Welcome to Barcelona

>
> All,
>
> I have arrived in Barcelona.
>
> I am happy to report that my trip was uneventful, sans dogs, racist
> little boys and misogynistic men who want to commandeer my window
> seat. I was the only one in my row and read two books and a slew of
> magazines. Regardless of the comfort of the seat, I cannot sleep on
> my back. I guess that is why I do not have a profession that requires
> me to be on my back (lmao).
>
> It was so exciting as the plane descended from the sky through a thick
> bed of clouds. The anticipation was palpable. It was a cloudy
> morning but as we descended and I saw the mountains on one side of the
> plane juxtapositioned against the water on the other side, it was a
> beautiful sight.
>
> The airport is absolutely beautiful. I have found that cities that
> host the Olympics tend to have the most state of the art airports. I
> got my luggage and proceeded to Immigration which was so
> anti-climatic. The lines were short and the guy looked at me for a
> quick second and looked through my passport and stamped it and I was
> on my way outside to get a cab. Taxis were plentiful and I jumped in
> one that took credit cards, unlike the cabs at Miami airport, where
> you have to pay cash in 2013. The hotel was about 20 minutes from the
> airport. It is located on the outskirts of Barcelona and has a
> beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.
>
> Marcia had already gone downstairs for her conference events, but her
> daughter Shahna is traveling with us, so she let me in. the room. I
> got myself together, went downstairs and looked around and then came
> upstairs to get some sleep. I told Shahna to wake me up in three
> hours. I remembered her saying to me at one point that it was time to
> get up. However, I am told that she attempted to wake me up many
> times and at one point I told her to go ahead and leave me. However,
> I have no recollection of these conversations. When I finally woke up
> after 2 p.m. in the afternoon and she recounted three conversations
> that we allegedly had, I thought this must be similar to being water
> boarded. I was so tired I would have admitted to blowing up an
> airliner or any building for that matter, just so I could get my rest.
> I finally woke up at 2:10 p.m and took a quick shower and got myself
> together. Prior to this trip, I supported the concept of torture but
> after my sleep deprivation, I think I may have to moderate my view
> somewhat. I am sure you can see from the aforementioned how this
> could be a slippery slope. As my father used to say, it's better to
> be safe than sorry.
>
> Shahna and I proceeded to walk 5 minutes to the Metro and took a train
> into the center of Barcelona, which took about 20 minutes. We came
> off at the La Rambla train exit and proceeded up the stairs from the
> subway station. By this time the clouds had dissipated and it was a
> lovely sunny afternoon. The temperature was pretty mild, probably
> high 50's and we proceeded to try to make our way to see one of
> Gaudi's works, for which there was no line, which was recommended by
> Konrad. It is called Casa Battlo. Some have said that this is
> Gaudi's masterpiece because it so perfects represents his aesthetic.
> The house is now corporately owned but is open to the public and what
> an absolute delight it is. They have hand held audio guides to make
> your visit more information and enjoyable. It took us about 1 ½
> hours to go through the house. I have attached some pictures for your
> enjoyment.
>
> It has been interesting interacting with the Spaniards. We asked
> questions in English and they answered in Spanish but we are able to
> figure it out. My lack of Spanish skills can be attributed to the
> worse Spanish teacher I had in 3rd form. After studying Spanish since
> age 3, at 13 I had the misfortune of being assigned to Ms. Silvera's
> class. She had the thickest Trinidadian accent and coupled with
> Castilian Spanish accent, one could understand that this was a recipe
> for disaster. Bad teachers can indeed destroy one's dreams. However,
> I have a wonderful app on my iPhone that has been assisting us with
> our Spanish. In any event, I hope Ms. Silvera is wondering around
> Purgatory trying to get into the pearly gates but is stuck because
> they cannot understand her accent. That is what is called poetic
> justice (lol).
>
> After our tour, we wandered along the main boulevard, which is called
> Passeig de Gracia. The street has some wonderful shopping and great
> tapas restaurants. Shahna and I stopped at one place, primarily
> because one of the offerings was Iberian ham bruschetta. I was
> channeling my $45.00 iberian ham bought at that wonderful Russian
> market in Miami, when Konrad was visiting. We had ham and cheese
> croquettes, cheese drizzled with a phenomenal balsamic vinegar and raw
> salmon with parmesan and olive oil.
>
> With out bellies full, we thought it best to go for another walk along
> La Rambla to walk off our tapas. While meandering around, we found
> this wonderful market, a picture of which is attached, which is where
> I guess people go to do their shopping, which had the freshest
> vegetables, meat, fish, fruit etc.
>
> It was then time to make our way back to the hotel. I am trying
> desperately to stay up as I do not want to wake up in the middle of
> the night. Shahna said she is tired but "DJ Next Level" has the jam
> box going with all of the latest sounds. This evening I am channeling
> "Don't Wake Me Up" by Chris Brown.
>
> Tomorrow we are off to take a half day organized tour of Barcelona,
> which includes a cable car ride. As many of you know, I suffer from
> acrophobia, which is a fear of heights However, at my age, one should
> conquer whatever fears you have, as the end is near anyway. What
> could be more spectacular than having the end in a cable car ride over
> Barcelona? Seriously, I am not ready as I cannot wait to get to
> Morroco next week for my night in the desert with the camel ride.
>
> Hope everyone is well. Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are.
>
> Besos,
>
> Liz
>
> P.S.
>
> Is it me but why do all Japanese tourists walk around with a large
> camera in hand?