Hola from Barcelona, a virtual assault on the senses. We´ve been here 2 days, but given the long, exhausting days, it feels like much much longer. We landed, coming off our wonderful cruise on Navigator of the Seas, with a pocketful of their great chocolate chip cookies, and buffet withdrawal pangs. The 14 days of sailing included 7 across the Atlantic. Visions of stormy seas, with sailors hanging on to rigging so as not to get washed overboard, as depicted in many a movie, were in fact, replaced by a smooth tranquil and downright pleasant voyage. Nary a wave was felt, and when they were evident, the ship´s stabilizers cut through them and we passengers felt nothing. This was further enhanced by mostly temperate weather. Don´t know if it was luck or what, but we wouldn´t hesitate taking such a cruise. The days onboard were full of activities, if you chose, or just vegging, if that was what you wanted. We met some really nice folks and I picked up a ton of new jokes, which if you´re (un)lucky, you´ll get to hear,

Barcelona is teeming with people, possibly due to the May 1 holiday- Everywhere we went, we found hoards of tourists and citizens enjoying the many sights and areas of Barcelona. What a jewel of a city, offering so much variety in the types of experiences you can have. We chose to walk and use public transport. The Metro is a model of efficiency and cleanliness, although the route map resembles a plate of colored spaghetti. Within one day, we had it figured out, however, and made our way quite well, with miles and miles of walking as well. The sights and sounds of this vibrant city, the beauty of the environs, and the friendliness of its denizens all make for a delicious cocktail of travel experience. We did have our challenges however. With the throngs of visitors, we couldn´t get into many of the attractions here, such as the buildings of Gaudi, a national treasure of an architect, who built some of the most imaginative and surreal buildings one would ever see. We would trek to a site and see a line of 2 hours or more, and in frustration, move on, having to content ourselves with exteriors only. We also had some major rain, which dampened our plans to some extent. The flamenco festival which was happening nearby sounded like something not to be missed. We missed it, thanks to the rain. Despite the setbacks we encountered, we were enchanted by the city, and want to return. It is very much a city of sites to be seen, but I realized that it is much more. It´s a celebration to be experienced, a plethora of emotions, and an adventure to live. Perhaps walking the streets was the ideal way to come to that realization.

Today, we are about to take a bullet tain to Madrid which for us will be new territory. We are meeting our friends Stan and Debbie for a few days there and have a long list of things we want to see and do while there. I would like to see the bullfights but Bonnie is less enthusiastic about this.

By the way, it looks like I will have to confine my blog to verbiage, as I can´t figure out to get my photos on the blog and don´t have the appropriate wires to do so anyways. I will try to paint my pictures in words for you.
For now, hasta luego!!