I am enjoying our side trips, even if they involve a bit of drama.  The hard part is acoming home and restocking the kitchen, doing the endless loads of laundry, catching up on the paperwork, bill paying, schooling, etc. 

Paris is a tourist draw and a beautiful city but it is our homebase and with that comes the day to day challenges.  Funny how they are always waiting for us.  I am learning to not "freak" when I come home to them but to ease into everything.  It will all get taken care of in time.  School wasn't so forced today either. 

I have endless errands to run but I am purposefully making a picnic lunch and we are going outside to enjoy this beautiful Spring day.  We will sit on a park bench next to our beloved neighborhood church, under a canopy of trees, eating our lunch and feeding the fat pigeons.

 

We made it home safely last night around 10:30pm.  I must say that if you need to drive 12 hours, Barcelona to Paris is the drive you want to take.  Honestly, it was one of the prettiest drives I have taken.  I felt for the kids, but they are champs and did amazing. 

The first three hours out of Spain and into France reminded me so much of California.  It was so nice to see mountains again.  Houses were perched on the side of hills with stucco exterior and I could swear that I was looking at homes in the Hollywood Hills.  A little further and the topography reminded me of Santa Barbara with it's rolling hills, cypress trees and vegetation.  We drove along the coastline in the south of France and the white caps and ocean reminded me of the Pacific ocean. 

Driving further into France brought patchwork quilts of crops and vineyards just beginning to see there first green sprouts of grape leaves.  The beauty of France is almost hard to "take in" all at once.  It truly is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen and it made our drive that much easier.   

Max was thrilled to cross over Frances longest and tallest bridges.  We recently watched a special on National Geographic on it's design and construction. 

We were surprised that the car rental agency actually had our reserved car waiting for us.  We are packed and ready for the long day ahead.  I am so thankful to be on our way home because this disaster is having a ripple affect and our hotel is filling up fast.  Adios! Au Revoir!  See ya!

A drive up the windy hillside brought us to another layer of Barcelona.  It is a tranquil and peaceful side of her.  The sea breeze brings a coolness to this hill top, the air seemed fresher.  We found beautiful parks to stop and relax while the kids explored.  

Don't we look relaxed?  We were, it was a lovely day but in the back of our mind was the fact that we are to fly home tomorrow and the volcanic ash from Iceland is putting a halt to air travel in Europe.

Now, we are holed up in our hotel room, having just learned that all flights into Paris have been cancelled until Monday morning.  We have rented a car for tomorrow and will drive 14 hours from Barcelona to Paris.  That is IF they actually have a car waiting for us.  I will be thrilled if this is our option.  I know, it sounds very strange but air, train, and bus travel is at a stand still on this side of the world and Dan needs to get back to work.    Wish us luck. 

I learned about a brilliant Spanish artist and architect named Antoni Gaudi a couple of years ago and was "over the moon" excited to see "with my own eyes" his innovative buildings and cathedrals. 

He was a forward thinker and his designs are like nothing I have ever seen.  I love design and architecture and find his design extremely different and interesting.  He was Barcelona's most famous modern artist in the 19th century. 

Casa Batllo is Gaudi's most famous building.  Wealthy businessman Batllo contracted Gaudi to design a home for him.  Gaudi' designed a dynamic structure based on the laws of nature. 

The building is extremely unique and daring and I think that is why I like it so much. 

There are no hard lines, everything has a curve to it.  His columns on the inside of the building and the outside look a bit like bones.

This photo was taken looking up into the bright inner courtyard.  Gaudi' made sure to bring light into his buildings in very ingenious ways.  The beautiful tiles slowly darken from a light baby blue to a deep royal blue at the top floor.  The details in his work are countless. 

The rooftop was the perfect spot to get a closer look at the detail involved in his work. 

I could go on and on but I will spare you.  If you are able to visit this beautiful masterpiece, don't miss Casa Amatller next door designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadalfalch.  It is a mix of Moorish and Gothic inspiration which has the traditional beauty that most of us embrace. 

Barcelona is a city that has many layers.  I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to peel away a few but believe it would take years to truly discover all that this city has to offer.

Today was a day of discovery for me.  The typical Spanish architecture is incredibly pleasing to my eyes but the odd and eccentric side of Spain is surprisingly intoxicating. 

Traveling has it's highs and lows.  We have been blessed and most of the time, our travels are stress free and fancy free. 

Our descent into Barcelona should have tipped me off that our trip might have a few hiccups.  We were descending into Barcelona, I was looking out the window, admiring the ocean and the rugged cliffs; it reminded me a bit of Southern California.  We were almost at touchdown when we started climbing abruptly.  The Captain came on the PA to inform us that there was a dog running loose on the runway.  We circled and finally landed, everyone content to be on the ground. 

We hopped into our taxi, and headed towards the city center.   I was already in love with Spain.  The people have a warmth that I wrapped myself in immediately.  The palm trees and ocean had me at hello.  Ha!  We made it to our hotel, checked in and headed to our room. 

Then, it hit.  We were missing one bag-  Dan's carry on which had both of our laptops, along with a ton of paperwork related to work, etc., etc.  (We left it in the taxi.)  The next few hours were spent trying to track our taxi down but we did not have his number nor company.  The hotel was amazing but without much information, what could we do.  We tried to remain calm but started realizing our life was in those computers.  At 1:30am, the hotel called and let us know that our wonderful cab driver had our bag.  Oh my gosh, the rush of relief.  We finally went to sleep at 3am and met with our driver this afternoon.  He was showered with hugs and kisses from us.

Today was spent exploring this vibrant city which  is full of life.  I have a huge crush on Barcelona!!!

Barcelona this is the real thing........ I think I love you; is it your palm trees,the colorful buildings, the narrow streets, your squares, the food, the sangria, the pulse that gets stronger as the day goes on?

You are reminding me of Southern California in some strange way and I love it! 

The people, oh the people, they have a kindness and warmth when looking in my eyes.  Check out this little cutey, dancing his heart out!

We stumbled on this market which was hop'in.  It was controlled chaos as the locals did their shopping while all of us "tourists" snapped photos and drooled over their fresh produce, seafood, chorizo and meats. 

Barcelona, I can't wait to see you again tomorrow.................

 

We're flying out this morning to Barcelona.  I love living in the heart of Europe, most destinations a stone's throw away; jet leg a distant memory. 

If anyone wants to join me, I will post pictures everyday of beautiful Spain.  Did I tell you that the weather is going to be sunny and 65 degrees?  Come on!  I'm in heaven!!!

Once Sophie learned that animals are farmed and "killed" for our consumption she became an immediate vegetarian.  Her thinking was that we ate only animals that were already dead.  Oh no, she was having none of that.  "That is so mean", she said. 

Fast forward to our little outing last week, browsing through a toy store, all light and fun, the bell ringing as we opened the toy shop door to exit when......WHAM.......this was in front of us.  

The chef next door was getting his pick of meat for his dinner menu. 

Sophie eyes were as big as saucers looking at the little pig's hanging from their feet.  Disgust was written all over her scrunched up face.  Even I was a little squeamish walking by........

 

Although I cannot imagine becoming a vegetarian in this gastronomic city.  Food is a religion in France! 

Holy smokes, spring has arrived and it seems that everyone has gotten the memo.  The weather is warmer (58 degrees feels warm to all of us at this point).  Bright green leaves are unraveling on the trees, the daffodils are dying off making way for tulips, kelly green stems jutting out from the dirt with huge pom poms balls on top, they will be opening any day now. 

The sun is revealing it's lovely face more often and the tourists have arrived.  The cafes are jam packed with travelers enjoying this beautiful city, couples are walking arm in arm, families are pushing strollers with one hand and holding guide books with the other, neighbors are filling their flower boxes with pansies and herbs, I hear the quick scraping of brooms sweeping balconies, outdoor activity seems louder inside our apartment.   There are more flea markets, gourmet markets, book markets then before. 

The French seem happier, the men are enjoying the women without their layers of sweater, scarfs and heavy coats.  Skin, glorious skin is exposed.   

Blankets are sprawled on the park lawns, everyone enjoying their piece of Paris.

Gone are the empty outdoor tables and chairs...........

Now, you will need to move fast to get an outdoor table on a sunny day......

Paris looks and feels like a different city than it did just weeks ago.

The four of us enjoyed a glorious day at Jardin d'Acclimation a couple of weeks ago and had a "rip roaring" time.  This park is a must see for families with children.  It is located in the 16th Arrondissemont in the large "Central Park" of Paris called "Bois de Boulogne". 

The admission is minimal but you will need to purchase tickets for the rides.  I would recommend buying a couple books of 15 at the gate.

Every kid loves a train ride.   Max was grinning from ear to ear.  I kept on thinking of our neighbor's little boy who adored all things train.  ("Shelly, little Max would have been in heaven")

There were little playgrounds and big playgrounds, zip lines and swings.  My favorite were the chairs scattered here and there for parents to lazily keep one eye open to watch their children. 

Can I get a "yummy" for the next shot?  This is what I get to look at every day! 

The weather was glorious and the park grounds so beautiful.  It is laid out beautifully with green open spaces, small restaurants, darling amusement park rides, carnival games, petting zoo's, bird sanctuaries, a zoo, a sprinkler-type water park.  Shall I go on?  It is a treasure trove for children (and adults who act like children).

These horses were just about the sweetest ride I had ever seen.  They galloped, jerking the kids up and down and "naah'ed".  This was Sophie's favorite ride since she sooooo wants a horse. 

I can't tell who is having more fun...........

There is a large horse training facility on site.  Sophie stared longingly at the girls riding those strong animals that she so desperately wants. 

If you need to take a break from all the fun, there are plenty of snack stands and tables for you to relax.........

We ended our day around 7pm, and slowly walked to the metro with cotton candy in our hands, smiles on our faces, and another memory tucked away in our hearts.