DEUCE CRUISE

Saturday, May 13, 2017
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain and Canary Islands
I thought that I would be blogging from Athens, but Internet access and a snoozing Bonnie have given me a chance to write a mini entry. We are now in Barcelona, which has always been welcoming to us. We feel so comfortable here. This visit is just an overnighter between cruises, and we settled in a nice hotel located in the burbs near the airport. The highlight of the day was doing 2 weeks of laundry at the local lavendaria (Laundromat) while Bonnie napped. It actually sounds worse than it was. It gave me a chance to be a local doing what the locals do. I hit the neighborhood supermarket for detergent which is kind of fun when you're trying to find things that you don’t know in Spanish. It’s like a combination of charades and Pictionary. I pointed to my bag of dirty clothes and made washing gestures. I’m sure that I amused or worried a few people before I found one who got it. All part of the fun of travel.

Bonnie was napping because of the fully filled days on the ship, punctuated by stops in Malaga and Cartagena, two very pretty Spanish cities . We did them proud, walking for hours, visiting all the sights. Both were key ports to many different civilizations throughout the centuries, and of particular importance to the Romans, whose buildings have been excavated and still remain well-preserved to today. One site we visited, for instance, was an ancient Roman 2-storied theatre which had just been discovered and restored in 1988. Another impressive sight had been a patrician’s home built in the first century, called Casa de la Fortuna, House of Good Fortune. In its day, it was a large and lavishly-furnished home. Today you walk through the actual rooms, although little of the original walls remain. Museums and cathedrals abound, as well, but the real fun is watching the street life. Many of the streets are made of marble, and pedestrians rule. We never tire of strolling and window-shopping, checking out the architecture and the people. And these days, we are paying particular attention to the babies in strollers. Wonder why!!!???

I won’t describe the cruise itself, since it’s way more fun doing one than reading about it. We lucked out and hung out with some interesting people. There were about 2000 adults and only 13 small kids aboard, which was fine by us. The next cruise which takes us from Spain to Athens should be more challenging, since it is a Spanish cruiseline and the majority of the passengers will be European, and likely Spaniards. Not to worry though, as: 1) they like to party 2) beer and wine is included, and 3) it will no doubt produce some interesting contrasts to the North American cruise experience. We say, bring it on!

Stay tuned…..

Comments

Cecile Lapowich
2017-05-14

Hi guys, so good to hear that you are enjoying yourselves right away. Your pictures are great...especially the one of David and his ancient twin. We finally seem to be getting better weather, thank goodness. It's been gray and dull for so long. I look forward to your next blog. Stay well.

Honey Krumholz
2017-05-14

David and The Bons: if I can't be there, living it through your eyes is 2nd best! Maybe one year, Danny and I will do an across the ocean cruise. It's just sooooo long on a ship wearing those wrist sea bands.
Anyways, glad you are enjoys as usual and are safe and healthy.
Looking forward to your next entry.
David doing laundry - very impressed - you're a keeper, my friend ! In case you still have the urge when you return,,you know where I live and boy, do I have clothes for yoy to wash.
Speak soon and happy Mother's Day The Bons !
Love Honey

Joe Benezrah
2017-05-15

David and Bonnie,
J'aime toujours vos blogs. Love sharing every entry in your blogs. Keep at it guys.

Hope Springman
2017-05-15

Hi Bonnie and King David, another great blog and amazing adventures! We love the photos too. Like all your other destinations, Cartagena and Malaga will never be the same after your visit. We look forward to reading about your next cruise - to quote you: Bring it on! Love, Hope and Kenny

2025-02-15

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