Family Travel

Sept. 12

spent the last 2 days relaxing on the beach and walking around.

Our hotel was on a street known as las ramblas-it is a huge attraction. It is broken into 5 sections-by types of things sold-caged birds, markets farmers and artists, flower stalls and the plaza. There are amazing street performers. Dressed head to toe in costumes and full makeup.

Lucky me, I walked by an older gentleman in full bathing suit makeup. Speedo type if you were wondering. I guess this was new-because a thedrug dealers were laughing. Hanging free-some people are very secure.

The most interesting part of my location was the hookers and pimps. Watched every night from hotel. With all the family friendly activities and wholesomeness-mixed in with the erotic museum, whores and pimps. I was able to take some pictures-poor quality.

So today, I start my new adventure. Joe and I had our good and bad moments; however saying goodbye is never easy and to continue without him gives me mixed emotions. We both had fun and a trip of a lifetime.
Of course trip to the airport wouldn't be fun without being dropped at wrong terminal and having to walk a mile with 70 pound luggage in hand. The look on the check in guys face when he said you are checking that-priceless. I even unloaded some things.

With that adidos Joe and Ciao Kari. Italy awaits. =

Yesterday, I walked all over valencia. The city is so nice. I will say it is like a chicago-everything is quality. The city tries to be modern with art-and mix of old.

In spain and portugal, the starwood cha8n is highly recommended. I feel the price is reasonable-the staff great and multilingual. internet and health clubs ect.
Today we left for Barcelona. What is mosy exciting is we get to give back the car and stay put for 4 nights. This city has so much and Joe and I are excited to do the walking tour tomorrow.

We are at dinner in the main square-very casual and great people watching. There are many french tourists. very pushy- coming from an aggresive NYer.

Looking forward to the picasso museum and gaudi architecture.

Joe shaved his mustache. Very disappointed because now he is speaking with a french accent and mixes in romanian-spanish-english. I have to let him be him. good thing the alcohol is readily available.

i have trouble downloading pictures will try and send email of pictures

Sept 1

We left Sevilla to explore Portugal. A very nice drive into Portugal-no border patrol-sad because wanted a new stamp. We were spending the afternnon on the beach. This area called the Algarve is a very popluar destination for british. The towns are quaint-the portuguese do not speak english at all.

We went to a boat dock and caught a ferry to an outer island-just like fire island. The beach was beautiful. Joe and I relaxed and planned to continue to Lisboa.

This is a great city. We arrived last night.

After, leaving malaga, we travelled to Ronda- this is described as a white town. The town is one of a few in the mountains. Joe did a great job manuevering all the twists and turns- even with a camera in his hand. Ronda is a great place to visit. Nice views and we went to the bullfight museum. We left and went through more mountains and these white towns. It is amazing to imagine anyone getting there to live and build without these new roads.

The roads here are awesome. All new and without traffic. A great decision to drive Spain.

We are staying in a beautiful hotel. The Hotel Alfonso XIII. It is a reored palaceJin the heart of Sevilla. Two nights were needed in one place. There are great little winding roads and fantastic gardens, palaces, squares ect.

Today Joe and I separated- I'm a morning person and wanted to take pictures before everyone started for the day. In Spain, 10 am is early. After walking and exploring the area, went to the pool and siesta. I'm a big fan of this custom.

Tonight dinner and on road to Portugal. We planned a coastal route to Lisbon. J