As always, I’m behind with pictures, now because we haven’t had good internet, or any internet while we’re in France. Please check back. I’ll get them posted as soon as I can.

Saturday, June 26: We said good-bye to everyone and headed off for Toulouse to send Sayana off on the train back to Montpeyroux as we flew to Paris for this final leg of our trip. We’ve loved the Chateau experience and I think all felt that we could have easily become permanent fixtures there.  Paris though is great.  We survived the  sensory overload coming through the train and metro at 4:00 in the afternoon after life in the country, even managing to easily find our small hotel without knowing the address at all.

Friday, June 25: We filled up the day with swimming, reading, packing, and lounging about without even leaving the property, other than a morning bakery run that didn’t include a stop at the internet shop only because the internet shop was closed for the day.

Thursday, June 24: This was supposed to be our day to head off hiking in the Pyrenees, but Sarah wasn’t feeling well so the rest of us bailed and walked the 6 km through back roads and trails to Lembeye for the market and a mid-day meal. She slept in an joined us in town.  Walking the backroads here is amazing. There is almost no traffic ever and the scenery is gorgeous.

Wednesday, June 23: It is almost impossible to believe that our 10 months away are coming to a close.  We head home in exactly a week from today.

This morning we headed off to yet another market, this time in Marciac which is maybe better known for a large jazz festival once a year.  The markets here tend to be much smaller than the markets that we’re used to in Mallorca but still something draws us to visit each little town on its market day.  Its silly in a way as often the vendors simply move from town to town so they chuckle each day when the see Sarah showing up again and again.

In Marciac we stopped for a lovely lunch in the main square before heading back to the chateau for a very lazy afternoon of snoozing by the pool and reading our books.

Tuesday, June 22: This mornings market was in the closest little town, Maubourguet, so just a shorter outing.  I thought we’d be able to add in a trip to the internet, which suprisingly is free but we mostly missed it as the shop closes from noon til 2:00 for lunch. Robert and I arrived at 11:55 so only had a few minutes for a quick check.  I’ve been worried about my brother-in-law Eric in the hospital back in Calgary and so even the quick check was helpful.

In the afternoon we walked three or four kilometers down the road to a small winery for a tasting. We’re all happy to have the good weather finally back and so even though the walk was hot, it was a really delightful way to spend the afternoon.

Monday, June 21: Niki and Neil set off for a real bicycle adventure this morning, off to cycle one of the mountain passes famous on the Tour d’France. They head back from Paris on Friday and so we won’t see them on this trip again.  I was glad that it worked out for them to join us for a couple of nights.

For our outing, we hit the market in Mirande. This is a slightly bigger town, so also a slightly bigger market and a prettier town. On the way back we stopped at Tillac, a tiny medieval hamlet that is apparently sometimes used for filming.

Sunday, June 20: Perhaps inspired by Niki and Neil setting off for some serious cycling, the “children” set off on the old bikes that are here on the property while Graham, Helena, Robert and I followed on foot with M.J., the dog.  We were instructed to turn left out the gate and then follow the road, thinking the kids would circle back and around.  Later they did show up again to let us know that the village down the road, Lascazeres, seemed to be setting up for a village fair, inspiring us to  pick up our step and carry on to the village where we found an outdoor party getting underway. It seemed to be some kind of village fund raiser.  We got in on drinks in the square but elected not to stay for a lunch which seemed a bit pricy though it sounded interesting with a duck heart apetizer.  Hannah tried unsuccessfully to get some young fellow to dance, then we headed home. This time just Helena, Robert and I walking, Graham, Sayana and Hannah on bikes and James, Sarah asnd M.J. in the car that James had cycled home to pick up.   The road sign as we left the village indicated that Vidouze was 8 kms back, so a good 16 km  round trip walk. We felt like we’d had a good day’s walk by the time we got home.

Saturday, June 19: The weather is not cooperating but we braved the rain and drove to  Vic-en-bigore for a market in the downpour. Luckily there was a large covered area for the food section although Robert and I were both disappointed to be rushed through the clothing vendor stalls around the outside.  In the food court we met the coffee vendor Sarah has been buying freshly ground coffee from and of course we had treats and even bought a 1.5 liter plastic bottle of wine straight from the cask.

When the rain let up later in the day we walked up to the Vidouze church and around this tiny little village that boasts 73 inhabitants purposely staying close to home as we waited for Helena and Graham to arrive on their way back from a week in Spain. They did finally land on the doorstep, shivering with the change in climate as they crossed over into southern France. It was hot and sunny on the other side of the Pyranese. Then after dinner Niki and Neil showed up.  They had phoned earlier, rained out from their bicycling plans.  So we have a house full which is actually really ideal in a place like this.  It is great to be here.

Friday, June 18: We packed up and headed for Vidouze where James and Sarah have rented a chateau for three weeks. We’re visiting them for a week, with James’ parents Graham and Helena joining us on Saturday.  Unfortunately we watched the blue sky of the morning turn to grey clouds as we headed north west, arriving in time for an all out downpour over the barbeque in the evening.

The chateau is on splendid grounds with several outbuildings: an old stone barn, complete with large white barn owl, stables, garage, covered basketball court which must really have been for livestock of one sort or another, a studio, (a.k.a. potting shed,) wood shed,  fishing tackle hut, and then of course the main house which is like a truly dignified but  elderly woman who’s beauty is still so very apparent, but worn and tired. Time and weather have not been kind. The chateau is enormous, full of hallways big enough for pingpong tables, of hidden cupboards, secret bathrooms and even a whole lost wing. The furniture is a mix of precious antiques, wooden beds with full headboards and footboards complete with horse hair mattresses, comfortable old wingback velvet chairs, wooden chairs, a magificent dining room table, spectacular old boudouirs, wardrobes and marble topped chiffoners or dressers, on one hand, and some tackier, newer stuff as well. Everywhere is chock-a-block full of stuff: old toys, clothes, a mishmash of blankets, old videos, magazines, battered old computer equipment, baskets, lamps, and even a pair of old mallorcan slippers in an upstairs bedroom closet. Up the open, dark, paneled spiral staircase from the second floor is the landing of the attic, with three dark wooden doors. One is locked, the other two open into small rooms, one an old bedroom and the other a tiny storage area where boxes of carefully penned letters dating back into the 1800’s are surrounded by old manicans in outrageuos and outdated costumes.  We don’t know much about the history of the place except that it dates back into the 1600’s. Spooky and very, very cool all at the same time.

Friday, June 25:

Thursday, June 24:

Wednesday, June 23: It is almost impossible to believe that our 10 months away are coming to a close.  We head home in exactly a week from today.

This morning we headed off to yet another market, this time in Marciac which is maybe better known for a large jazz festival once a year.  The markets here tend to be much smaller than the markets that we’re used to in Mallorca but still something draws us to visit each little town on its market day.  Its silly in a way as often the vendors simply move from town to town so they chuckle when the see Sarah showing up again and again.

In Marciac we stopped for a lovely lunch in the main square before heading back to the chateau for a very lazy afternoon of snoozing by the pool and reading our books.

Tuesday, June 22: This morning’s market was in the closest little town, Maubourguet, so just a shorter outing.  I thought we’d be able to add in a trip to the internet, which surprisingly is free but we mostly missed it as the shop closes from noon til 2:00 for lunch. Robert and I arrived at 11:55 so only had a few minutes for a quick check.  I’ve been worried about my brother-in-law Eric in the hospital back in Calgary and so even the short time was helpful.

In the afternoon we walked three or four kilometers down the road to a small winery for a tasting. We’re all happy to have the good weather finally back and so even though the walk was hot, it was a really delightful way to spend the afternoon.

Monday, June 21: Niki and Neil set off for a real bicycle adventure this morning, off to cycle one of the mountain passes famous on the Tour d’France. They head back from Paris on Friday and so we won’t see them on this trip again.  I was glad that it worked out for them to join us for a couple of nights.

For our outing, we hit the market in Mirande. This is a slightly bigger town, so also a slightly bigger market and a prettier town. On the way back we stopped at Tillac, a tiny medieval hamlet that is apparently sometimes used for filming.

Sunday, June 20: Perhaps inspired by Niki and Neil setting off for some serious cycling, the “children” set off on the old bikes that are here on the property while Graham, Helena, Robert and I followed on foot with M.J., the dog.  We were instructed to turn left out the gate and then follow the road, thinking the kids would circle back and around.  Later they did show up again to let us know that the village down the road, Lascazeres, seemed to be setting up for a village fair, inspiring us to  pick up our step and carry on to the village where we found an outdoor party getting underway. It seemed to be some kind of village fund raiser.  We got in on drinks in the square but elected not to stay for a lunch which seemed a bit pricy though interesting with a duck heart appetizer.  Hannah tried unsuccessfully to get some young fellow to dance, then we headed home. This time just Helena, Robert and I walking, Graham, Sayana and Hannah on bikes, and James, Sarah and M.J. in the car that James had cycled home to pick up.   The road sign as we left the village indicated that Vidouze was 8 kms back, so a good 16 km  round trip walk. We felt like we’d had our fill of exercise by the time we were back home.

Saturday, June 19: The weather is not cooperating but we braved the rain and drove to  Vic-en-Bigore for a market in the downpour. Luckily there was a large covered area for the food section although Robert and I were both disappointed to be rushed through the clothing vendor stalls around the outside.  In the food court we met the coffee vendor Sarah has been buying freshly ground coffee from and of course we had treats and even bought a 1.5 liter plastic bottle of wine straight from the cask.

When the rain let up later in the day we walked up to the Vidouze church and around this tiny little village that boasts 73 inhabitants, purposely staying close to home as we waited for Helena and Graham to arrive on their way back from a week in Spain. They did finally land on the doorstep, shivering with the change in climate as they crossed over into southern France. It was hot and sunny on the other side of the Pyrenees. Then after dinner Niki and Neil showed up.  They had phoned earlier, rained out from their bicycling plans.  So we have a house full which is actually really ideal in a place like this.  It is great to be here.

Friday, June 18: We packed up and headed for Vidouze where James and Sarah have rented a chateau for three weeks. We’re visiting them for a week, with James’ parents Graham and Helena joining us on Saturday.  Unfortunately we watched the blue sky of the morning turn to grey clouds as we headed north west, although it was still nice enough to give us time for a great stop in Carcassonne, an excellently preserved medieval town town straight south of Toulouse.  This town has the castle that is thought to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle. We didn’t go right in to the inner part as the 8.50 euro price seemed a bit steep for a short visit, but the old town, also within a castle wall around the inner castle is free and well worth the visit.  From there we headed on to  Vidouze in time for an all out downpour over the barbecue in the evening.

The chateau is on splendid grounds with several outbuildings: an old stone barn, complete with large white barn owl, stables, garage, covered basketball court which must really have been for livestock of one sort or another, a studio, (a.k.a. potting shed,) wood shed,  fishing tackle hut, and then of course the main house which is like a truly dignified but  elderly woman who’s beauty is still so very apparent, but worn and tired. Time and weather have not been kind. The chateau is enormous, full of hallways big enough for pingpong tables, of hidden cupboards, secret bathrooms and even a whole lost wing. The furniture is a mix of precious antiques, wooden beds with full headboards and foot-boards complete with horse hair mattresses, comfortable old wing-back velvet chairs, wooden chairs, a magnificent dining room table, spectacular old boudouirs, wardrobes and marble topped chiffoners or dressers, on one hand, and some tackier, newer stuff as well. Everywhere is chock-a-block full of stuff: old toys, clothes, a mishmash of blankets, old videos, magazines, battered old computer equipment, baskets, lamps, and even a pair of old Mallorcan slippers in an upstairs bedroom closet. Up the open, dark, paneled spiral staircase from the second floor is the landing of the attic, with three dark wooden doors. One is locked, the other two open into small rooms, one an old bedroom and the other a tiny storage area where boxes of carefully penned letters dating back into the 1800’s are surrounded by old mannicans in outrageous and outdated costumes.  We don’t know much about the history of the place except that it dates back into the 1600’s. Spooky and very, very cool all at the same time.

Thursday, June 17: The weather is still not cooperating so we decided that today was a good day to explore more countryside by car. The country side is so varied and pretty. We drove up the D-9 to Cirque de Navecelles and then back by Ganges.  In the evening Hannah and Sayana again cooked us dinner, this time at Rebecca and David’s where we also watch the French vs Mexico soccer game.  It was a lovely way to wrap up our time in Montpeyroux.

Wednesday, June 16: We head home in two weeks from today.

Explored a great market in Clearmont-LHerault in the morning and then had a lovely hike with the girls in the afternoon. Hannah and Sayana had surprised us by buying a ton of mussels at the market so we had a wonderful feast that they cooked up for dinner.

Tuesday, June 15: Another unusually rainy day and “technically” Sayana’s last day of school.  I drove the girls in to Clearmont-L’Herault for their 10 o’clock french class which turned out to be a crepe party, and thus the reason that Hannah was keen to tag along. I went thinking I’d spend the two hours in the internet shop again but it was, for no apparent reason, closed instead of open. So I wandered again, asked at the tourist info for other internet spots, found the other one which was also closed, wandered more, shopped for an internet stick which no one had in stock and finally settled on a sole purchase of a map of the area where Sarah and James are. I enjoyed the time on my own.

In the afternoon we all drove into Montpellier to explore the historical center, which is all magnificently laid out with still that feeling of narrow alleyways while somehow being more open and airy. The buildings are very french, decorative and beautiful. There were lots of tourists, expensive shops, restaurants and, my highlight, a coffee shop with free wifi!

Monday, June 14: Hannah went off with Sayana to help wrap up Sayana’s second last  day of school, leaving Robert and I home alone so, as it was one of the few cloudy days we’ve had all year, we had a nice slow morning with a drawn-out coffee time and then went off in search of an internet café which turned out to be very hard to find. We weren’t successful in Gignac although we did venture in to a pharmacy to consult in French about a stronger antibiotic ointment for my jellyfish sting which is now two weeks old and continuing to get worse instead of better. In Clermont-L’Herault we stumbled on an internet store that was closed but opened later it the afternoon. So we wandered, explored, and had more coffee.

Later in the day Robert and I had a great power walk up to Arboras where we had a completely adorable conversation with Solange, an 88 year old woman who I think may have told us her whole life story.  She was so charming and sincere that neither of us had the heart to tell her we hardly understood a word of what she told us. In all honesty I was fascinated. This is a woman who has lived in Arboras all of her life. I would have loved to have been able to ask her so many questions especially after seeing the square less than 20 km from Arboras where the Captain of the French Resistance was assassinated.  I would have loved to have heard  her stories from the war time. I would have loved to know why she chose to never marry. I would have loved to know so much more.

Sunday, June 13: OK, so it is quiet but there is a rooster working just down the road. He starts at 5 AM and I swear that on his way to work he walks past a small kennel of yappy dogs just to get even with the rest of the world for being able to sleep in while he has to start his day so early.  The dogs of course go nuts.  And then the rooster gets going but clearly, he smokes too much. If it wasn’t 5 am I would have to laugh at his rather raspy cock-a-doodle-doo.

On Saturday evening Robert and I had walked out down the road towards the next town and discovered a lovely little road, the D-122, that seems to go up to nowhere.  So today after a quick market trip to Gignac, a small town about 8 km from Montpeyroux, we ventured out on a mini-road trip to explore the mostly one lane road which leads to Pégairolles-de-Buèges, a fairy-tale like mini-castle town. We stopped and climbed around and although there was absolutely nothing happening in the town, no restaurants, no tourist shops, no people out and about really at all, it was fun to climb up to the church square and then through the twisty, windy little pathways to a “grotto” where one can only assume that a tap has replaced an old fountain. The difference between here and these towns in Spain is that here there is much less of a feeling of the town having been captured or a huge need to be defensive, less of a feeling of the medieval building being about protection.

From the first town we drove on to St-Guilham-le-Désert for lunch. This is another beautiful old town, well preserved. Here in the main town square, the Gestapo assinated the captain of the French Resistance during the second world war.

In the evening we met Sayana’s “family”, Rebecca, David, Chloe and Gabriel over a delicious home cooked dinner at their house. A family friend of theirs, Joan, joined us.

Saturday, June 12: We’re loving it here. Our bedroom window looks out on a castle. It is so quiet at night that it is easy to just relax and get into being here. Hannah and Sayana seem happy watching endless reruns of One Tree Hill.

Today we hiked up, off the path, to the castle. It is much more impressive from afar but the climb up was well worth it. At the castle we actually found the path so did a less cross-country version of the trip coming down. The castle is currently being restored which is great to see. It would be fun to come back in a few years and see if it is open and/or being used.

Friday, June 11: I should have remembered about bad karma before I started in on the receptionist at the Eurico Hotel in Toledo when, as we checked out, she charged us an extra 3€ for touching the safe in the room, a charge that was not posted and that we were not told about. Hannah tried to remind me when she sidled up to the desk to suggest that it was time to go. So I paid and left, albeit in a bit of a huff, only to find that we lost our way when we tried to find the parking garage two blocks away.  Robert asked a parking attendant who proceeded to point us in the wrong direction, downhill. Ten minutes later, on our way back up the hill we met her again and she appeared a bit chagrin as she redirected us. This time to the parking lot. So we were on the road, still plenty of time before our flight, but our exit to the A-42 highway was closed. No problem as the N-400 appeared to have other exits back to it, which also didn’t exist. But still, no sweat because it eventually joined the A-2 also heading north into Madrid and closer to the airport. We were making good time I assured Robert. Then we stopped for gas on the outskirts of the city and I asked for directions to the airport. It was all clearly marked I was assured and it was except that we missed our exit to Terminal 1 and ended up at Terminal 4 where we had to pay a toll to get through, pick up a ticket and then exit and wind our way cross-country back to Terminal 1 where the rental car drop off is not well marked. Eventually we made our flight to Toulouse which was then delayed so that by the time we arrived, picked up our next rental car and headed out onto the circumnavigational route around Toulouse we were just in time for an all out, full-on traffic jam as everyone headed home, or out, in time to watch the France kick off in the world cup game. Eventually we made it to the A-61 straight through to, whoops and then past, the exit to Montpeyroux. I think by then our karma must have balanced out because the house we’re in is beautiful. A wonderful gas station attendant helped us find our way and even phoned the woman who was expecting us. Another young boucher flirted happily with Hannah when we stopped to buy a chicken for our late dinner. We met up with Sayana on the road at 9:00 at night. She looks great and it is great to have her with us now.

Thursday, June 10: Carrying on with the last full day of our road trip, we left the now cooled off city of Granada, thinking we’d head to Córdoba, but traveling in our usual slow fashion, leaving late meant that by 2:00 we still were only about 90 km from Granada, so we changed direction, got back on the highway and drove straight through to Toledo. All in all the road trip day was fun. We bought 5 pounds of cherries for five euros, stopped once for freshly squeezed orange juice and marveled at the millions and millions of olive trees growing throughout the whole region all the way from Granada up through to Toledo.  The air is deliciously thick with the smell from the trees. From time to time between the polka dotted olive tree farm landscape, castles rise up from valleys, or more often on the top of a mountain or hill usually with towns spread out like adoring fans below.  We took pictures from the car, including Castilla de La Mancha but only stopped at Luque where the tumbling down remains are inaccessible to the public, probably to keep rocks from falling on one’s head.

We arrived in Toledo with no map knowing full well that the old city is an unnavigatable maze where tourists should not bring cars.  The hotel where we had pre-booked a room was smack in the middle of the old city on the street  beside the main cathedral.  Robert and I had agreed beforehand that we’d risk it all so long as he promised not to get upset if I was unable to navigate us to the hotel.  To his credit he was amazingly patient and willing, too willing in fact, to give the narrow streets a try. I was the one who lost my cool when he enthusiastically ventured down a far too narrow, winding alleyway which dipped at a 45 degree slope down  around corners that looked like they dropped off over cliffs.  Hannah will willingly tell you the story of me crying in the front seat, covering my eyes and begging Robert to stop, back up and park anywhere. We eventually did drive to the hotel where they gave us a map and clear directions to a parking garage. What an ordeal!  The town itself, once we were out of the car, is well deserving of its status as a World Heritage site. This is a well preserved, unique town with an exquisite cathedral, at least two old synagogues and some museums.

Wednesday, June 9: This morning we were up really early to head off for our reservation at La Alhambra.  Our entrance time for the Palacios Nazaries was for 8:30 am but that meant being up the hill to pick up our tickets in time for entering the monument as it opened at 8. The rush was quite bearable though as La Alhambra was not only well worth the time and money to visit, but being there first thing in the morning before the onslaught of school groups and huge crowds made it that much more enjoyable.  All three of us took too many pictures but interestingly Robert and I found that instead of vista after vista, we were both drawn to more macro photos of the astounding patterns played out over and over again in the palaces. They are intricately woven into the plaster and the tiles in the walls, the woodwork in the ceilings and even the stones on the ground. The workmanship is splendidly detailed., including interconnected and complicated arteries of water flowing through the pools and fountains in the gardens, through the palace courtyards and dripping down into the pathways below. The gardens are colourful and well laid out, creating deliciously fragant corners tucked away from the crowds.  All brillianty designed. We were happy and content for a full three hours, which is good for us. We left without touring through Generalife and I’m sure we missed lots, but throughly enjoyed what we did see. Our preference is always to go slower, see less and take in more of what we do look at.

In  the afternoon I had an online interview for a job for next September at Queen Mary School back in Vancouver.  In the end I was offered, and I accepted the job which is both good and bad.  Good because it is a great job and it is nice to have that all settled. Bad, because “real life” is closing in. In a sense this is the first real marker that the end of our travels is almost upon us.

Tuesday, June 8: With regret we left Cádiz and traveld cross country to Granada.  The country is spectacular, dotted with a zillion olive groves, broken only by mountains sprinkled with little white villages, each one capped with a cathedral and/or a castle. We resisted the urge to stop at them all as we never would have made it to our destination.  The one that we did stop at for a picnic lunch, Olvera, was a gem.

Granada is fascinating too. Our hotel is right beside the old city but the charm here feels a little different.  This is a university town and it shows. Lots of young people on the street and even though we know it is packed with tourists, they seem to be soaked up into the whole charm of the place.  It feels truly like a place where people live.

Monday, June 7: On the advice of two Finnish people, Ari and Sari, whom we met at dinner last night, we decided to take the ferry to Santa Maria today. But of course, on learning that there was a market on Mondays in front of Corte de Ingles not to far from our hotel, we had to check that out first.  The market was huge, which meant we almost didn’t make it to Santa Maria but for three people who claim not to love shopping we did well at the market.

Sanata Maria was quaint with a huge old cathedral, yet another photographers paradise.  We were fascinated by the rookery of storks or white herons on the numerous peaks. We found a cool and seemingly well established restaurant for a late afternoon prawn feast.  The waitress deserves credit for being patient in explaining  and “holding our hands,” so to speak, though the process of buying our preboiled prawns from their store and then ordering condiments and drinks from the restaurant.  Most people seemed to know the drill but we were a little mystified by it all.

Sunday, June 6: We’re sorry to have missed Kim’s birthday in Mallorca. We hear that Rafa pulled of a great surprise party on Friday night.  That would have been fun too.

We gave up on renting a car in Sevilla and instead hopped on a train to Cádiz. It is beautiful here. Of course the weather couldn’t be better. It is hot with a lovely cool breeze off the water. The beaches are packed with Sunday bathers. There are fun, gorgeous waves breaking on the sandy beach. We have a huge, comfortable hotel room in the Puertatierra Hotel just only a few blocks outside of the old city. We couldn’t be happier.

Tonight we wandered into the old city and then back at sunset along the sea wall. We all love being here and wish we never had to leave.

Saturday, June 5: Yet another tearful goodbye as we parted with Jan at the Barcelona airport.  We’ve had a wonderful two weeks with her (and Terry).

We’re all a little ambivalent about  starting off now on a six day “road trip,” that is, six days of moving about, perhaps a new location every night. We don’t have it very well planned out as yet other than a hotel here in Sevilla in Santa Cruz, the old city.  The area is quite tiny but its almost too hot to go out exploring.  We tried to see the Cathedral and the Arsenal but everything was closing up early because of a holiday. After a late lunch we ended up back at the hotel and slept through the whole afternoon, thinking it would be cooler in the evening. At 7:30 we took a picnic supper down to the river where the few shady spots were still prime real estate.  It was hard to find somewhere out of the sun that was clean and comfortable enough to picnic. As darkness fell, it did cool off a wee bit.  We raced off to try to catch a flamenco show which turned out to be sold out. As we hadn’t really learned our way around very well we were a bit reluctant to risk being lost in the winding alleyways in the dark so we stopped for a drink at an outside café and then headed back to our hotel.

Friday, June 4: Today was Hannah’s last official day of grade 10. Everything needed to be submitted before 4:00 Vancouver time, so we left her at home while Robert, Jan and I went out to explore Mount Montjuic.  We thought we would check out the Miro museum, the gondolas and see whatelse there was to explore.  I remember Lynn recommending Pueblo Espanol though I wasn’t too sure what it was.  In the end we passed on the museum and the gondolas and just headed to the Pueblo. It’s an interesting “architectural museum” which is set up as an artesan’s village, or in other words a rather different sort of shopping center. I enjoyed the art shops, a few of the unique jewelry stores and two clothing shops. Back home we picked up Hannah and headed out too late for lunch, so we missed Jan’s chance for fideau.  She and I did our best to make up for it by staying out to browse the shop before heading back to our apartment for a before dinner drink with “Terry”.  It was a fun last day in Barcelona.  This is definitely a city worth coming back to.

Thursday, June 3: We did the walking tour through the Gothic area again. It was new for Hannah and Jan and this time a gorgeous, hot sunny day so well worth the second round.  Afterwards we went back to the Tapas place at the market for lunch but it didn’t live up to the reputation we had given it.  Sometimes it might be best not to go back.

Wednesday, June 2: Today we walked and walked and walked, creating our own Gaudi tour.  We passed by the Casa Batliô and then Le Pedrera.  We didn’t go in to either one, other than the tienda in Le Pedrera. From there we headed through L’Eixample district to La Sagrade Familia where we did pay to go inside.  It is clear that it is all still under construction which normally isn’t such a big deal but right now they are working on the floor inside the main cathedral and so the dust and the noise was really unbearable.  Even in the museum below it was pretty bad but I was amazed with the models of how Gaudi worked with hanging models to get the tension of the arches.  Amazing stuff.

Next we headed up to Parc Güell, only getting a little lost on the way.  Even a second time this park is amazing; such a lovely oasis in the middle of this bustling city.

From there we bussed home, stopping on Carrer de Blai for refreshments while Hannah went home to do some school work.  Later, on Spanish time, we went to the Kasmiri restaurant on Carrer Sant Pau for a repeat of the good curry meal we’d had with Sarah a couple of weeks ago.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010: Knowing that we’ll see Pacha in Vancouver in July made it a tad easier to leave Mallorca today and head for Barcelona.  Mallorca is such a beautiful, special island and we’ve made some very good friends.  Marta even made a special trip over to say goodbye.  It is hard to leave this time not knowing when we’ll next be back.

But we’ve arrived now in Barcelona. This time we’re staying in the El Poble Sec area, just a little off the main drag of the Ramblas but it is a little quieter and a touch more ethnic.  Quite nice actually. Carrer de Blai is just around the corner and it is a wide pedestrian only street with a number of small street cafes, great for strolling down.  After settling in to our apartment we headed out to wander through El Raval and Barri Gôtic where we stayed last time.  Of course we got all turned around but enjoyed the market stalls and hot waffles that we stumbled on as we searched out our way home.