Scenes from Barcelona

Barcelona.  Barcelona. Where do I start? With only four days, we'd knew we'd only have a glimpse of this historic city that goes back over a millennial. There would be no way to see it all; to experience more than a taste and some glances but we were going to try. We planned it over Havana's birthday so we could celebrate in a special place. Some of our Argentine family live there and others were visiting, so we were delighted to see them and with Paula's guidance (she'd been there before), she suggested we do the touristy hop on/off bus to get a overview and then go back to places that piqued our interest.

The city as a whole is quite extraordinary. You don't have to see it all the feel it. It had a city vibe but it did not feel chaotic. That was refreshing to me, as my childhood city of New York can feel overwhelming and quite chaotic at all hours of the day and night. The historic buildings that were throughout the city were breathtaking and sparked my vivid imagination. Who had lived in those apartments a hundred years ago? Two hundred years ago? Was there happiness, sorry, passion, loss, hurt? Those buildings held so many stories, it would take another millennia to tell them all. I think the girls got a bit weary of me pointing out all those building and those doors! Those doors. Gosh, I love the doors! Their wooden construction, with elegant designs and their shapes; they were not just beautifully constructed, they were symbolic as well. 

We did a lot of walking in Barcelona. Up day we clocked in 16,000 steps! But there was so much to see! We went to the Parc Quell (twice, the first time tickets had just sold out so the girls and I went back the next day after Don left), we went to an ancient castle via the gondola above the city, we found an English bookstore where the girls stocked up on books (they had already devoured the ones they brought with them),  we briefly walked Las Ramblas and we shopped near Catayluna and had delicious lunch at an organic restaurant. We drove through the Gothic quarter, which took my breath away. I think the girls were impressed but they had their two year old cousin in the backseat and he was a bit more fun for them! The tour bus allowed us to see the city from a birds eye view. We got to see residential areas, schools, churches, parks and more.  That allowed us to get a feel for the more local life as well. La Sagrada Famila, was just behind our hotel, so we could see it from the pool and terrace. We had the most dazzling view of the super full moon and the church from there. We also had some great meals with our family and we swam in the tiny rooftop pool.  So while we barely touched the service, we saw alot. 

I can't finish this post without mentioning the highspeed train. The trains are a great way to get around in Spain. We'd taken one from Madrid and were greatly impressed that first time as well. Quiet, clean and going upwards of 150 miles an hour, without it seeming to be so fast, was quite exciting. It was wonderful to get to further distances so quickly but also being able to take in the land and seascapes outside the window. The train to and from the city was definitely part of the wonderful experience. We'd been warned to be safe in Barcelona so we took great care of our personal belongings. Thankfully we were safe. But to be honest, I felt generally safe in that huge, historic city, with it's well planned grids and kind and helpful people.   Sadly, Don had to leave on our third day. It was time for him to return home to work. We were all pretty bummed out him leaving. It would not be the same with him gone. We'd had a mostly great trip overall and we wanted to be together as we continued our explorations. We all agreed we'd like to return one day and see a bit more together.

Here are some scenes from our short time in Barcelona.

I was so delighted to see the Cuban flag, I did a little dance in the street!!! Viva la Cuba!

Room with a View

 

The Cat Whisperer Strikes in Spain!

Wherever we go, Havana is bound to find stray cats and give them TLC. When she heard some meows and howling below our (third story) window late one night, she made Don go down to to try to find it. When we were walking home from her birthday dinner, she found a few hanging in the bushes. And when we went to the mountains, she found one and fed it enough fish to fill it's belly. 

Havana remains the cat whisperer and cats around the globe are lucky when she she crosses their path.

 

Experiences in Valencia

 

During our time in Valencia, we have been able to have some great experiences and meet some new folx, who have become friends. There have been bumpy moments and challenges for sure. But overall,  Valencia has been a welcoming and transformative experience for us all. 

Here is what has gone down since the last post. 

Amara's friend from school was traveling with his choir and we saw them perform in a 15th century church. It turned out there were two Bentley friends in the choir! The boys choir and a local girls choir were phenomenal.  To hear them in that sacred setting was quite a moving experience. 

We celebrated Havana's birthday a few days early  so we did not have to schlep gifts to Barcelona,( where we'd have a birthday weekend), with pizza,  delicious handmade ice cream and the reveal that we are going to Venice! (and we did celebrate on her actual birthday too.)

We have done (too much) shopping (but Havana has needed clothing.)

We have walked and walked and walked. Getting over ten thousand steps, many days. Walking has allowed us to marvel at the historic buildings. I am fascinated by the doors and find myself stopping and gazing in awe at them.

Don and I completed two weeks for Spanish immersion classes. The girls have one more week to go. I found the classes very challenging. I  even found myself in tears a few times but I did learn. Towards the end of week two, I woke up several days realizing I had dreams of the classroom and my teacher speaking Spanish. Somewhere in this thick skull of mine, I am gaining some knowledge. Havana is gaining a bit of knowledge as a beginner. Don found himself realizing what he needed to learn and that he knew alot more than he realized but it is buried in his brain!  He got to practice alot and made great strides while here. Amara is learning a lot. She is anxious to practice it conversationally, so that is her work; to practice, practice, practice. She felt she made strides with past and future tenses and her grammar. Havana did not want to do Spanish immersion school but I think she is glad she did it and she has done well.  Amara has plans to return next summer for even longer!

The school offers afternoon activities, which has gotten them outside and active. The girls have done beach volleyball, surfing, bowling, scavenger hunts in the old city, hang outs on the beach and even a to the mountains. Sometimes Havana has opted to skip an activity to go back to our apartment and chill, which she needs for own self-care. Amara does all the activities, which is good for her self-care.  They have been taking public transportation on their own. It is a ten minute bus ride and then a ten minute to walk tp school.  For their activities, the school has them take public transportation. They have both learned to navigate their way through Valencia, which in turn, has boosted their confidence and independence. They both have made friends from around the globe. That was something I was hoping for and was my #2 goal (after them making strides in their Spanish lessons) because I know meeting others is a major part of any traveling experience. I think it is safe to say this was a good experience for them both and one that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Below are some random photos of things I have seen around the city. It's fun to walk, take the bus and just see what is around.  This is a sweet city; rich in history, kind and friendly people, an ideal climate and  a peaceful feeling.  I am beyond grateful that we got to spend three weeks here.

The big 'you are going to Italy' reveal on Havana's birthday. She has wanted to go to Italy and enjoy the food there for several years!! 

On break at school. 

Spanish Pride

 

I can breath deeply that I am living in a world where I can raise my two small gems where harmful, divisive, repressive religious and archaic beliefs are slowly but surely being broken and demolished. I know there is a lot of work to be done. We have a long way to go. There is still racism, misogyny and homophobia throughout the many cultures on this planet. But it's been a breath of fresh air to know that things are changing, even as the old, patriarchies attempt to keep use repressed and controlled. In a place as religious as Spain, this is truly remarkable.

I have been thrilled to see Pride spirit abundant here in Spain during Pride month. I love that my two small gems know exactly what this means because that they were raised in a home where they could question who they were and how they wanted to show up freely.

Here are a few photos of Pride in  Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona! There were countless apartments with flags flying that I did not capture but I was happy to see them flying freely.

At the post office!