Welcome Wagon

The Four Cats Barcelona

I don't think we ever summarized this little evening.

Cool little spot in Barcelona, supposedly where Picasso and his friends used to hang out. Kind of a tourist trap now, but actually a good one. Cool decor, live piano, amazing food.

We had the lobster and mushroom canneloni where were amazing.

Then we had the baked cod fish. It was super soft and didn't taste fishy at all. I really enjoyed the seafood in Spain and I'm not a big seafood guy.

Maybe I liked it better cause it was smothered in cheese...

Landed at O'Hare

Ready to be off this plane. We got up 16 hours ago

Thanks Mom

We financed this trip with some of the money dad gave me from mom's 401k and life insurance policy. She was always looking out for us. We probably could have done something responsible with it, like put in in savings to save for a house, but we thought mom would approve of using it to see the world, spend time with each other, and enjoy good food and wine. We like to think you were with us as we laughed and enjoyed good Spanish wine. And I know, I know, Ireland /UK in 2014. We will get together with Mary and reminisce about your Ireland trip. 

Love, Eric and Shannon 

My Thoughts On Barcelona

Barcelona was a fun city. Less hectic than Madrid but had plenty going on. Deceivingly big, but you can still get from the beach to the mountains in a couple hours. We had amazing weather the whole time we were there, 70 and sunny - in November!

I loved jogging in Montjuic. Wandering the narrow streets if the Gothic district was entertaining. Raval was interesting. The views from Tibidabo were stunning. We didn't do a lot if them, but the few museums we went into were worth it. Great architecture and wide boulevards making for great sight lines. Good food and booze around every corner. 

Definitely felt different than the rest of Spain. Primarily because they spoke Catalan ahead of Spanish, but the lifestyle was also different. There seemed to be more business, industry, and fewer people drinking immediately after work. I guess I could call the city international, but really, it felt like it could be in the US (except the architecture). Very commercialized. Las Ramblas could have  been michigan avenue, but with more people hocking tiny helicopters. I saw more american chains here than the rest of the trip combined. Not that that's a bad thing, just an observation. 

Tons of tourist traps. Trams, flamencos, paella, 5 for 5€ tapas. It's as if they took everything they think Americans think about Spain and shoved it under one roof. Hop on hop off bus tours, overpriced trams when you can take the bus for half the cost. Tourism must bring a lot if money to the city and they try to milk every dollar out of us. Probably also felt more american because we hung out with Amanda and some of her friends and they all spoke English. 

None of this is meant as an indictment on the city. There are plenty of "local" things to do, just have to find them. I could see why it makes an alluring location for an American or Englishman. Be an easy transition from home, and the weather is obscenely nice. 

Vegetables?

We had a veggie panini for lunch. Didn't eat many vegetables in Spain. Bread, cheese, meat, and beer. 

Frankfurt Airport

Made it here. There were a lot of Asians on our flight. I think the Germans made them wait in the long line on purpose. 

I have 3 Frankfurt stamps on my passport, yet I've never actually been to Frankfurt. 

Shannon booked her flights with miles. I booked mine regular, so technically we have different reservations. Shannon has status with united so she gets upgraded to economy plus. On the way here they bumped me up to sit with her no problem. Not so easy on the way home. Never ask a German to break the rules. I thought Shannon was going to throw down with the lady at the counter. Eventually the third person we talked to have us seats together. We'll be home a scant 10.5 hours from now.