Barcelona

JG: Off to mainland Europe and our first stop was Barcelona for a few days. Stayed in the El Raval neighborhood - right in the center, very hipster, funky area close to all the action. We checked out a barrage of Midieval architecture (which carried into the ensuing few weeks), along with the churches and buildings of Antoni Gaudí, which seem to be aesthetically love it or hate it (like Gothic meets Willy Wonka). Pretty impressive whichever side you take, especially his Sagrada Familia work. 

Captain Shenanigans B.Gil (my sister Bernadette) joined us for a few days on her way to her own vacation in Croatia. We all rented bikes and went around the bulk of the city center - from the sea up to Park Güell, about 10-15 km in all. We toured some bars and restaurants in the area - good primer for later on during the Spain leg, when the food became spectacular.

SS: Barcelona.... Always has been and still is one of my favorite cities in Europe. The culture, atmosphere, sites and general feeling of the city is spectacular. Coming from Morocco we welcomed the cooler weather, 28°C/85°F, and the readily available supply of liquor! In celebration of Bernie's arrival and no alcohol for 2 weeks in Morocco, we decided to get after the what seemed like an endless supply of sangria. In classic Bernie style, the shots started to flow along with 3/4 glass vodkas and for the first time this trip my head saw the inside of a toilet. Shocking, I know. 

We spend our hangover walking the city admiring Gaudí's work of art, enjoying delightful tapas and catching up. The next day we rented bikes and got a full view of the city from the two highest hills around Barcelona (yes, on a bike, uphill), riding to and from all corners of the city. 

John and I spent our last day soaking up some sun on one the most popular local beaches (Ocata) just outside of the city, a much needed down time. 

Another first of the trip - I have come across the only dog that I hated. Yappy, biting rat-dog needed a beating.