomorrow marks the day where Maddie moves into another phase of her life. I can't say I am handling it well, but I am so excited for her and know this is what we do as parents...push them out of the nest. And she is leaving for such good reasons..as some of my friends say..its notlike she is going to jail or something.

North Carolina State will be lucky to have her. I know she will make great friends, learn many new things, and hopefully curb the party time to handle the rigorous major (environmental engineering). The house won't be the same..quiet and no trails of belongings throughout the house. Who will I share new restaurants with? Ravens games won't be the same. Catching up at the end of the day a thing of the past...

But I can't wait to hear about new adventures and new experiences. She will do great once the jitters settle. I can remember my first few weeks when I moved to Baltimore to go to school and it was unsettling and nerve wracking. It gets easier. As any new experience becomes routine.

I will miss you, but know you are ready to be launched.

our final chapter..spain pt 1

Barcelona. A beautiful city with fantastic food and over the top churches. It is a walking city, with many streets closed to autos, littered with cafes, sidewalk restaurants, and designer shops. I loved the ambiance of the tourist district..you walk everywhere and as you round a corner, there is a beautiful cathedral or groups of men and women dancing the Sardana, Catalonia's national dance.

Being in the city for 5 days gave us a great sense of its people and culture. Above is a charming selection of barnacles that are sold in the open market that has been in existence since the 1100's. I might need to skip that. However, Iberico ham is a delicacy there..and incredibly tasty.


Barcelona has beautiful beaches on the Mediterrean and mountains a short distance away to the west. There foods are influenced by their specific region-Catalunya. It consists of cured hams, lots of seafood (fresh fish, octupus, squid), fresh veggies, rice dishes, and tapas. We consumed copious amounts of sangria and tapas dishes (some we liked better than others). And they eat alot of tomato bread..toasted artisan bread where you squeese the juice of tomato on it.

obviously, its all about the food. But the city is beautiful, clean, and despite the warnings of pickpockets, no issues for us. Recommend to anyone.

finally...a continuation...Palma Mallorca

The cruise ship pulled into Palma de Mallorca for only 5 hours, but Maddie and I took full advantage and took a quick tour of this small island off the coast of Spain. Charming and beautiful describes this piece of paradise. We wondered the streets and eventually landed in a sweet outside cafe for tapas. It was some of the best small plates we have had so far. We only saw a small slice of this beautiful island and worth another visit.