Frank and Patti, our friends from Tortola, came for a visit. Patti
mastered 'walking the plank' to board Aquila. After that, everything
else is easy. |
Everyone must be first introduced to the Cava Bar. Cava is Spain's
champagne and it is poured here for pennies ($2 for the whole
bottle). No tables or chairs, inexpensive sandwiches, lots of cava,
and close to the boat. Needless to say, we're repeat customers. |
We showed Frank and Patti around the city and went on the requisite tours. |
We took many 'refreshment' breaks along the way! |
Tibidabo is a high hill which overlooks Barcelona. Unfortunately, it
was a bit hazy the day we went up so the view wasn't crystal clear.
Mike and I went to visit the animal shelter, but it was closed on that day
(whew! dodged another bullet!). Mike really misses having a dog. |
A church was actually built right on top of another church. Weird,
but spectacular inside. A formal wedding was being held the day we
were there, but that didn't stop the tourists from wandering around and
taking pictures. As the church is a major tourist attraction for
Tibidabo, I guess it was to be expected. |
 We
wanted to go someplace special for Patti's birthday, so we all flew to
Granada for a few days. What an absolutely lovely town! This
picture is just outside our hotel. |
The Alhambra, backed by the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Spain, was a
fortress in the 9th century, converted to a fortress/palace in the 13th
century. Inside its walls are gardens, marble fountains, intricately
tiled walls, and carved wooden ceilings. Serene and beautiful. |
Mike and I on the Torre de la Vela (Watchtower) of the Alcazaba (Citadel)
after climbing the winding staircase to its top terrace for a great view. |
We walked the cobblestone streets of Granada's old Muslim quarter, the
"Albayzin". |
Patti's birthday falls on St. Patrick's Day. We had no trouble
finding an Irish Bar to celebrate! |
We loved walking around Granada. The buildings are beautiful and the
town has a peaceful, relaxed aura. |
High on our list was to see a Flamenco show. This show was a
touristy show in one of the Sacromonte caves. A few days later we
accidentally stumbled across an incredible flamenco show in the basement
of a local bar. |
We had to try the highly recommended (by the hotel staff) churros &
chocolate. The chocolate is so thick, the churro can stand by itself
in it! Mike (being the chocoholic) thinks it's a good way to start
the day. |
