And we're walking...

with grandma at the aquarium

Grandma resting with Rascal

view of Ruotolo's at lunch at Port Vell from above.

And so we're starting backwards because I have yet to figure out this new Blog photo upload. I used to have to go backwards in time to have them upload correctly apparently that is no longer the case...and that is not what you came here to hear about. We've had a fabulous few weeks of visits from family. Visits from Family means I get to don my tourguide hat and hold aloft the plush flower that indicates everyone needs to follow me and listen to what I say. Finally! (grin, maybe that is why I like it so much)...alas, I do not really have a plush flower that we see so many tourguides walking around with...nor much to my children's pleasure do I hold up an umbrella either. Mostly because I'm rather close to my tour subjects in that they

 know me rather well, what we us being related and all. We spent the last week with Nick's Mom and Sister. It is always a quick week when they come to visit...almost always over before we know it. The kids had a busy week with their activities but we were able to squeeze some fun family time at the Aquarium and then had lunch on the water.

Alexa and Aunt Mo

 The week before Mom and Maureen showed up. My Mom and her two cousins, Linda and Lorraine came to visit. They graciously brought Jessica's weight in American Candy for our Halloween party. More about that later. It was the second time that Linda had been to Barcelona, once before for a day after a cruise...and Lorraine's first time. So, we pulled out all the stops and showed them the fabulousness that we've grown accustomed to...

in front of the Boquieria

in front of the umbrella building on the Ramblas

 We toured the Gothic quarter, walked the Ramblas, sent them on not one but two of the bus tours...and even got in a day trip to Girona.

 We toured the Palau de Musica, a Catalan Modernista Choral auditorium then went to a restaurant in a Gaudi building, Casa Calvet, for lunch. We found out by reading the history on the menu that the knockers on the door were crosses that struck bedbugs, the universal symbol of evil. Who knew that even in the early 1900's people hated bedbugs...although it does make sense when one thinks about it. But the universal symbol of evil...that is rather harsh.

bed bug knocker

Palau de Musica

bed bug=EVIL

Jess helping play tourguide

Girona

on Eifle's bridge

inside casa Batllo

  All these pictures are scrambled...

Three beauties on Passieg de Gracia

Breakfast in Sant Cugat

More Girona

Breakfast in Barcelona

Grandma, Andrea and Aunt Mo

   We've loved having all the family around us. Sometimes it's easy in our day to day to forget how lucky we are to live in such an amazing city. There is so much culture and history, beautiful architecture and fabulous food. But more than that is the opportunity to make memories that tide us over until the next time we see each other. So, until we meet again, here's looking at you kid...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Americana in Paris

 The kids had their cultural field trip and Nick was away on a business trip to Paris. So I did what any sane female would do....I went to join my husband in Paris. He spent most of his time working. And while he was busy I wandered the streets of Paris...

I enjoyed taking pictures in the Jardin de Touleries and walking by the Louvre Museum. I wandered over towards Notre Dame and did some people and gargoyle watching...

I enjoyed getting a closer look at the gargoyles through the lens I didn't have the nerve to go up the stairs inside though.

After walking around Notre Dame I headed back to the hotel for a break. Nick had a work dinner as well. I went to a restaurant in the guide that promised authentic French cooking. I was seated with a fabulous family from Norway. We had a great conversation about the Art in Paris. I was so glad I didn't stay in and order room service. The next morning, Nick was once again working and I spent the day at the Louvre.

I found the perfect tiara for me should anyone decide to make me Queen...

and followed the tourists around to all the most popular pieces of artwork...

The line in front of the Mona Lisa was long and thick. I waited and waited to take the picture below hoping to get a better sense of the photo since the distance and bullet proof glass make it seem rather remote. But...it didn't help. She is beautiful but always leaves me feeling a bit let down.

Winged Victory is one of my favorites.

It was the day we found out that Steve Jobs had died. I found it so touching that people were laying flowers outside the Apple store.


Nick was stuck in work so I took a walk to the Museo D'Orsay hoping to see the incredible collection of Impressionist Artwork. Unfortunately those floors were closed.. I was able to see the Dancer though, as she was sequestered in a room we were not allowed to enter but could see through an opening in the hallway. It's funny that a statue in France can transport me right back to my Nana's house in Steelton where she had a replica. She never fails to make me smile.

Paris at sunset

I finally met Nick in time for a sunset cruise on the River Seine....it was incredibly romantic and a fabulous way to spend our last night in Paris...together at last.