Today started the same as yesterday. Pastry and tea in the train station. Back to hotel to gather our stuff and head out. We took the Metro and then the funicular up to Parc de Montjuic. Here we entered the museum of the art of Joan Miro. Bob is more the art lover than I am. But I will say, Miro is different. Not sure I can appreciate his vision. Oh well. We went through the entire place and then headed back to the funicular and the Metro to the Rambla.
We wanted to revisit the Cathedral but it was closed when we got there so we stopped at a lovely cafe for lunch. Found out that if you eat outside they add 20% to your bill so we ate inside where it was warm. I had a great salad and Bob had a wonderful cheese and ham open faced sandwich.
After lunch we headed back to the Cathedral and found out that they now charge you 6 euros to visit. So we opted not to enter but headed back to the hotel via the Metro. We both were tired.
Napped and then finally got up and went to the train station to find out we can get a train to the other station for free tomorrow. Cheaper than a taxi. Walked the roads and found a small cafe for a light dinner. Not the best dinner but then again, we were tired and trying not to over eat. So then it was a good thing. Back to hotel and bed. I wanted to watch the basketball game but it did not start until midnight our time. So I will wait until the morning to see who won. Not too many pictures as we were not allowed to take pictures in the museum.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Barcelona Day 2
After a great night sleep, we got up and dressed and headed to the train station for a light breakfast. Breakfast in the hotel is 15 euros each. Too much for just a pastry and tea. Then back to hotel where we gathered our stuff and headed to the Metro.
We started our day at Park Guell. Little did I know that to get to the park you need to walk or sometimes escalator up several levels. By the time we got to the top, I was toast. When there was no escalator, it was an incline or stairs.
The Park is so high that you get a great view of the entire city.
Bob went up to the very top while I stayed at the lower level. He said it was dangerous as there was no guard rail and kids running all over.
I don't think you can realize the size of this Church. It will hold 8000 people. The interior is now complete and PopeBenedict XVI solemnly dedicated and declared it a basilica in November of 2010. We were here the day before on the 6th of November and remember the city getting ready for the Pope's visit.
The rear of the church is of the glory of Christ.This will be the main entrance of the church and is not yet complete. The start of the building of this church was in 1882 and they hope to be finished by 2026. The Glory facade tells of the origin and the end of human beings and the roads which, according to Jesus' teachings, lead to personal fulfillment and glory. On the central door, made of bronze and 5 meters high, the entire text of Our Father in Catalan has been inscribed. So has the prayer "Give us this day our daily bread" in fifty languages.
You can see the difference between the Nativity facade and thePassion facade. This represents the passion, the death and the resurrection of Jesus. The sculptures and the door, done since 1986 are the work of Josep Maria Subirachs. This shows Jesus naked and most have him clothed with loin cloth.
We returned to the hotel to rest for a few minutes and then out to a local cafe for dinner of tapas and seafood paella, and red wine. Then back to the hotel and bed. I watched some Dancing With the Stars from Austria. They do not call it that and their judges are tough. I thought the one dancer I saw was pretty good and they gave her a 6, 4, and 3. And the one judge came out in a sequined jump suit. A man no less. Quite colorful. Too bad I could not understand one word they said. Lights out and bed.
We started our day at Park Guell. Little did I know that to get to the park you need to walk or sometimes escalator up several levels. By the time we got to the top, I was toast. When there was no escalator, it was an incline or stairs.
The park is some of the work of Gaudi. So when we walked down several levels, we came across some of his works. One of the most famous is that of the lizard. It was difficult to get a great picture of the lizard without someone sitting on it or next to it. There were lots of other people visiting the park as well as us. We were not alone.
We walked back down which was easier than up and back to the Metro to head over to the area of the Sagrada Familia. We were scheduled for a tour of this Church in the afternoon. When we got off the Metro, we found it raining so we headed to Burger King for a quick lunch. We stayed in Burger King until it stopped raining. And then we found out that we could not go into the church until 3pm. We walked around the Church and then Starbuck's to waste time.
This is the nativity facade. It expresses the joy of all creation at the birth of Jesus and recounts the main events in the lives of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Gaudi wanted to erect this facade complete to bear witness to the scale of the church as a whole.
I don't think you can realize the size of this Church. It will hold 8000 people. The interior is now complete and PopeBenedict XVI solemnly dedicated and declared it a basilica in November of 2010. We were here the day before on the 6th of November and remember the city getting ready for the Pope's visit.
The rear of the church is of the glory of Christ.This will be the main entrance of the church and is not yet complete. The start of the building of this church was in 1882 and they hope to be finished by 2026. The Glory facade tells of the origin and the end of human beings and the roads which, according to Jesus' teachings, lead to personal fulfillment and glory. On the central door, made of bronze and 5 meters high, the entire text of Our Father in Catalan has been inscribed. So has the prayer "Give us this day our daily bread" in fifty languages.
We returned to the hotel to rest for a few minutes and then out to a local cafe for dinner of tapas and seafood paella, and red wine. Then back to the hotel and bed. I watched some Dancing With the Stars from Austria. They do not call it that and their judges are tough. I thought the one dancer I saw was pretty good and they gave her a 6, 4, and 3. And the one judge came out in a sequined jump suit. A man no less. Quite colorful. Too bad I could not understand one word they said. Lights out and bed.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Barcelona, Spain
Thursday we docked in Barcelona. This is the end of the first leg of our trip. We had our last breakfast on the ship and then gathered all of our stuff and headed out. Disembarkation was painless. We were able to leave the ship when we were ready. Did not have to wait for our color to be called.
We got our luggage and then there were plenty of taxis waiting. We were docked right down town. Last time we were in Barcelona we stayed at the hotel where the ship docked. But this time we were staying by the train station. As it turns out, our train leaves from another station. Oh well, best laid plans etc.
We checked into the hotel and it is like a space ship. Will post pictures soon.
Decided to tour the city by Metro so bought our 3 day tickets and we were off. Lots of train transfers but we were able to do it as the Metro has lots of good signs. We walked the Rambla and visited the food market. Stopped for beer, coffee and pizza for lunch. The beer was so big we shared.
Back to the hotel for a nap and then off again this time to the Barcoletta area. Walked by the sea and then stopped for dinner of seafood. Then back to the Metro. By this time it was raining a little but not bad. We returned to the hotel, got some ice from the bar, and watched TV. Curling from Germany and then the last of the Yankee/Red Sox game in Spanish. That was the game from the night before as we are six hours ahead of the states.
We got our luggage and then there were plenty of taxis waiting. We were docked right down town. Last time we were in Barcelona we stayed at the hotel where the ship docked. But this time we were staying by the train station. As it turns out, our train leaves from another station. Oh well, best laid plans etc.
We checked into the hotel and it is like a space ship. Will post pictures soon.
Decided to tour the city by Metro so bought our 3 day tickets and we were off. Lots of train transfers but we were able to do it as the Metro has lots of good signs. We walked the Rambla and visited the food market. Stopped for beer, coffee and pizza for lunch. The beer was so big we shared.
Back to the hotel for a nap and then off again this time to the Barcoletta area. Walked by the sea and then stopped for dinner of seafood. Then back to the Metro. By this time it was raining a little but not bad. We returned to the hotel, got some ice from the bar, and watched TV. Curling from Germany and then the last of the Yankee/Red Sox game in Spanish. That was the game from the night before as we are six hours ahead of the states.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Wednesday we were docked in Palma de Mallorca. Mallorca is the home island of Nadal. But he lives on the other side from where we were.
Our shore excursion took us to Soller. This is about one hour drive from Palma. It is an older village with very narrow streets. The buses are not allowed so we had to walk from the highway into the center of the village.
We visited the Cathedral and then stopped for a coffee and milkshake for me. Not sure they understand the concept of decaf. So to be safe, beer or milkshake is fine.
We shopped for a while and found they have Hello Kitty world wide. Then headed to the train station where we took a scenic train ride to Son Reus where the bus met us to transport us back to the ship.
The train passes by olive groves all over the countryside and beautiful town and villages. This is a beautiful island. And we had wonderful weather. Bright and sunny finally.
Back on the ship for dinner, martinis and bed.
Our shore excursion took us to Soller. This is about one hour drive from Palma. It is an older village with very narrow streets. The buses are not allowed so we had to walk from the highway into the center of the village.
We visited the Cathedral and then stopped for a coffee and milkshake for me. Not sure they understand the concept of decaf. So to be safe, beer or milkshake is fine.
We shopped for a while and found they have Hello Kitty world wide. Then headed to the train station where we took a scenic train ride to Son Reus where the bus met us to transport us back to the ship.
The train passes by olive groves all over the countryside and beautiful town and villages. This is a beautiful island. And we had wonderful weather. Bright and sunny finally.
Back on the ship for dinner, martinis and bed.
Cartagena, Spain
Tuesday we docked in Cartagena, Spain. Cartagena is a Spanish Mediterranean city with more than 2500 years of history. The origins of the city are shown at the Punic Wall, which marks the foundation of the city by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Cartagena has been the capital of the Spanish Navy's Maritime Department of the Mediterranean since the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the eighteenth century.
As we have been very busy, we decided to turn in our tickets for wine tasting and do the laundry. It is not as if we have not tasted many wines this trip. I did two loads of wash only having to wait a little bit for the washer to be free.
After lunch and a nap, Bob decided to walk into town. I stayed on the ship to go with my needlepoint friends.
We were docked out here with all the sail boats.
During Bob's walk, he found most of the shops closed. He did find a Dunkin Donuts open and tried to get on line but the password was over 26 letters and numbers and one mistake is all it takes so he was not successful.
The buildings are beautiful.
We have been here before and was able to get inside the Cathedral.
We were docked out here with all the sail boats.
During Bob's walk, he found most of the shops closed. He did find a Dunkin Donuts open and tried to get on line but the password was over 26 letters and numbers and one mistake is all it takes so he was not successful.
The buildings are beautiful.
Just a great picture of our ship.
Tomorrow off to Palma de Mallorca
Malaga, Spain
Our shore excursion took us to the beautiful village of Mijas. This is about one hour away from Malaga. Malaga is the region's capital and a popular holiday destination. It is situated on Spain's Costa del Sol.
Mijas is a small village with homes all painted white. Every year they are required to repaint their homes. Our first stop was at the town center where we could refresh after the coach ride
This sign welcomes you to the village.
Bob had me sit on this bronze donkey. Good that they had little stairs so I could climb up and not make a fool of myself.
Lots of donkey carts you can hire to take you around the village
Next we walked to the Rock Church. This is a small Chapel carved into the rock. It sits up on the edge of the village.
The streets are narrow and only people. There might be an occasional truck but fairly safe for walking.
Every town or village, no matter how small, has a bull ring. We opted not to pay the 6euros to enter. So here it is from the outside.
Mijas is a small village with homes all painted white. Every year they are required to repaint their homes. Our first stop was at the town center where we could refresh after the coach ride
This sign welcomes you to the village.
Bob had me sit on this bronze donkey. Good that they had little stairs so I could climb up and not make a fool of myself.
Lots of donkey carts you can hire to take you around the village
Next we walked to the Rock Church. This is a small Chapel carved into the rock. It sits up on the edge of the village.
The view from the church goes on for miles. You can see the Sea from the Church
We then walked up to the center of the village where it is shops and cafes. We had wine and olives, cheese, and chips at a typical taverna. Then we had about one hour to shop. I tried to bargain with a shop owner for a soccer shirt but he would not budge and he did not have Malaga. So no shirts for me.
Every town or village, no matter how small, has a bull ring. We opted not to pay the 6euros to enter. So here it is from the outside.
A final view from the center of the village, lots of homes with pools. I don't think there was a poor person in sight. Only the wealthy. Such a life.
We then drove back to the ship, had lunch and the nap. Our needlepoint group has decided to meet without Laura, the Social Hostess. So about 6 of us continue to sew and drink. Some start early with cocktails while I try to stay with Club Soda although Amber, the bartender, says that is boring.
Dressed for dinner in Compass Rose. Good as usual. Then to cabin to read and lights out. During this trip we have watched two movies. I can't remember which night we started and when we finished but we have seen Butter, which you can forget, and Hope Springs, which was okay. Bob also watched Skyfall. The ship has lots of great movies in the cabin but we were usually too tired to start. And then we did want to watch some of the basketball games. But as we got further and further east, they came on too late even for us.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Casablanca, Morocco
This leg of the trip has been wonderful but it is difficult to keep up with the blog as every day we are in a different port and we do not have time to download the pictures and keep the blog current.
Sunday we were in Casablanca. We have been here several times in the past. Our shore excursion was an all day event.
Our first stop was to Hassan II Mosque. This is one of the largest Mosques in the world.
It sits right on the sea.
It was an overcast day with some drizzles. It made walking on the tiles rather slippery.
The following picture is of the lower area of the Mosque where the men wash. There are several of these fountains around the room. The large one is for show and the smaller ones in the back are where the men wash.
Back in the coach, we traveled to El Jadida. This was about an hour drive through the countryside. In El Jadida we visited a Portuguese Cistern and walked the old town.
The entrance to the cistern was through this arched area. We traveled down to the cistern which is no longer used.
You can see that some water remains, but when it was used, the room would be flooded.
The MacDonald's sign shows that they love chicken. I will need to edit this picture so you can read it.
And I just loved the car wash sign. Once we return to the city we were taken to a shop which we have visited twice in the past. So Bob and I hunted for a cafe with free wifi so we could check our mail quickly.
Sunday we were in Casablanca. We have been here several times in the past. Our shore excursion was an all day event.
It sits right on the sea.
You can see that some water remains, but when it was used, the room would be flooded.
We then drove to a beautiful gold club for a buffet lunch. The golf course was designed by Gary Player and is right on the coast. A typical links course.
On the drive back to Casablanca, we drove by two road signs that I found interesting. The first is a Micky D's and the second is for a car wash.
The MacDonald's sign shows that they love chicken. I will need to edit this picture so you can read it.
And I just loved the car wash sign. Once we return to the city we were taken to a shop which we have visited twice in the past. So Bob and I hunted for a cafe with free wifi so we could check our mail quickly.
This was a good day.
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