Reed and I just got back from Barcelona and all I can say is "wonderful, marvelous, lovely". The only possible way I can record our trip without an exorbitant number of redunancies and superlatives is the ever faithful top ten (cheesy, but oh so useful). So, in no particular order (because I just can't load the pictures in the order I want)...
1. Grandparents
First, I have to thank our wonderful parents, brothers, sisters and friends ("Jacob and Justin's family") who watched our boys while we were galavanting: especially when they were so sick.
First, I have to thank our wonderful parents, brothers, sisters and friends ("Jacob and Justin's family") who watched our boys while we were galavanting: especially when they were so sick.
2. Sleep
As pathetic as it may sound, sleeping was a definite highlight. Being able to wake up when you want to, without an alarm, or boys jumping on you is a true luxury. Luckily, the spaniards believe in a more relaxed lifestyle, so this worked out perfectly.
3. My Boys
Yep, about half way through I began to notice a big something was missing. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed my time away I missed them dearly. Also, I realized that my life will NEVER be the same. Since when are caterpillars so fascinating? Well, when there are about twenty of them playing follow the leader and they look exactly like a snake, that's when.
4.Gummies
I know, I'm a dork. But, ever since growing up in Sweden I LOVE European gummies. One year for Christmas my sister-in-law gave me a bag of gummies she brought back from Sweden and it was my favorite present. Anyway, our hotel was right next to La Boqueria, the open air market. Imagine my delight in discovering an entire stall of gummies. Let's just say I ate my weight in gummies and spent most of my Euro there as well :)
I know, I'm a dork. But, ever since growing up in Sweden I LOVE European gummies. One year for Christmas my sister-in-law gave me a bag of gummies she brought back from Sweden and it was my favorite present. Anyway, our hotel was right next to La Boqueria, the open air market. Imagine my delight in discovering an entire stall of gummies. Let's just say I ate my weight in gummies and spent most of my Euro there as well :)
5. Time alone
Although I arrived Tuesday morning, Reed had to work until Thursday. This meant that the first few days Reed and I would just meet up for dinner/parties at night. At first, Reed was very concerned that I would feel neglected, but it was AWESOME. It made for the perfect balance of personal and couple time.
6. Food, glorious foodWhat would a vacation be without food? We ate at the most amazing resturants with great atmosphere and wonderful food (I warned you about an excess of superlatives). Thanks to some great recommendations we were able to have some very memorable dinners. Interestingly, most Spanish restaurants don't even open until 8:30pm and dinner takes at least 2 hours. This of course, gave us complete licence to indulge in #2.
7. Reed
What can I say? I love this wonderful man. I am so grateful for the opportunities he works so hard to give our family. Although I'm still not entirely sure what he does for a living, I've decided it's really cool and involves a lot of really cool people. It was great to meet most of his colleagues and to see just how amazing and extensive GSMA is. But, of course, I loved most just being with Reed; talking, walking and laughing.
What can I say? I love this wonderful man. I am so grateful for the opportunities he works so hard to give our family. Although I'm still not entirely sure what he does for a living, I've decided it's really cool and involves a lot of really cool people. It was great to meet most of his colleagues and to see just how amazing and extensive GSMA is. But, of course, I loved most just being with Reed; talking, walking and laughing.
8. Walking
Our hotel was located next to the gothic quarter and we wandered those tiny, cobbled streets for hours. During the day they were charming and quaint, steeped in history. Because of it's location on the Mediterranean and it's proximity to Africa, Barcelona is a fascinating mix of cultures. At night, they are truly GOTHIC, and let's just say I'm glad I never finished reading The Historian
Our hotel was located next to the gothic quarter and we wandered those tiny, cobbled streets for hours. During the day they were charming and quaint, steeped in history. Because of it's location on the Mediterranean and it's proximity to Africa, Barcelona is a fascinating mix of cultures. At night, they are truly GOTHIC, and let's just say I'm glad I never finished reading The Historian
9. Gaudi
I tend to be more traditional in my likes, but Gaudi is a master and his work is truly awe-inspiring. Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece on so many levels. First, the minute detail is breath-taking. Second, the sheer magnitude is overwhelming. Finally, the dedication and sacrifice it represents are humbling. Gaudi dedicated the last 16 years of his life to creating this church. But, work still continues TODAY! Amazing, especially in light of the fact that it is funded entirely by private donation. I was very touched by the sense of consecration that is present throughout the entire structure.
I tend to be more traditional in my likes, but Gaudi is a master and his work is truly awe-inspiring. Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece on so many levels. First, the minute detail is breath-taking. Second, the sheer magnitude is overwhelming. Finally, the dedication and sacrifice it represents are humbling. Gaudi dedicated the last 16 years of his life to creating this church. But, work still continues TODAY! Amazing, especially in light of the fact that it is funded entirely by private donation. I was very touched by the sense of consecration that is present throughout the entire structure.
10. Remembering my past life...art, architecture, literature
I often wonder what, exactly, I studied in college. Well, as I browsed museums without being pulled by the hand it all came rushing back. Now granted, half way through the Picasso museum, I realized Reed is still one of my boys (it involved re-titling works, don't ask). But, I love art. I love what it conveys about people and cultures. I love being where art was created and feeling the weight of generations of hardship and creativity. I love...well, I'd better stop before I use Reed's new favorite word, existential.
2 comments:
sounds like a wonderful trip, well deserved. glad you could enjoy it without the kiddies.
That looks amazing! What a neat trip. I also love your trooper post!! He is hilarious!
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