Up early driving to Lisbon for our return flight home. The driving was great on the toll-way. Both Kathy & I drove. We did well. TTL that Kathy drove into Lisbon to the airport because the bridge was about 6 miles == not exaggerating=== long. We did not problems at all with any driving. The car was perfect!
We played a card game (golf) to pass a short wait at the airport. My version is that they changed the rules with every hand having only played this a few times. ..but..it was fun not the less.
Fly back to Spain - perfect.
We had a wonderful taxi driver who actually was like a little tour guide and answered many questions for us on the way back to our hotel. The staff was happy to see us again!
We emptied the executive lounge of all food and played a few more hands of cards. Tia Maria for a night cap-- yum-o !! The ladies are downstairs getting ready for EARLY departure.... going down soon too, the moon is full and lovely over the ocean with a beautiful reflection on the water. A lovely breeze.
We land tomorrow (Wednesday) about 1pm.... see you soon love to all
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday-horseback riding and lounging -discrete people watching
The winding sailing was like a huge wind sail on a go-cart on land. Yes, we have photo evidence of us all looking like astronauts! or grease monkeys, not sure which :-) - Sorry that the blogs have been less descriptive, no computer and some people go to bed REALLY early -- others do not. I am happy to report I am not the only one who snores. Hopefully the food descriptions have been good for the foodies.
Emmie, this is not really a fashion paradise, thus no fashion updates. We notice winter like wear even in this high heat!
Monday- up for horse back riding near the university in Faro. Suzanne was our trail master. Wonderful woman from German. We took a two hour horse ride through the nature park- some areas were like salt reserves were the sea salt comes in and dries out. They collect it and "sell it to Americans". We were not able to do much fancy riding because I was afraid and we were inexperienced. Tricia did not listen to instructions and got her horse to trot a few times-- so of course mine followed suit. That was really fun!
Our running asses were sore after this == and more sore this morning. We have "bits" we did not know we had and butt bones that are really sore.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a supermecado==only to find that it had closed== one of our few disappointments- or so we thought. We went next door to a small (SMALL) local restaurant which we have named the 6 euro restaurant since we can not remember the name. We waited patiently for a table. A local man who was eating got up and told us to sit at a table. We noticed that every one was ordering the special of the day-so all in all done, we did the same. Wonderful chicken soup with lemon, a pork with a light Marsala sauce and of course french fries ( they are at every meal here!!)and a small salad. The whole she-bang with a drink was 6 euros/Definitely a steal!
Back to the home-tel to lounge around the pool. High temp -mid to upper 20's. Kathy was brave and jumped in the cool pool to start us off on cooling off. A wonderful afternoon-- reading,chatting and spraying sunscreen every 10 minutes on our lovely lily white bodies.
We took the shuttle into the village so we could all enjoy Sangria...no need to have a designated drive. We walked on the boardwalk to find a place to watch the sunset and people. We have a fun time critiquing fashion and wondering where people are from.. but where in the world would any women buy lime green pants for her man? We had a lovely white Sangria. This one had more mango and more fruit with cinnamon-- very good - 4 thumbs up again. We then set off for a light dinner. As we were walking, Denise said, Oh, no they are looking at us now.... but we guessed that we passed the test.
Dinner at Don Alfonso. VG-- Bream Sea bass, goat cheese in puff pastry with honey, chicken salad. Poor Denise was totally unhappy with her tri-salad of avocado, tomato and cheese.. Do not put tomatoes in the frig any where near Denise!
back home for a Early morning drive to Lisbon.
Emmie, this is not really a fashion paradise, thus no fashion updates. We notice winter like wear even in this high heat!
Monday- up for horse back riding near the university in Faro. Suzanne was our trail master. Wonderful woman from German. We took a two hour horse ride through the nature park- some areas were like salt reserves were the sea salt comes in and dries out. They collect it and "sell it to Americans". We were not able to do much fancy riding because I was afraid and we were inexperienced. Tricia did not listen to instructions and got her horse to trot a few times-- so of course mine followed suit. That was really fun!
Our running asses were sore after this == and more sore this morning. We have "bits" we did not know we had and butt bones that are really sore.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a supermecado==only to find that it had closed== one of our few disappointments- or so we thought. We went next door to a small (SMALL) local restaurant which we have named the 6 euro restaurant since we can not remember the name. We waited patiently for a table. A local man who was eating got up and told us to sit at a table. We noticed that every one was ordering the special of the day-so all in all done, we did the same. Wonderful chicken soup with lemon, a pork with a light Marsala sauce and of course french fries ( they are at every meal here!!)and a small salad. The whole she-bang with a drink was 6 euros/Definitely a steal!
Back to the home-tel to lounge around the pool. High temp -mid to upper 20's. Kathy was brave and jumped in the cool pool to start us off on cooling off. A wonderful afternoon-- reading,chatting and spraying sunscreen every 10 minutes on our lovely lily white bodies.
We took the shuttle into the village so we could all enjoy Sangria...no need to have a designated drive. We walked on the boardwalk to find a place to watch the sunset and people. We have a fun time critiquing fashion and wondering where people are from.. but where in the world would any women buy lime green pants for her man? We had a lovely white Sangria. This one had more mango and more fruit with cinnamon-- very good - 4 thumbs up again. We then set off for a light dinner. As we were walking, Denise said, Oh, no they are looking at us now.... but we guessed that we passed the test.
Dinner at Don Alfonso. VG-- Bream Sea bass, goat cheese in puff pastry with honey, chicken salad. Poor Denise was totally unhappy with her tri-salad of avocado, tomato and cheese.. Do not put tomatoes in the frig any where near Denise!
back home for a Early morning drive to Lisbon.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday -Edge of the World
Sunday
Breakfast on the balcony then we headed west to the end of the earth. This is Sagres and Cape St Vincent which is the furthest point west toward America. The weather is PERFECT! Blue, Blue skies. Not a cloud anywhere. When we got there it was postcard perfect. Slight breeze. We stopped and shared one dinner of Peri Peri Chicken which we have been searching for since we got to Portugal. It was delicious as promised. Then we walked down to put our toes in the ocean. The beach is red and the water was cold at first, then more tolerable. This would be awesome in a few weeks when the weather is even warmer. We then went to the cliffs --- they look much like the cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Only here there is no protective guard. Some girls are more adventurous then others !!! Then we were off to the city of Lagos….we saw a goat herder and turner around to take pictures. The herder was MAD-came running after the car waving is cane… and yelling. – We got outa there.
Back on track—or so we thought..there was wind sailing… Tricia said that would be fun—lets do it, Kathy says do you want to –SURE… so around we turn. Jimmy and Julia gave us quick instructions. We were in jumpsuits –(like a car mechanic) helmets, goggles, the whole thing. Then off racing around the track. Tricia got some special instructions a few times because she was going to fast! It was a BLAST!
Then on to the Ponta Da Piedade in Lagos. This is one of the most photographed areas in Portugal. We walked down about 1000 stairs from the cliffs to the sea, the car temp said it was 29 outside and it felt like it …but worth the effort. The cliffs from that vantage point were spectacular.
We drove into the old town center in Lagos where we wandered about until we found a restaurant that looked acceptable to all. White Sangria—got 4 thumbs up ! We all had Paella. – V Good.we have noticed that the people are very short here so we feel right at home. We also noticed more men in the plaza then women doing the people watching. Kathy thought they might be at home cooking and cleaning. A pet name for the men - El Torros.
A short walk around town and then to our home-tel. We had a very full day & are all tired.
We have reservations to go horseback riding tomorrow at 1000. The area is a natural reserve . This should be interesting!
Hot tub for sure after that.
Tuesday- a travel day back to Lisbon and then Barcelona.
Breakfast on the balcony then we headed west to the end of the earth. This is Sagres and Cape St Vincent which is the furthest point west toward America. The weather is PERFECT! Blue, Blue skies. Not a cloud anywhere. When we got there it was postcard perfect. Slight breeze. We stopped and shared one dinner of Peri Peri Chicken which we have been searching for since we got to Portugal. It was delicious as promised. Then we walked down to put our toes in the ocean. The beach is red and the water was cold at first, then more tolerable. This would be awesome in a few weeks when the weather is even warmer. We then went to the cliffs --- they look much like the cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Only here there is no protective guard. Some girls are more adventurous then others !!! Then we were off to the city of Lagos….we saw a goat herder and turner around to take pictures. The herder was MAD-came running after the car waving is cane… and yelling. – We got outa there.
Back on track—or so we thought..there was wind sailing… Tricia said that would be fun—lets do it, Kathy says do you want to –SURE… so around we turn. Jimmy and Julia gave us quick instructions. We were in jumpsuits –(like a car mechanic) helmets, goggles, the whole thing. Then off racing around the track. Tricia got some special instructions a few times because she was going to fast! It was a BLAST!
Then on to the Ponta Da Piedade in Lagos. This is one of the most photographed areas in Portugal. We walked down about 1000 stairs from the cliffs to the sea, the car temp said it was 29 outside and it felt like it …but worth the effort. The cliffs from that vantage point were spectacular.
We drove into the old town center in Lagos where we wandered about until we found a restaurant that looked acceptable to all. White Sangria—got 4 thumbs up ! We all had Paella. – V Good.we have noticed that the people are very short here so we feel right at home. We also noticed more men in the plaza then women doing the people watching. Kathy thought they might be at home cooking and cleaning. A pet name for the men - El Torros.
A short walk around town and then to our home-tel. We had a very full day & are all tired.
We have reservations to go horseback riding tomorrow at 1000. The area is a natural reserve . This should be interesting!
Hot tub for sure after that.
Tuesday- a travel day back to Lisbon and then Barcelona.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
portugal fatima saturday update
-flight to Lisbon was easy- no glitches. picked up the car and headed north toward Fatima. The cars come out of no where at probably 130 miles an hour!! no exaggerations here. The roads are well signed on the freeways and easy to negotiate.
we arrived in Fatima & took the tour of the museum. We were able to see the many gifts from around the world sent to Fatima. The Irish people sent the most beautiful monstrance with women's rings surrounds the outside.
After Fatima, we headed to have a traditional Portuguese lunch. They are very good hosts here. table clothes come out, very concerned about our comfort. We had trouble ordering in English... the chef came out to help interpret the menu. Then we thought they grabbed a business man from down the street to help us with the order. local pork was awesome. Denise had a Brazilian dish'' it was MEAT'~~ like steak'--- which she was not happy with~but her beans and rices were great!
we headed south to Vilamoura. The GPS is working very well here. <
Saturday
head to the town of loule for the open Saturday market...best morning ever! kind people here' except for the lady in the lady in the babushka scarf who was persistent and followed me down the isle trying to sell a table cloth!~
Cheese, ham, olives, seed topped bread, figs, olive oil cinnamon walnut cookie, best cafe con leche today. Then a few bottles of wine and we headed to the park for a picnic lunch.
Then Kathy braved driving east to tavira where we are right now. The town one of the oldest port towns, there is a festival and a great craft and food market. We will probably stay for dinner to see if there is music and dancing in the park.
We are in an Internet cafe now where Kathy is chatting with the family and giggling every few seconds from the witty responses ~
Sangria is next on the schedule..church, not sure of the order.
Tomorrow we might go horse back riding..then our running (sore)asses will be in the pool ...will update later as the computer allows
love to all
we arrived in Fatima & took the tour of the museum. We were able to see the many gifts from around the world sent to Fatima. The Irish people sent the most beautiful monstrance with women's rings surrounds the outside.
After Fatima, we headed to have a traditional Portuguese lunch. They are very good hosts here. table clothes come out, very concerned about our comfort. We had trouble ordering in English... the chef came out to help interpret the menu. Then we thought they grabbed a business man from down the street to help us with the order. local pork was awesome. Denise had a Brazilian dish'' it was MEAT'~~ like steak'--- which she was not happy with~but her beans and rices were great!
we headed south to Vilamoura. The GPS is working very well here. <
Saturday
head to the town of loule for the open Saturday market...best morning ever! kind people here' except for the lady in the lady in the babushka scarf who was persistent and followed me down the isle trying to sell a table cloth!~
Cheese, ham, olives, seed topped bread, figs, olive oil cinnamon walnut cookie, best cafe con leche today. Then a few bottles of wine and we headed to the park for a picnic lunch.
Then Kathy braved driving east to tavira where we are right now. The town one of the oldest port towns, there is a festival and a great craft and food market. We will probably stay for dinner to see if there is music and dancing in the park.
We are in an Internet cafe now where Kathy is chatting with the family and giggling every few seconds from the witty responses ~
Sangria is next on the schedule..church, not sure of the order.
Tomorrow we might go horse back riding..then our running (sore)asses will be in the pool ...will update later as the computer allows
love to all
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Thursday - Montserrat
Thursday, April 22
Montserrat and Toothpick Tapas
They’re all mean to me. I had hoped to avoid doing any reporting – but they ganged up on me. So here goes…Up early for another delicious (and free) breakfast and then off to Montserrat. We are pros at the Metro now and can do it without the map, although there is one purple hallway we often revisit after we start off in the wrong direction. The locals on their way to work seemed interested in us – we weren’t sure why as we weren’t doing anything to draw attention – including talking at that hour. It was nice to arrive before the crowds; I’ll let someone else describe our time at Montserrat.
I have really enjoyed Barcelona. It’s busy, but quiet – no horns honking, no sirens – really a surprise. My favorite place was Santa Maria del Mar – the church in a novel I read about 14th century Barcelona. It was just as I pictured it, Tricia and I spent quite a bit of time there and then we came back later with Theresa and Denise.
Off to Lisbon and Fatima tomorrow (at the crack of dawn). I’m going to see if this bit will be enough to get me off the keyboard. Hugs and kisses to you all. Love, Kathy
Hey guys- Tricia here. We are sitting at the top of the hotel having a scrumptious assortment of desserts and a lovely red wine. Laughing and reminiscing about the fun of the day.
We all so enjoyed Montserrat from hiking the mountain from holy station to holy station and then off to the Basilica to listen to the boys choir. We had about an hour wait before the choir sang. People were jamming into the church to snag a seat. We decided to grab a seat and wait. Being the smart Burns’ girls we are, Kathy and Theresa settled into a pew to secure a seat. Denise and I headed off to the café and grabbed a sandwich. We had to do a little switch-aroo about eating outside the church but all came away satisfied.
When all returned to the church I decided to go to confession and Theresa & Kathy ditched Denise leaving her to guard our pew and headed off to the long queue to view the Black Madonna. I returned to our pew from confession totally confused as the priest refused to hear my confession but did bless me???!!! Denise sat securely in the middle of the pew while I sat on the outside. As time grew close for the choir to sing billions and billions of people wanted Theresa and Kathy’s seats. I consistently refused to let anyone take their seats. “Occupado, Occupado” I cried. I begged Denise to assist me with keeping people at bay but only got a slight shake of the head. About 10 minutes before the choir sang the crowd became more insistent, men with canes, the blind and those with afflictions- my sisters need a seat and a seat they would have. Suddenly, people approach from Denise’s side of the pew and she caved. Yup, one request and she leans over ready to let loose- all I could say was: “I held my side.” Needless to say Kathy and Theresa sat in a “comfy” pew and heard the beautiful hymns to our Lady. Peace out from Barcelona- forward to Lisbon-Fatima!
Another word about the seat holding from Denise’s point of view. It was not only simple occupado that kept people at bay. When one particularly strident old spanish man tried to enter the pew & Tricia’s leg flew out to block his entrance into the pew. As the time of the service neared, people started to approach from my side. I let one lady in & there was still room for Theresa & Kathy….I looked over at Tricia & we were laughing…then she said “I held my side” …like I failed. Imagine that said in a southern accent with a bit of chin. We have been laughing about that all day.
We’ve been collecting all sorts of nice memories. The Sagrada Familia looked like a melted candle at first. It’s crammed full of statutes, animals and towers topped with what appears to be fruity pebbles, no lie. Once we toured it and learned about the plan and symbolism behind it …. it still looked like a melted candle but now I have a fondness for it. Not beautiful but definitely interesting.
After the Picasso Museum we wandered around and came across a Tapas restaurant we had read about that served tapas dim sum style and charged per toothpick. We accumulated twelve toothpicks and some local basque white wine and had a grand old time drinking, munching and people watching. We stopped by a chocolate shop for a small purchase to be enjoyed roof top a
Theresa:
Apparently, the others work out more than I do, because no one talked about the stair master work-out to the Holy Cave to see where they found the Black Madonna about 1025 years ago…so down a funicular we go—then literally half way around a mountain to see where they found the cave…I knew it was not going to good when it was 20 minute downhill. Oh well, we made it back in plenty of time as you heard to see hear the boys choir.
So far, everything has been really smooth… On time trains, easy connections with little waiting. We are preparing for Portugal tomorrow- so we are sitting around drinking Red Wine (tempranillo-caebernet ) Name Montesierra) talking and laughing about the trip so far.
Good times. (I’ve been told to keep some of the good pieces out of the blog!)
Montserrat and Toothpick Tapas
They’re all mean to me. I had hoped to avoid doing any reporting – but they ganged up on me. So here goes…Up early for another delicious (and free) breakfast and then off to Montserrat. We are pros at the Metro now and can do it without the map, although there is one purple hallway we often revisit after we start off in the wrong direction. The locals on their way to work seemed interested in us – we weren’t sure why as we weren’t doing anything to draw attention – including talking at that hour. It was nice to arrive before the crowds; I’ll let someone else describe our time at Montserrat.
I have really enjoyed Barcelona. It’s busy, but quiet – no horns honking, no sirens – really a surprise. My favorite place was Santa Maria del Mar – the church in a novel I read about 14th century Barcelona. It was just as I pictured it, Tricia and I spent quite a bit of time there and then we came back later with Theresa and Denise.
Off to Lisbon and Fatima tomorrow (at the crack of dawn). I’m going to see if this bit will be enough to get me off the keyboard. Hugs and kisses to you all. Love, Kathy
Hey guys- Tricia here. We are sitting at the top of the hotel having a scrumptious assortment of desserts and a lovely red wine. Laughing and reminiscing about the fun of the day.
We all so enjoyed Montserrat from hiking the mountain from holy station to holy station and then off to the Basilica to listen to the boys choir. We had about an hour wait before the choir sang. People were jamming into the church to snag a seat. We decided to grab a seat and wait. Being the smart Burns’ girls we are, Kathy and Theresa settled into a pew to secure a seat. Denise and I headed off to the café and grabbed a sandwich. We had to do a little switch-aroo about eating outside the church but all came away satisfied.
When all returned to the church I decided to go to confession and Theresa & Kathy ditched Denise leaving her to guard our pew and headed off to the long queue to view the Black Madonna. I returned to our pew from confession totally confused as the priest refused to hear my confession but did bless me???!!! Denise sat securely in the middle of the pew while I sat on the outside. As time grew close for the choir to sing billions and billions of people wanted Theresa and Kathy’s seats. I consistently refused to let anyone take their seats. “Occupado, Occupado” I cried. I begged Denise to assist me with keeping people at bay but only got a slight shake of the head. About 10 minutes before the choir sang the crowd became more insistent, men with canes, the blind and those with afflictions- my sisters need a seat and a seat they would have. Suddenly, people approach from Denise’s side of the pew and she caved. Yup, one request and she leans over ready to let loose- all I could say was: “I held my side.” Needless to say Kathy and Theresa sat in a “comfy” pew and heard the beautiful hymns to our Lady. Peace out from Barcelona- forward to Lisbon-Fatima!
Another word about the seat holding from Denise’s point of view. It was not only simple occupado that kept people at bay. When one particularly strident old spanish man tried to enter the pew & Tricia’s leg flew out to block his entrance into the pew. As the time of the service neared, people started to approach from my side. I let one lady in & there was still room for Theresa & Kathy….I looked over at Tricia & we were laughing…then she said “I held my side” …like I failed. Imagine that said in a southern accent with a bit of chin. We have been laughing about that all day.
We’ve been collecting all sorts of nice memories. The Sagrada Familia looked like a melted candle at first. It’s crammed full of statutes, animals and towers topped with what appears to be fruity pebbles, no lie. Once we toured it and learned about the plan and symbolism behind it …. it still looked like a melted candle but now I have a fondness for it. Not beautiful but definitely interesting.
After the Picasso Museum we wandered around and came across a Tapas restaurant we had read about that served tapas dim sum style and charged per toothpick. We accumulated twelve toothpicks and some local basque white wine and had a grand old time drinking, munching and people watching. We stopped by a chocolate shop for a small purchase to be enjoyed roof top a
Theresa:
Apparently, the others work out more than I do, because no one talked about the stair master work-out to the Holy Cave to see where they found the Black Madonna about 1025 years ago…so down a funicular we go—then literally half way around a mountain to see where they found the cave…I knew it was not going to good when it was 20 minute downhill. Oh well, we made it back in plenty of time as you heard to see hear the boys choir.
So far, everything has been really smooth… On time trains, easy connections with little waiting. We are preparing for Portugal tomorrow- so we are sitting around drinking Red Wine (tempranillo-caebernet ) Name Montesierra) talking and laughing about the trip so far.
Good times. (I’ve been told to keep some of the good pieces out of the blog!)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Scary Day
Scary Day- the kids call it this because there is more planned than you can possibly ever do!
Early morning start to the L’Eixample area where the Sagrada Familia Church is to do the tour and see it in the light of Day. It is unbelievable! The tour said it looked like a cake in the rain- and parts do. So much to look at, it is hard to take it all in (Gaudi planned this building). There is a Nativity façade 3 porticos: one to St Joseph, one to the Holy Family and the last to Mary. The opposite side of the church is more modern and faces west –the passion side. We toured the outside side and then took an elevator lift to one of the towers which was actually a bell tower. –then had to walk up more windy stairs. Denise and I are afraid of heights— so when Kathy & Tricia were hanging out looking at the top of the towers and down to the ground – it was all we could do to stand up. Then, the bells rang. We almost lost it… back to the ground- fast!
After the Church we went to look at the other Gaudi Buildings around Barcelona. Some look like mushrooms or hobbit huts. All curved edges. The architecture has such a contrast between the old and the new and more modern. The city is so clean and we think quite. We were wondering if there was a law against honking the horn? No one does it! We walked down the Ave de Catalunya—like the Champs Elyse in Paris with all high end stores. No purchases here – unfortunately.
Then on to the La Rambla area which is a large boulevard Street with everything from Flowers to Birds for sale. We stopped in a small gothic church – took in a quick Mass. Lite a candle and said prayers for every one.
We then stopped at the Boqueria. Which is a huge fresh market with every thing from fresh fruit to cow guts—ick and literally. We ate at a tiny place Steve Rick suggested: Pinaxito (?) cod salad ; chickpea with black sausage –very good-of course. Then on to Chocolates. Mare has really turned us on to the chocolate with sea salt…if you have not tried this—it is a must! Tricia and Kathy got a piece- said it was great—popped the last bits into their mouth! No sharing there. (of course we had to dash off immediately to get our own…why did we think we could go without? Kathy & Tricia had seconds)
Denise and I went back for a siesta. Kathy and Tricia found the Bari Gothic area and a quite plaza outside the Santa Maria Del Mar. They wandered around and found a good tapas area where we joined them for a bottle of wine and a good dinner. Since we are rating the wine- this got the- just ok sign from Denise.
Friday is St Jorge Day—lots of the shops are preparing for this national day which is like St Valentine’s Day.
Tomorrow: early morning to Montserrat--- metro,train,cable car, funicular… up by 0600- out by 0700
Early morning start to the L’Eixample area where the Sagrada Familia Church is to do the tour and see it in the light of Day. It is unbelievable! The tour said it looked like a cake in the rain- and parts do. So much to look at, it is hard to take it all in (Gaudi planned this building). There is a Nativity façade 3 porticos: one to St Joseph, one to the Holy Family and the last to Mary. The opposite side of the church is more modern and faces west –the passion side. We toured the outside side and then took an elevator lift to one of the towers which was actually a bell tower. –then had to walk up more windy stairs. Denise and I are afraid of heights— so when Kathy & Tricia were hanging out looking at the top of the towers and down to the ground – it was all we could do to stand up. Then, the bells rang. We almost lost it… back to the ground- fast!
After the Church we went to look at the other Gaudi Buildings around Barcelona. Some look like mushrooms or hobbit huts. All curved edges. The architecture has such a contrast between the old and the new and more modern. The city is so clean and we think quite. We were wondering if there was a law against honking the horn? No one does it! We walked down the Ave de Catalunya—like the Champs Elyse in Paris with all high end stores. No purchases here – unfortunately.
Then on to the La Rambla area which is a large boulevard Street with everything from Flowers to Birds for sale. We stopped in a small gothic church – took in a quick Mass. Lite a candle and said prayers for every one.
We then stopped at the Boqueria. Which is a huge fresh market with every thing from fresh fruit to cow guts—ick and literally. We ate at a tiny place Steve Rick suggested: Pinaxito (?) cod salad ; chickpea with black sausage –very good-of course. Then on to Chocolates. Mare has really turned us on to the chocolate with sea salt…if you have not tried this—it is a must! Tricia and Kathy got a piece- said it was great—popped the last bits into their mouth! No sharing there. (of course we had to dash off immediately to get our own…why did we think we could go without? Kathy & Tricia had seconds)
Denise and I went back for a siesta. Kathy and Tricia found the Bari Gothic area and a quite plaza outside the Santa Maria Del Mar. They wandered around and found a good tapas area where we joined them for a bottle of wine and a good dinner. Since we are rating the wine- this got the- just ok sign from Denise.
Friday is St Jorge Day—lots of the shops are preparing for this national day which is like St Valentine’s Day.
Tomorrow: early morning to Montserrat--- metro,train,cable car, funicular… up by 0600- out by 0700
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday-Tuesday Arrived - all is good
Great Flight to Barcelona, no problems at all. Weather was great, sunny all day. We arrive, had a quick breakfast while look at the beautiful sea. Then a power nap. Denise stayed behind to lounge by the pool. We went off to the on/off bus. Our favorite place was the National Museum of Arts. Kathy took a good naked butt picture here--- apparently (Tom)has a thing for that while traveling.
Back to get Denise for Tapas… we went to Tapas 24…had asparagus—not as good as Ken’s. Thumbs up on the bottle of wine, bread with tomato and olive oil..prawns with their hairy heads attached --- too dainty for that!
Then Chocolate with sea salt and olive oil--- OMG!!!! He initially brought only a tapas of 3 – no senor—uno dos tres quarto ladies here—back for another—they were crazy yummy. Kathy had us try Crème de Catalan… good – like a creme Brule…but less… creammy..that was after she took a few dozen napkins for a souvenir!
Then with energy from wine and chocolate to the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) church.. .when we got out of the metro everyone said oh wow… it looked like a melted church.. more to follow
11 pm here and we have a “scary” day of running ass planned for tomorrow
Back to get Denise for Tapas… we went to Tapas 24…had asparagus—not as good as Ken’s. Thumbs up on the bottle of wine, bread with tomato and olive oil..prawns with their hairy heads attached --- too dainty for that!
Then Chocolate with sea salt and olive oil--- OMG!!!! He initially brought only a tapas of 3 – no senor—uno dos tres quarto ladies here—back for another—they were crazy yummy. Kathy had us try Crème de Catalan… good – like a creme Brule…but less… creammy..that was after she took a few dozen napkins for a souvenir!
Then with energy from wine and chocolate to the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) church.. .when we got out of the metro everyone said oh wow… it looked like a melted church.. more to follow
11 pm here and we have a “scary” day of running ass planned for tomorrow
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