Barcelona

We took advantage of the late docking time in Barcelona to get some extra sleep this morning. But we did make it up to the top deck in time to check out the huge port at Barcelona with all the cranes loading and unloading barges.

We made our way into down via the Terminal Bus which took us right to the Christopher Columbus monument.

We walked down the main road of La Rambla which was a huge pedestrian walk way with the streets on either side of it. It was loaded with street vendors, entertainers, artists, and even pet shops!!!

Along the way we saw one of the famous Gaudi buildings. Gaudi was a famous architect who has left a big influence on the city of Barcelona. He is known much for the use of tile and piecing rocks and tiles to create a movement and unique look to his buildings. Here is a replica of the amazing little critters featured in one of the parks in the northern side of town that we didn't get to. I just think these things are so beautiful. A lot of the chimneys on the Gaudi buildings also have this type of work on them and look like of like fruit bowls on the top of a building as my dad would say.

The street entertainers were also quite interesting. We saw the Alien and also some really elaborate, hellish type creatures along with Spanish senoritas. This fellow intrigued us the most as he appears to be floating. It took some time but the boys figured out that there must be a lead base under the rug and he's sitting on an elevated platform somehow...I still thought it was pretty cool!

We took a detour through this absolutely huge and amazing market full of all the fruits, nuts, sweets, meats, fish, and all other types of foods you could think of.

We picked up some fruit for the kids and a few gummy sweeties to tide them over but then the mini octopus things deep fried on a stick really caught my eye. I was too chicken to try them so dad just picked up some calamari since mom had never tried that before. It was really the coolest market I've ever seen.

After about 30 minutes of debating what to do for lunch we found a little sandwich shop and brought our lunch up to the main square at the end of La Rambla. Mom and Dad felt eyes on them, well at least someone staring into their back pack. We had been warned online and by friends that a lot of the places we would be visiting were notorious for pick pocketers so we tried to be as weary as possible.

We took the Metro out to the big cathedral. I would have to say that Barcelona's metro has to be one of the nicest we've used...topping the London Underground in terms of cleanliness and stroller excessible. The transfers are a bit weird until we figured out that your train ticket once validated would allow you on any train for up to 75 minutes because I freaked out when we had to leave one station and walk two blocks to the next to make our connection. The people working there were great and let us back in after we had accidently walked out a few times. Also the actual trains were spooky cool. Each car was opened up to all the others so when you made a turn the back of the train disappeared. Everyone wanted me to take video but I was already self-conscious taking pictures since most places don't allow photos for security reasons. It was super cool though.

La Sagrada Familia one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona. Started in 1882 it is still under construction some 125+ years later and appears that they are planning on a completion date not until 2025 perhaps. The masterpiece of Gaudi's design is so intricate and detailed that you could take a thousand pictures and not catch everything. The front of the church is the oldest part and portrays the birth of Christ.

When looking at the church from the front off to the left is a new part of the church and it is quite amazing to see how time has aged the stone of the older part. I've been so used to seeing really old castles and churches and cathedrals in the UK that seeing modern cranes and builder working on something that is old, but brand new as well.

On the back side of the church it portrays the beginning of Christianity, the passion and death of Christ. I was able to get some neat close ups of some of the stone work. Here is Mary holding Jesus' shroud.

Here is Jesus being put in the tomb above but below it shows Jesus' broken body after dying on the cross. Mom and I tried to figure out all the different scenes portrayed in the back and were just overwhelmed at the detail and emotion shown through carved stone of all things.

One thing I found unique and I think it is something that recent architects have changed from Gaudi's original plans (from what I've read) is that they have made all the people squared off. Square heads and sharp edges so they don't seem life like, but part of a scary dream.

Kevin and I with the back of the church behind us. It is truly amazing!!!

I do have to say that my one year of Spanish in high school came in handy, but in Barcelona we never came across anyone who didn't know English so I was essentially being polite by attempting to ask questions in broken Spanish. It was pretty fun trying to have mom figure out the metro ticket machine. Luckily it translates into 5 different languages so we didn't have to buy random tickets.

Like I said before the Metro was amazingly easy to use and only one or two times was it easier for us just to carry the stroller down the stairs than search out the lift. It was nice to have Dad step in and carry since the kids are getting bigger and I think its about 90 lbs to be picked up with the two of them plus stuff under the basket.

Harrison used to be our laid back and quiet little boy but ever since he's been mobile he won't sit still for long. But...he does have some really tender moments when he gets a little sleepy and he will cuddle up with you. I caught this precious moment of Harry snuggling up with Grandpa Jeff. I got a few with mom as well.

We took a ride on the funicular train up the big hill to the Olympic Park. Since Addison is my little runner I made her get in a little runner's stance with the track in the back.

There is a big waterfall fountain just outside the stadium and over looking the Olympic park that we caught a nice all-family picture. It was hard to try and take a picture with all 6 of us because we were afraid to ask anyone to take our picture or let it set out in the open around too many people because the last thing I wanted was to watch someone whisk it away in a crowd. Totally paranoid but safe.

The Olympic Park was also a great place to let the kids run around and blow off some steam before our big trek back to the ship. Harry had fun ducking under the barriers at the old ticket offices.

At the top of the hill you get an amazing view of the whole city and off in the distance in the middle you can see the cathedral where we were about 1 hour ago.

We would have loved to taken the cable car ride from this look out point but it would have carried us to far beyond a reasonable walking point from the ship so we enjoyed the view and tackled our way down the wooden steps and trails in this park to get down to the street. At the street level we were a bit worried that we went the wrong way, but found a trail under the highway. Unfortunately had all the lights broken out of it so it was the scariest 100 feet I've ever walked but we went through very briskly and arrived safely at the edge of the dock. Dusk was approaching it was amazing to think of all the things we had done today and the ache in our feet and backs was well worth it all.

Nice (FR) is Nice

This morning we woke up tendered in the bay of Villefranche, France. We hopped off the boat and took a 10 minute bus ride into Nice (pr. niece).

We hopped off at the main bus station and happened to run into another fellow RC guest who suggested that we head down through the market streets of the town if we were heading down to the beach. It was great advice because they were so cool. Loads of amazing things to see and buy, but we restrained ourselves from buying too much.

Around lunch time we had made our way down to the flower markets and seafood restaurants. We saw amazing trays of seafood ready to eat.

Mom got her first experience with Pay-toilets. She was totally freaked out by the bathrooms. I personally didn't go in but I could just imagine.

We found a little place off the market where we could get seafood and pasta to meet all of our desires. Kevin and my dad both got a big pot of steamed mussles for only 12 Euro each which was really cheap. Mom and the kids and I got pasta which was really good. They place didn't have any high chairs so we had to take turns holding down Harrison.

With full bellies we were ready to head to the beach.

The beach was really nice but it was all stones!!!! Yes, all covered with round stones all the way into the water so it was kind of difficult to comfortably walk on with your bare feet. We all took turns heading down to the water for a quick dip, but then the kids retreated to the one sandy spot where they obviously hauled in a lot of sand.

There were loads of people all laid out on the stones and rocks like they were basking in the sun on a regular "sand" beach which really floored us all.

There were actually only a few people laying on the sand and not knowing if you had to pay to play in the sand we sat on the edge and let the kids sit and play in the sand.

Addison befriended a little French girl who must have been in training for the topless sunbathing like her mother was doing. The girls got along very well even though neither of them spoke the other's language. Both were very, very sad when we finally had to leave. The little girl followed us up off the sand and up to the promenade and almost left with us. Poor thing was so sweet!!!

We got ourselves cleaned up and redressed up off the rocks and sand and I'm sure we brought a bit of attention to ourselves but it was all fun.

Kevin caught a quick picture of me and mom getting onto our tender boat in Villefranche...what a lovely view! We didn't see any celebrities on their yachts on this trip but I guess they are all back in the States making movies or something.

Back on the boat we got cleaned up and decided to take the kids to the Windjammer instead of fighting them in the main dining hall. Here are my boys all duded up and ready for a night out!

Genoa, Italy

We got into Genoa, Italy around 8AM and it was a beautiful morning. We headed up to the top deck of the boat for a look at the city.

Then we headed down for breakfast. The kids did great with their bowls of Rice Krispies and plates full of fresh cut up fruit. Kevin and I enjoyed made to order omlets and mom and dad piled up their plates with goodies as well. It's so nice to not have to cook!!!!

We got off the boat and headed towards town. After a 10 minute walk or so we found our way to the Old Port and found some wonderful treasures for things to see. First of all this submarine was conveniently parked for all to see.

Then we saw loads of fisherman along the docks bringing in their fishing nets and repairing nets. I think some of the owners were getting upset with us that our kids smiling and waving at their "help" that they weren't getting much done.

Along the marina it was amazing with all the palm trees, expensive yachts, the endless lines of mopeds and motorcycles lined up and Italian architecture in the background. Genoa was the hometown of Christopher Columbus and is now home to Europe's largest aquarium. Next to the aquarium was this huge old wooden ship with a big statue of Neptune on the bow....it was so cool.

Since poor Addison had been deprived of any fun kid stuff we thought she would enjoy a ride on a little carousel and a little play on this big playground. Mistake was that we had to think of a way to lure her away which was hard since it was morning and ice cream wasn't a logical idea yet.

We would often see street chalk drawings like this and they were amazing.

Window displays of food are always fascinating to me. Next to the pizza in this store was focaccia bread with Nutella spread all over it with sprinkles. Looked so not good for you but yummy!

My dad is big into seafood and he had fallen in love with European markets and little shops like this. It was amazing to see so many different kinds of fish and sea critters that you could buy.

Up at the main piazza there was a huge fountain surrounded by smaller fountains all around the square. Since Addie had her Crocs on I let her get down so she could run through the water. She had a great time cooling down. I tried to get Harrison to dip his toes but he didn't like it too much...still has the severe fear of water.

After a certain point we kind of ran out of sites to see so we started walking down some streets that we thought would have some shops in them. After a bit of walking we came across some pretty narrow allies and then I saw the first young gal with a pretty tight dress on with some very high heels. Then after brushing it off I saw another, then another, and another all start popping out around the corners. Dad and Kevin immediately directed mom and I to turn around and head out of Dodge.

We did find our way back to the main part of town and we found all the shops that had been closed that morning to now be open and we went shopping. My dad's sunglasses got broken on the way to the boat on Sunday so he was looking for some new shades and modeled a few for us.

We got back to the boat mid afternoon for another late lunch and we took the kids to the pool for a little dip. Since Addison decided to potty train herself while we were on vacation she actually got to go swimming in the big pool. She had an absolute blast and is a natural fish. Harrison only got to play on the side of the pool but we brought along buckets and other fun things to play with. Kevin and I met a really nice couple from Philadelphia who were on vacation with their 15 month old little girl, so Addison and Harry had a little play mate.

That night for dinner we attended the formal meal and Addison got to dress up in her pretty flower girl dress. She was quite the little lady and impressed everyone at the table with her good manners. Harrison on the other hand didn't want much to do with dinner so Kevin and I took turns staying outside with him. Our table was all the way in the back of the three story dining hall so it was a lot of work to keep him "happy." That night Kevin and I got to sneak out for a drink at the "English pub" on board while my mom and dad watched the kids in our room. It was really nice to get away for a bit.

Last Day in Rome and Heading to the Ship

This morning we woke up to another glorious Roman morning and breakfast delivered to our room. A tray full of chocolate puffs, toasted cheese and bologna sandwich, chocolate filled croissants, yogurt, fruit juice, and coffee. Yesterday they brought us two trays full but I think she figured out that the four of us could only handle half of that.

We got things packed up and then headed out for a stroll down our street to check out all the souvenir shops. We think that all of them had to have been owned by the same people because they all had the same exact stuff. I was looking for my usual things...porceline doll for Addie, Christmas ornament, pocket knife for Harry and anything else unusual for me and Kevin. Well all I could find was a tea towel with Roman sites on it (I've been starting to collect them for all the castles I go to in England). And in the end I picked out a little pull toy puppet with an Italian flag painted on it for a Christmas ornament. A bit disappointing for shopping but mom and dad got a few "fun" things that I can't mention yet as they are going to be gifts for my family.

After shopping we made our way back up the train station to head out to the port. Well, I hadn't found exactly how we were supposed to get tickets for the train out to the port...just thought we'd figure it out when we got there, but the station was a zoo. Kevin and I finally spotted a board that had the regional trains on it and we were starting to figure out what we needed to do a lady approached us and asked if she could help. She punched a bunch of numbers on the self-service machine and got it to the screen we needed to pay. Then came the kicker...she started asking us for money for her helping us. So much of kindness of the heart to help a stranger, but we later saw her setup of just standing around the machine and asking everyone who approached it if they needed help. I guess it was very opportunistic of her to set herself up that way but I just felt scammed.

The train ride was hot and humid and really tough on the kids because they were so uncomfortable. It took just over an hour to get to the port and thankfully we met a couple on the train who knew which stop we were actually supposed to take since this particular train's final destination was Pisa.

We hopped off the train and started walking. I had read that there was a free shuttle service once you reach the entrance of the port so we headed towards the boats. Well, it so happened that a religious demonstration was going on and the free shuttles weren't running or at least not very often. Royal Caribbean had a shuttle just outside the train station but they wanted $25US/person to ride to the boat which we thought was crazy so we kept walking. Well after about 45 minutes of walking through this active port we finally got to the ship....absolutely crazy. On the way our big suitcase's wheel had split so Kevin was pulling a lame duck and made it more difficult of a walk for him.

After checking in we treated ourselves to a 3:30PM lunch in the Windjammer Cafe and settled in to our rooms. We were finally on our way!!!

The Vatican and Walking Tour of Rome

Saturday morning we got up and took the metro out to the Vatican. We again got hit up by about 15 people in 5 minutes time to pay 20 Euro extra per person for guided tours of the Vatican. One gal actually had the nerve to tell me "You came all the way here for a once in a life time experience and you aren't going to do a tour?". Again she had to be in her early 20's and didn't have any experience being a parent with two small children...don't patronize me honey!!!

The Vatican was super busy and since we didn't do the tour we bought a guide book for 10 Euro, but it was the most confusing book ever that none of us could really following and understand where we were at. We did have an advantage for having our stroller though because we got to go into the Sistine Chapel first and through the non-congested way.
I honestly have to say that the Sistine Chapel wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It is absolutely amazing and I'm glad we really saw it first because I heard the rest of the building can almost spoil it for you with how amazing all the paintings are. I thought the room would be much bigger but with the thousand people who were in the room with me and the hum of everyone talking and the guards all yelling "Silencio" the whole time it seemed very small. We did take time to go through each of the panels to figure out what each of them portrayed. My favorite was the "The Final Judgement" painting which took up the whole wall on the end (first picture above). It took Michaelagelo over 5 years to paint this controversial painting.

He had a lot of nudity in it and the current Pope in his time didn't think it was appropriate so Michaelagelo's apprentice saved the painting but "covering" up some of the people so it wasn't so risqué. When the painting was restored the "covering" up was removed to show more of the

original works.

After the Sistine Chapel we thought we would make our way up the the Raphael Rooms to see the other must sees and we ran into this. Thousands of people jammed into a hallway of amazing maps and tapestries that you would like to have some time and space to enjoy but it's very difficult especially when you have a stroller. We visited with one of the security guards that helped us with the lift up to the second floor and he said 15-20K come through each day and it's so hard for them to do their jobs properly when everyone just blends together.

The works of art that are just painted on the

walls and ceilings of this place are so amazing, but I don't think anyone can really get a true appreciation for them when you are packed in like sardines whether you are in a tour or not. I snapped a bunch of pictures so I could try to enjoy them when I got out amongst the free.

We finally made our way outside to get a great view of the Vatican's courtyard but were now ready to find some lunch and make our way to St. Peter's Square. The guards told us that the fastest way to get there was actually to go back into the Sistine Chapel and there is an exit right off of that room to the square. We weren't adventurous enough to fight the crowds again so we opted to head back out the front door and walk around. We were all so hungry and just wanted to get away from all the people that we didn't get to find the Vatican post office...darn it!

By the time we got outside there wasn't the 25 minute queue that we had to stand in out front. It actually looked like this was the best time to come in and see the Vatican. At this time of the day we saw later was that the queue for St. Peter's Basilica was well over an hour's wait to get inside it. We grabbed a quick sandwich lunch and ate just outside the Vatican.


One thing that we found very nice all over Rome was the water fountains that they had all over the place. We saw our first one in the Roman Forum just outside the Colosseum and a gal told us that they were safe to drink from and all over the city. If you had a bottle to use all day, you wouldn't have to buy any water while you visited the city. It wasn't super cold in terms of our standards, but it was very thirst quenching.

We were all about creating "profile pics" for Facebook so this is me shooting off the peace signs in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Just behind me are hundreds of chairs and a covered table set up where the Pope himself does mass.

Addison enjoyed getting sprayed by the fountain in the middle of St. Peter's square. She also loved getting to pose with her Daddy.

Our little family is a pretty amazing place. You can see the end of the queue behind us to the right for people trying to get into the Basilica which looped all the way around the circle to the straight behind us. Kevin would have really like to have gone inside, but we just couldn't wait in a line like that.

We tried making our way back towards Trevi Fountain via the metro but there was a breakdown in the line between us and all the way back to our B&B so after "trying" to communicate with the metro ticketing people and "trying" to get on a city bus and getting pushed out of the way for 7 different busses our little group decided to walk back to the B&B and see what we could see along the way. It actually turned out great because we saw a lot of really cool stuff. Lots of little cars in Rome and the really little ones park like this in the tiny spots between regular sized cars.

Saint Angels Castle in Rome was built by Emporer Hadrian as a tomb for him and his family back in 130AD. It has since been used as a fortress, prison, barracks and a museum. The bridge just next to it over the Tiber River is lined with angel statues.

Palazzo Nuovo is an amazing square filled with fountains and artists and entertainers.

The Pantheon

Cute "little" cars

We stopped to get some fruit for snacking on later on. The peaches and plums were the size of grapefruit and the bananas were as long as my wrist to my elbow...must have been pretty good fruit because 4 pieces cost me 6 Euro.