Day 3: Barcelona, Spain

I managed to sleep until 4am so progress is being made!  If only I could stay up later then I think my sleep schedule would be great.  I really did not know much about Antoni Gaudi before coming to Spain.  I had seen pictures of his work so was curious to see it in person.  Today my first stop was to La Pedrera also known as Casa Mila.  They have a special tour called The Awakening.  It is a small group tour that happens before the museum actually opens.  Our group was only 8 people and the 8am start time was great for someone with sleep issues.  I went early and sat outside watching the locals go about their morning and admiring the buildings.

The tour started on time and was fabulous!  It was worth every penny (which was only about 10€ more than regular admission) and learned so much that I would have not if on my own.  The best part was the roof and the views . . .

The inside was impressive and was amazed at how large the apartments were inside.  On the interior bricks you could see hand prints and finger prints from the people who made the bricks . . .

I went back to the hotel for a quick breakfast before checking out and going to my next tour which was self guided at Casa Batllo.  Wow was it crowded!

Before I headed to the airport, I stopped to get a small snack . . . can your believe this only cost 4€ (about $5)?

The airport was interesting.  I checked my own bag, scanned my boarding pass for security, and no one checked my passport until I boarded the plane.  I am flying on a budget carrier called Vueling.  I had a difficult time purchasing a ticket for this leg of the trip, Barcelona to Amsterdam.  I tried direct with Vueling and would not accept any of my credit cards.  So I tried Iberia and same issue.  I finally resorted to Expedia and worked with no problem.  I was a bit worried what this  65€ (about $75) flight would be like.  The plane was here and on time . . .

. . . for 65€ (about $75) I was surprised.  I had a free checked bag and assigned seat.  There were no free drinks or snacks on board not even water but for 2 hours it wasn't a big deal.  I arrived on time and so did my bag.  What more could I ask for?  I made the quick walk to the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel connected to Amsterdam Schiphol airport.  It was a long walk but the best place to stay to position myself for the next two days.  My room was ready since it was so late so that was good.  I was excited about the view and being able to lay in bed and watch planes arrive and depart . . .

. . . I was also happy there was an executive lounge for drinks and snacks too.  Apparently it was America night because they had ribs and potato salad . . .

Day 2: to Barcelona, Spain

So me and Mr. Jet Lag started hanging out around midnight.  I just knew I would fall back asleep but that didn't happen so just got up around 5:45am.  It is going to be a really long day.  I have an early train to Barcelona today so guess it is good I am up and at it.  I arrived way too early, but I tell you European people watching is hysterical.  The Madrid Atocha (you should have heard me try to pronounce Atocha to the taxi driver . . . I was no where close to saying it correctly but thankfully he took me to the correct place)  train station is beautiful . . . even found a garden with a pond with hundreds of turtles inside the train station.

Of course the track you need isn't posted until about 10 minutes before the train departs so that makes it a challenge.  It was like the running of the bulls as soon at the number popped up.  They had only 1 line open but quickly opened 2 more when the line was super long and just minutes until departure.  I wasn't worried about finding a seat as they are all reserved but didn't want to miss the train.  I did not do so good picking my seat and ended up with the one seat that had a table and a person staring across at me.  At least the trip was quick as the train reached speeds up to 301 km/hour (about 185 mph) . . . it was fun to watch the scenery zip by so quickly.

Spain is beautiful!  Since I booked a seat in first class, breakfast was served.

It was so much better than the airplane food!  While I didn't eat it all what I did eat was not bad.  I grabbed a cab to the hotel and was exhausted!  Again, my upgraded room wasn't ready so just got a room . . . all I needed was a bed and shower!  When the elevator opened, I was taken back; where was I?

The hallway was so dark with black walls but thankfully the room was bright and waiting for me to take a shower and nap for about 3 hours . . . I am sure I will regret this later.  It was okay as my first ticketed activity wasn't until 4pm so a nap had me refreshed and ready to explore!   Man is it hot outside.  When I looked at the weather is said it was going to be in the mid-80s but let me tell you it feels hotter than triple digit Texas!  It was nice outside so made the long walk to Sagrada Familia . . .

It was the ONE thing I wanted to do in Barcelona and must admit I was a bit disappointed.  I found the outside much more awe inspiring than the inside.  It was crowded and the tower visit was a total waste.  It is magnificent but just didn't live up to my expectations.  It is still a work in progress and wonder if it will ever be completed? 

Don't get me wrong it is amazing but the crowds sort of hamper the enjoyment, and I am so glad I went.  The exterior is amazing and still a masterpiece in progress!

I did the Passion Tower which was an add on . . . while the view was good of the city . . .

. . . there really wasn't much else to see but glad I did it.  I also explored the museum in the basement that gave a great overview of the project but it was sure hot!  I grabbed a bottle of water and it was back to the hotel.  Some how I got on the wrong street . . . good thing I had a map and finally figured out my path back.  I wanted tapas and sangria for dinner and the hotel recommended Cerveceria Catalana which was less than a block away.  It was packed, but I really wanted to sit outside even if it was just a table for one.  I waited about 45 minutes but so worth it.  They only had sangria by the pitcher so had to order a small one which was a little too much.  The tapas were amazing with my favorite being beef tenderloin toast . . .

The beef was cooked perfectly and so tender it cut with a fork, oh and that pepper on top was melt in your mouth good.  It was so good I ordered it twice.  While I had little room for dessert, I ordered anyway.  Why not?  The recommendation was the bread pudding and man it did not disappoint even if it was a bit different than I expected . . .

It was a quick walk back to the hotel and ready for some sleep!  Hopefully tonight will be the night!

Day 1: Madrid, Spain

I have arrived in Madrid, Spain!  I am so excited to visit a new city.  I am tired!  The flight was really bumpy but was able to nap off and on.  I sat next to a kid that was about 7 and he drank about that many Coca Cola too.  He was good and never bothered me.  The food was awful!  Did I mention I am in Madrid, Spain?  It was weird to be here alone.  I grabbed a cab and headed to my hotel . . . I must admit all the emotions of being in a place that brings me great joy sort of got to me.  I don't know how to explain it but life in Europe is just different.  I miss it terribly and so excited to be here for a couple of weeks.  I was glad to arrive at my hotel as the taxi driver was a bit crazy and scared me.  When I arrived at the hotel my upgraded room was not ready . . . I just wanted a room so they downgraded me which was fine with me.  I wanted a shower and to drop my luggage so I could head out to explore.  The one way to beat jet lag is to get out and not stay in the hotel room because you will sleep!  Taking a nap is a total no no.

I decided I wasn't in the mood to visit museums so off I went to the Puerta del Sol area and was it hot!  I found a cafe with shade, outside seating and ordered me a snack.

Churros with hot chocolate, a cafe con leche, and fresh squeezed orange juice; too bad it was only a shot.  I just sat there and admired the beautiful buildings.  This one was amazing . . .

You know what it was?  Steak and Shake no joke!  I decided to try to visit the Prado Museum but the line was way too long and honestly the thought of a museum wasn't there so instead headed to the Real Jardin Botanico de Madrid (Botanical Gardens) which was beautiful.

Now I am trying to avoid taking a nap but when in Spain it pretty much shuts down for siesta time so when in Spain you must take a siesta.  It was a great siesta but made myself get up and find a cafe for a light dinner and to just sit, relax, and enjoy.  The last time I was in Spain (2003) I drank way too much sangria . . .  this was just as yummy and the jamon (ham) sandwich was so good too.

Now if you have read any thing on my other blog you know that I am a firm believer in signs.  I am always wondering if I am making the best choices in my life and if Sean would approve.  There are times that a sign will pop up and make me smile.  As I sat at the outside cafe listening to live music and thinking how lucky I am to be on this trip, I saw it!  How ironic that my sangria was delivered in a Guinness pint glass?  There is also the napkin with the squirrel drinking a beer too . . . two signs that made me smile for different reason and get a bit teary eyed too.  I realized it's all good . . . while I have had to deal with some very emotional situations in life, life is good and it will only get better.  It's all good!  I enjoyed the walk back to the hotel and had yet another amazing shower and was in bed by 8pm.

I can only guess what time I will wake in the morning.  Maybe the jet lag won't bother me!