Barcelona, Spain (11/15-18/14)

Barcelona, Spain

November 15-18, 2014

We arrived, checked into our hotel, Hotel Market, and then headed downtown. The main downtown area is a lot like the Paris, Champs-Élysées. Not quite as big, but just as beautiful. Check out the rooftop art created by Gaudi. Beautiful and whimsical. 

Stopped at McCafe and had coffee to warm up. The sun is warm, but the wind is very chilly. Lee tried macaroons for the first time  and he liked them. They were not as expensive at McCafe as the other bakeries. 

Barcelona Cathedral

Another beautiful masterpiece. When we arrived they were actually having their Sunday mass. The alter area was blocked off to visitors, but we were allowed to walk around and view the other monuments and art throughout the cathedral. Not as massive as St.  Peter's, but, oh so beautiful. They started building in 1298 and finished in 1420?  The steeple peaks are also amazing and decorated with gargoyles. That seems to be tradition with most of the cathedrals we have visited.

As we were leaving, an orchestra was playing Spanish music on the  cathedral steps.  The crowd was clapping, singing and dancing while holding hands and dancing in circles. There must have been at least ten or more circles. This went on for a few songs, then everyone joined hands and made one huge circle. In the middle a man was waving the regional flag within the circle. Everyone in the crowd was cheering and clapping including Lee and me. 

Then we left to check out the rest of the city. It was Sunday, so the larger shops in the main area of town were closed. We did some window shopping and then grabbed a late lunch. Found a cute mom and daughter restaurant with homemade and healthy organic food. Decorated very artsy and electric, with a cozy and tranquil atmosphere. They also served many oriental teas and infusions, but we chose wine and beer. 

Then walked back to the hotel, because we were going out later in the evening to see the lighted, dancing fountains in the square. Since it did not start until 9:30, we were in need if a nap before our next shift.  

Later we woke up and I was still battling a cold. Just wanted some meds, chicken soup and then go back to bed. We went to the market and bought a box of chicken noodle soup and some bread. No Campbell's or Progresso to be found. Also, picked up some meds at the pharmacy. Our hotel heated the soup and let us borrow some dishes. Soup was not  that good, but it worked so did meds. Slept like a baby. 

Barcelona and the Mediterranean

The next day we headed for a different part of town. Wanted to check out the beach area. It was a hike, but the sun was shinning and it was warmer. People everywhere, roller blading, skate boarding, roller skating, and people just having a good time.  We reached the marina and there were so many beautiful sailboats and huge yachts. There was a lot of art displayed leftover from the 92 Olympics. Street vendors were everywhere. We tried fresh squeezed orange juice, pralines, homemade potato chips and cheese. Lee also had a beer. Then we checked out the "W Hotel". Pretty amazing. Lee did not believe the the "W" stood for whatever, until we walked in and there was a sign on the concierge's desk that said "whatever"! It works if you have money to pay for the "whatever"! Time for the sunset, but the yachts were so big, they blocked the sunset. Got only one good pic. 

The next day we headed and were determined to find the fountains. Our desk manager gave us directions.  So we walked and walked, but did not find the fountains. We did find an outside, multi level flea market. Very cool. The rooftop was like mirror image and when looking upward to the roof you could only see a mass of people upside down. Walked in and oh my. So many people and so much "stuff". You name it and they had it. From used to new, antiques to junk. People were buying things right and left and a rolling cart was mandatory. Watch your toes. Some of those people were serious shoppers. 

Later we were walking and found a huge arena. It looked like a bull fighting arena from the outside. It was built for an arena, but bullfighting fell out of popularity after it was built. Pampelona is where to go for bullfighting. The city made a good decision to leave the 1900 appearance of the facade and then gutted the inside. Then they built departments stores, restaurants, cinema, cultural exhibits, concert hall, jogging track, a rock museum and a rooftop restaurant providing a 360 panoramic view of the city. 

It also included a scary overhang that you walked out onto a narrow, see through plank to an elevator. Pretty cool. Check out the pic. 

Afterwards, head home for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow we have an early train ride as we will be heading to Zaragoza. Three more days!

Around Europe in 80 days... 900 miles...10 countries! (11/20/14)

Around Europe in 80 days... 900 miles...10 countries!

November 20, 2014

Spain - Camino, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid

France - Paris, Cann, Normandy

Germany - Berlin

Netherlands - Amsterdam

Belgium - Brussels

Chez Republic - Prague, Bruges

Poland - Kraków

Hungary - Budapest

Switzerland - Genova, Milan, 

Italy - Sienna, Salerno, Almalfi, Rome

Today is a day where emotions are overflowing. We have shared so many exciting adventures since we left home, but today is a day for our last train ride, last bus ride, last time to visit the tourist office, last hotel, last day for pictures, last day for unfamiliar languages and last day for running around searching frantically for wifi or change for restrooms. 

After traveling throughout Europe, tomorrow we will board Lufthansa from Madrid and head for home. Home sweet home. We will be far away from Europe, but we will carry these memories and adventures close to our hearts always. We have been truly blessed and God has taken very good care of us. Lee has serious knee problems, but his knees have carried him through. Beyond that we have only had a few sniffles and a couple of blisters. 

I will spend a few days at Sunrise Beach, and then fly to Houston just in time for Thanksgiving. In December, will spend time with Regan and his family in Italy, then fly to Santa Fe to spend Christmas with Çassie.

Lee will spend Thanksgiving with his daughters in St. Louis and then drive to California to spend Christmas with his son and his family in California. In January, it will be income tax time for Lee. 

A new year is right around the corner. I am sure it will be another exciting year filled with great fun and adventures even if we travel no farther than our front door!

One more thing... Mr. Brenon, thanks for the memories! 

 

Madrid, Spain (11/19/14)

OMadrid, Spain

November 19, 2014

Checked into our hotel and headed downtown. Kind of melancholy, because tomorrow we return home. But today, we have one more day to enjoy being in Madrid. 

We find a great restaurant and indulge in tapas. It was delicious. Then, time for more shopping. Lee has a few more gifts to buy. 

The city is decorated for Christmas and bustling with people. The streets have many sidewalk entertainers including a maharaja band. So funny. They were drawing a big crowd too! What is it about those sombreros. 

Lee found great souvenirs, so shopping is done! Headed for train station to return to our hotel and we found a Dunkin Donuts. Grabbed some donuts for our early morning breakfast. Good idea. 

When we reached our hotel, we had a lot of work to do. Time to pack our suitcases for our journey home. We have lost a lot of things, but we have also accumulated a lot of things along the way. 

So we get to work, squeezing, arranging and rearranging our suitcases. Finally we are packed and ready for our 5:00am wake-up call. We decide on one last drink, to make a celebratory toast for completing our amazing European journey. So, here's to Lee and LaRae Walking the Way! 

Zaragoza, Spain (11/18/14)

Zaragoza, Spain

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

We arrived around noon, plenty of time to see some more stuff. We check in to our hotel, which is right in the middle of town. Great location. We decide to have lunch before we start our journey. A Chinese restaurant is near our hotel and Chinese soup sounds wonderful. We decide on the lunch special with choices for soup, rice, entree, dessert and wine or beer. It was our first time to have Chinese food while traveling. They even gave us a shot of sake. The meal was delicious!!!

Then to the Our Lady of the Pillar Bascillia.  This was completed in 1754. Oh my! So beautiful, but different from other cathedrals we have toured. It is not gaudy, but it has an understated beauty throughout. Bad news, No Photos. But no one was abiding by that rule. So we have a few to share.

A little history... This church was bombed during the Spanish Civil War (1936), but the bombs did not explode. They are displayed on one of the cathedral walls. Also, the holes where they entered the church are still visible and untouched. Amazing. Also, one chapel is designated to the Virgin Mary. Her statue is only about 14 inches high, but the pedestal where she stands is tall and adorned with fancy skirts that fit around the pedestal. She is dressed with a different skirt everyday. They are all handmade and very beautiful. There is also an opening exposing the pedestal chapel on the other side and you can kneel and receive a blessing from the Virgin Mary. 

We walk to the bridge in search of an albergue where our Camino friends, Pam and Steve, volunteered. We found it, but this was not their albergue. So, we walked back to town to see the rest of Zaragoza 

It is a beautiful town with great shopping from big stores to boutiques. Picked out a couple of small things I would like to bring home. The night was getting much cooler and Lee needed some great European coffee to warm up. Found a cool restaurant with prosciutto hanging everywhere. Also there were professional carvers on hand to slice your delicacy. They also had a a and a cheese tray with strawberry preserves. Yum. Then we had dessert. The lemon cake was so delicious. Will miss walking around and enjoying the different cities on foot. When we return home it will be back to traveling by car. 

Tomorrow we are headed to Madrid and will fly home from there. :-(

Rome, Italy (11/12/15)

Rome, Italy

November 12-15, 2014

We arrived in Rome. We are not counting down the days, but we are counting down the days. We stayed at another B & B, FloweRome. Very nice. Since it was early evening, we decided to venture out and see some sites.  We took a bus to the area that was suggested by our hotel manager.  Our first stop was Altare Della Patria. This is a beautiful monument that was built to honor their King.  Building started in 1885 and was dedicated in 1925. Unfortunately it was closed, so we will return tomorrow for the tour.  

Then we walked around,did some shopping and hung out in the square.  While we were there we watched an amazing artist and he was creating art with spray paint. Also, there was a guy creating shadow images with his body and fingers. Actually, pretty clever. Then we spotted a cute Italian restaurant, it was packed and we were hungry. Yum. Lee had spaghetti and I had homemade lasagna. Can't go wrong with homemade lasagna. We ordered a bottle of wine and chatted with our table neighbors. A cute couple that just got engaged.  Listen to this... He is from Tennessee, but grew up in Dallas, she is from Germany. They met while going to school in England.  Now they live in Rome, and work for a global non-profit organization. Their dilemma... Where to get married? Maybe have a Skype wedding?

When we were ready to leave, guess what? It was pouring down rain and we did not have an umbrella. Had to buy one more umbrella before we headed home. Yes have been blessed with umbrellas, even though now we only have three.

The Vatican

Today we woke up to a beautiful sunny day in Rome. I am so excited because today is the day for the Vatican, St. Peter's Bascillia, The Vatican Museum and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. When we arrived the line was very long, but we decided to stand in line since it was a sunny day. Only took about 45 minutes to enter.  Then while outside we started taking pics. I wanted to get a good pic of the guards.  So I walked over to get a closer shot. After pic, went to join Lee.  I was stopped by two of the Vatican security guards and not allowed back into the Vatican. I had crossed over a line that allowed no return. I never saw the sign, because was I so excited about getting a good pic of the guards. I saw other people taking pics too. I told them I was with Lee and we had stood in line to get in. I did not understand the problem since it was a free event. So I tried to go around them. One guard left and returned to his post, but the other guard was in my face and blocking me from entering. Lee said she is with me and we just got here He did not care. I thought he was kidding. Seriously. He threaten to get the police and I said go ahead, that might be better. Told him I did not know I was doing anything wrong and I was just trying to get a picture of guards. Finally the other guard walked over and said let her go. Finally he let me pass.  Never want to go to jail, especially in Europe. I really think he was a little too assertive.  They need to work on capturing the pickpockets and not little old ladies!

Anyway, we went in the Basilica and it was truly amazing... beautiful, enormous and so ornate from top to bottom. Pictures do not even begin to describe the beauty. They were lightly playing sacred music in the background and even though it was a crowded, it's still felt very spiritual. It was completed in the early 16th century, but actually started in 1506. Over a hundred years! There were many architects, including Michaelangelo, but Giovanni Panini was credited with the painting of the Bascilia. It is one of the largest and the Pope still holds mass many times throughout the year. Sometimes viewed by as many as 15,000 to 80,000 visitors. Wow!

St. Peter. Everyone lined up to touch his foot. 

Vatican Post Office where you could mail postcards home. 

 I could spends days, weeks, and never tire of the beauty of these European historical creations. I am always puzzled how the amazing structure came to be. If I could go back in time, that would be the period I would chose. I want to see all of the workers creating such beautiful art under such difficult circumstances. Well to them it was probably not difficult, because that was the only way they could complete their creation. 

The Vatican Museum

Another truly amazing museum that is filled from top to bottom with beautiful works including paintings, sculptures, tapestries and of course the workmanship of the 54 galleries leading up to Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel. I did not see the "no photo" sign, so I was able to take a few pics. They do not come close to the actual colors in the artwork. The spiral staircase that winds up from the first floor is also a beautiful masterpiece from top to bottom. 

St. Peter's Bell Tower

On our last day in Rome, we went back to the Vatican so we could climb the tower.  There is a handicap elevator, but others must use stairs. For 7euros you could take a short elevator rise and climb 303 stairs or to save money you could pay 5 euros and climb about 300 more steps. We took the 7 euro route. The stairs were tiny and the passage very narrow. Not for the weak heart. No way to get down, but there were a few platforms for resting. But once you get to the top, it is beautiful. The birds definitely have the best view! 

Trevi Fountain

I was so excited about seeing this fountain. I still remember the movie and the song. All girls want to go yo Rome, fall in love and throw coins in the fountain. I was ready, but the fountain was under construction and would be for the next year. There were some visible parts and they made a path for visitors so we could throw in our coins and make a wish. Why not, it is estimated that 3,000 euros are thrown in every day. Wow! Well maybe next time. That was my wish. 

The Coliseum and The Pantheon

We visited the coliseum, but did not get to go inside. Did tour the ruins around the area. It is amazing that so many parts of early Rome are still in existence. They really protect their historical sites no matter how big or how small. 

The Altar Della Partia

Also known an Altar of the Fatherland.  Very beautiful and very large. We even got to go to the top for a birds eye view. This building is not that old as it was completed in 1925. It also contains the remains of an unknown soldier. 

Other Fun Stuff 

So many beautiful building and churches. We had some amazing Italian meals, pizza, and one vegetarian/pasta buffet. Sometimes you really miss veggies. Also, had a great time shopping in the smaller boutiques we found in some of the backstreet areas. Great street entertainment. Great hotel. 

Our buffet lunch. 

And desserts. Yum!

Not So Fun a Stuff

Lee had his pocket picked for the second time. We were at the train station headed for the airport to Barcelona. We were at the baggage claim and a young guy tapped Lee on the shoulder. He had his cell phone. He said sir you dropped your phone. We looked at each other puzzled, because I was behind Lee the entire way. Lee said thank you. Then the guy asked for euros. What a trick. They pick your pockets and since it was a phone and useless to him, he returned for money. Of course, Lee gave him a euro and the guy was off. The other time they took his billfold complete with 50 euros. I had mine picked outside Notre a Dame, but she only got my hotel card. Then she returned as if I had dropped it. She unzipped my side zipper and thought she would get money. Not on me. 

One day the transportation system was on strike, so we had to walk everywhere. We walk a lot, but we also use transportation when possible. That day we walked 13+ miles. We are ready to sign up with Sydney for a half marathon. Thank goodness it was only a one day strike since we were flying our the next day and needed public transportation to get to airport. 

Salerno & Almafi, Italy (11/9-11/14)

Salerno, Italy

Sunday, November 9-11, 2014

Salerno it is. That is as far down as we will travel in Italy. Then we will head to Almafi, Cinque Terra, Rome and then to Barcelona. We have a lot to cover and only eleven more days. 

Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny day that we could only experience from our train's big window. :- ) We traveled all day to get to Salerno. Boarded the train at 10:00am, then did not arrive until 5:30pm. We had a few changes and one stop allowed for an hour layover in Formia. We head outside and sit on park bench and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean. Lee picked up a couple of beers from the bar and we always have a bag of snacks. It felt so good to bask in the sun. Hope we will have more tomorrow. 

We finally reached Salerno and hiked to our hotel. Unfortunately, we left my backpack behind on the train. We immediately reported and had to complete paperwork. A lady tried to help with translation, but then she left and we were a lost cause with no translator. It was not just the backpack, but gifts we had purchased for the family in Sienna. Long story short, we never saw the backpack again. We have lost or forgot a lot of things along our journey, but with our travel agenda, it is to be expected. Except for the umbrellas... :-) Don't ask?

We had a great B & B. Very luxurious.  Our host was the best, which always helps. So we unpacked and headed downtown. Believe it or not, they were in full swing with their Christmas directions. Very beautiful and most big streets had different themes.  They were even playing Christmas music on the streets and selling roasted chestnuts. Then time to retire. 

November 10th

It was Monday, so we headed out to see the sites. We walked down to the waterfront and the view was so beautiful. Then we headed to the gardens. After we hiked and hiked, everything we wanted to see was closed. Then the rain moved in. Good time to get inside and have lunch. Need to shop for more gifts, since we are running our of time.

We were hoping to travel to Cinque Terre and Venice, but the forecast showed rain. So we decided to head out to Almafi. 

November 11th

Other than a car or boat, the bus was our only transportation. It was only an hour ride, but oh what a ride. Lee described it as treacherous, scary and unbelievable. The road was very narrow and very curvy. If we were going around a curve, the bus driver would toot his horn. That was a signal to the other side to let them know a big bus was coming. If they did not stop on time, we would have to wait for all cars to back up so we could complete our turn. Visa versa... If it was a bus coming in the other direction. Crazy. We felt sure that the driver was deranged to accept that assignment. 

But when we arrived, it was absolutely beautiful. The Mediterranean was on one side the mountains on the other side. It was a small quaint town and we enjoyed walking through the street. We also toured the the Almafi Cathedral. This is the cathedral that honors St. Andrew and it houses his remains. 

Lemoncello shop. 

Just a cute store. 

Almafi in miniature. 

We shopped and then had a great Italian lunch at one other many sidewalk cafés. We could not have asked for better weather. After lunch, we rode the bus back to Salerno. Just as much fun going home. Then we jumped on a train and headed for Sorrento. We arrived at the same time the rain arrived. Of course, we were prepared. We have been blessed with so many umbrellas along the way. We shopped and toured the city. Cute small town, then in search of dinner bit was raining, but not too cold so we sat outside and enjoyed some more Italian food and red wine. Then time to head home. No time for Naples. 

Tomorrow we are headed to Rome!

Sienna, Italy (11/7&8/14)

Sienna, Italy

November 7 & 8, 2014

Another 14 hour train ride with too many changes to count. We did not have a sleeper train since we started traveling early in the afternoon. We arrived in Sienna around midnight dead tired. We do not have a hotel reservation. We had one in Sienna for the night before, but due to travel issues, we were unable to keep the reservation. So now it is midnight, everything is closed at the train station. The city is dark and no one is around. Thank goodness there is one taxi. He takes us to the hotel and lucky for us they have one room and it is a suite. A little more than we had hoped, but it was great and with two big rooms so we could decompress. We opened the windows and the night air was so cool. Also had a tiny bathtub, but not too tiny for me. Took a hot bubble bath and soaked for a long time. Enjoyed a wine from the mini bar. Expensive, but needed! What a day!

Our hotel. 

View from our hotel window. 

We did not set the alarm, because we needed some sleep.  After we woke up, went down for a yummy breakfast. Another hot bath for me, then we hit the streets. Sienna is a beautiful small town. The shops were amazing, and the town was buzzing with people. This is the first time we did not have an agenda. We leisurely strolled up and down the small brick streets. I think we both needed a day of nothing. We did need to do some shopping for some things we needed before we head home. One thing we needed was a big suitcase for Lee's backpack. Too heavy to carry, because we keep accumulating things along the way. Found one that was perfect. Now we think we need a smaller one for my backpack. We will not know how to act without being attached to our backpacks. We have been attached for over two months! Then more shopping. Having so much fun. 

Time for lunch. Found a great restaurant where everything is homemade. I settled for vegetarian pizza and lee had veggie pasta. We ordered chianti that was wonderful. Really nice staff too! We finished and then needed to take items we purchased to our room. I decided I wanted to take a nap. Lee wanted to do more shopping. I was still asleep when he returned three hours later. I really needed a nap to catch up on lost sleep. 

Then we walked around the backstreets of town. Shops were quaint and smaller. We were still not in a hurry. Also, started looking for a place to have dinner. We found a small restaurant owned and operated by a three generation family. From where I was sitting, I could see the family cooking in the kitchen. The food was delicious!

Then we returned home, needed to make better use of our time tomorrow. There is a lot to see and do in Sienna. 

November 8, 2014

Slept until almost 9:00am. Yea! Then we went down for breakfast. Love this service. Our hotel had no rooms available for today, so we had to change hotels. We found one the day before and it was right in the middle of town and less expensive.  So we moved our things and headed out to check out the sites.  

First stop,  Basilica of San Domenico also known as Basilica Cateriniana. The church was originally built in the early 1200's, with renovations being made in the 14th and 15th century. The church is named for St. Catherine of Sienna and contains many of her relics. The chapel also houses her decapitated head and thumb. From an early age she vowed to give her life to God and do good things to help other people. She did just that.  

Next stop, Sienna Opera Della Metropolitan Complex.  This complex includes The Cathederal, the Baptistry, The Crypt, The Opera and The Library. This cathedral is amazing from the mosaic flooring to the beautiful ceilings and yet different from any other we have seen. Every chapel and every room is adorned with masterpieces. The Cathederal was built with black and white striped marble. This is striking. The arched ceilings are painted blue with gold stars. The mosaic tile covered the entire cathedral. 

After viewing the entire complex, we climbed up thousands of stairs, well maybe not thousands, but it seemed like it. The stairs were spiral and very small. Only one way up and one way down. If someone needed to pass, you had to hug the wall so they could go up or down. The view of the town was definitely worth it. 

We had worked up an appetite and we were still craving some more Italian food. we found a restaurant with homemade lasagna. It was great. Then we went in search of some decadent dessert or gelato? We settled on almond cookies and hazelnut chocolates. Then we returned to our hotel. Now that we have new suitcases, time for some much needed re-organization. Then needed to make plans for tomorrow. Will it be Rome, Prussia or Salerno? What an adventure!!!

Genova to Milan to Siena, Italy (11/6/14)

Genova to Milan to Siena, Italy

Wednesday, November 6, 2014

Wow, yesterday was a little crazy. We were on trains for a little over 14 hours yesterday. Thankfully when we arrived in Genova, our hotel was right around the corner from the train station. It was after midnight before we got in bed.  Did not want to wake up when the alarm went off at 7:30. But we had places to go and people to see. We were going to Milan even in the rain. 

This was a city that was always on our list. Our first stop The Museum Cenacola Vinciano to see the famous painting by Leonardo Di Vinci "The Last Supper". We had a few hours to kill after we got our tickets, so it was off the the Duomo Di Milano Cathedral. 

Of course, it was absolutely massive and amazing. You know I always wonder why they built such majestic and over-sized cathedrals, when it was so time consuming. Considering the  expense and the time involved, you might think they would build something smaller and less elaborate.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad that went to the extra trouble! Most cathedrals might charge an entrance fee and have a charge for the audio tour, but thy did not. As it should be!

After the cathedral, we jumped on a train and headed back to the museum. The painting was so beautiful and it really set off quite a few emotions because we know what happened next. It was painted between 1494 and 1498, not on canvas, but actually on the wall.  He was able to capture the emotions in the apostles facial expressions after Jesus made the statement about the betrayal to be made by one of his apostles. Leonardo de Vinci was truly a genius and was way ahead of his time with his artistic ability and the machines he created. I wanted to sit on the benches and absorb the beauty, but there was another group that wanted to see the painting too. The opposite wall from the of "The Last Supper", there is a painting of the crucifixion. Can you picture two artist hard at work on their painting of the before and after life of Jesus in his last days on earth. 

Wanted to do some window shopping since Milan is a mega city for fashion, but we had a train to catch... again. We were headed to Sienna.

First class on the train is nice. They offered free wine and snacks. Yum. I needed that since we had to run to the train with our backpacks to make the train. Now for a nice nap before we arrive in a Sienna.