Seville

We visited Seville, a city in the southern region of Spain. We expected soaring temperatures into the high 30s, as the south of Spain, Andalusia, is famous for its heat. In this old city they built the streets very narrow to cast a day long shadow on the people, hoping to avoid the scorching sun. Fortunate for us, it was a comfortable 25 degrees during our short visit.  History is alive in this city as the old cathedral and palace still dominate the central part of Seville. The palace is fascinating as it is a mix of moorish and Christian architecture. The moors from Africa conquered Spain for 700 years and when the Christians finally reconquered the land they left much if the Islamic architecture in place. At one time Seville was one of the most powerful cities in Europe. Spanish ships loaded with new world riches sailed here to unload their gold.

Summer Solstice

It's been an interesting few days in Barcelona. Sundays in Spain are still widely regarded as a day of rest. Outside the downtown core, nearly all shops and stores are closed on Sundays - though some restaurants open. Given this information, I probably should have been more concerned when the power went out in our apartment building late Saturday afternoon. We didn't get it back until mid-morning on Monday - almost 30 hours later! Just in time, too. June 24 is Summer Solstice in Spain and a(nother) holiday. The night before is the biggest party you have ever seen! Think a city-wide New Year's Eve bash put on by a frat house! People setting off fireworks everywhere and anywhere there's 5 feet of open space. We immersed ourselves in the action by heading to the beach, along with half the city. It was interesting to see so many people out and celebrating together. But also chaotic and slightly overwhelming. After returning home, we admired the fireworks extravaganza from our balcony.

Mediterranean Summer



Jenn has done a great job surviving the language barrier in Spain. She ventures to the local fruit stand and has figured out what the fruit vendor is asking -"medio kilo" half kilo, "bolsa?" bag?, "algo mas?" anything more? She arrives home with delicious and cheap food - like the best cherries I've ever had for $2 per kilo. My language adventure has progressed well here in Barcelona. Every once in a while I catch myself saying something in Spanish that two months ago would not have been possible, and that feels good. Interestingly, in Barcelona, Catalan and not Spanish is the first language spoken by locals. Yet, this is such an international cosmopolitan city. It is easy to meet people from other parts of Spain and beyond.

Sagrada Familia

A visit to the famous cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona is a must. This just might be the most outstanding man made structure I have ever seen. It is simply awe inspiring to stand in this church and look up at the multi-coloured stain glass windows and giant tree like columns. The detail in the design is just out of this world. It hard to believe that one hundred and thirty years ago the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudí envisioned this cathedral. It has been under construction ever since and will not be finished for several more decades. Our photos and video will not do it justice but at least it will give you a glimpse of this incredible place.

Barcelona

We're in Barcelona, our final European destination before we begin the journey home. We were welcomed into the city with gorgeous summer weather and our largest apartment of the year! Our apartment has not only a separate bedroom, but a dining table for 4 and two balconies! It feels like a castle! Our bathroom also has a second ceramic bowl with faucet. After much debating (bidet, urinal, footbath?!) my dad finally settled things by Googling it and informed us it's a European bidet!
My parents have a few days left in Barcelona before they continue on their European tour. It's been fun sightseeing with them, although I hope we're not wearing them out - we've packed at least a month of sightseeing into their week here. It's been a great introduction to the city for Paul and I. We look forward to sharing what we discover!

Paris, the city of light and pickpockets!

Paul and I had a great time exploring Paris with my parents. Our hotel was conveniently located a block from Paul's favourite attraction - the Arc de Triomphe. In addition to attending the French Open, we toured the Louvre, ascended the Eiffel Tour, strolled the Champs Elysees and visited Les Invalides and the Notre Dame Cathedral. The old buildings are beautiful and the city glows from their gold accents by day and lights at night. It's lively and busy, the streets lined with tourists. Unfortunately, the tourist attractions are also frequented by pickpockets and scammers. There are many online warnings about this unseemly side of Paris. Here's a link to the most common cons. We encountered all of them within a few days! Although exasperating at moments, it didn't detract from our positive experience and enjoyment of the city. Jenn

French Open

We were fortunate enough to make it to the French Open. The tournament is held a short metro ride from the heart of Paris. The leafy park of Roland Garros provides a beautiful location to host this prestigious grand slam event. The highlight for us was watching the young Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard as she played her way into the semi finals. Tennis is even more exciting when you are rooting for one of your own. Bouchard showed her future grand slam talent in winning the 4th round match that we watched. We should have brought a Canadian flag! We saw the legends of the game play in Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, although Federer lost to the crowd's disappointment. The French stereotype of being unfriendly was certainly not evident here. The Parisians were great host and even better fans as they started the wave during matches and cheered allez! between points. We were treated to complimentary champagne, and too much fantastic French cheese, in the lounge under the stadium. Tres bon.

 

Family Reunion!

Paul and I have left Madrid and are now spending a week in Paris. The timing is perfect as it gives Paul a bit of a break before beginning another month of intensive study. It's nice for me too as it gives me a chance to practice my (now sadly rusty) French. The other great thing about our trip to Paris is that my parents are meeting us there! After 10 months of travel, this is our first family reunion! It's great to catch up while adventuring around together! Jenn

 

 

Tapas & Jamon

Food in Spain has been a delicious adventure for us. Well, delicious for me, and an adventure for Jenn. Spain is the land of Jamon, or ham. This is not a vegetarian friendly country. Jamon here is smoked and comes by the leg. Many bars and restaurants have a few pig legs hanging in the window. Jamon is such an important food in this culture that even vegetarians eat it. Yes, you can be a vegetarian in Spain and still eat ham. Jenn has managed to resist the temptation. Spain is also famous for tapas. Tapas are like appetizers back home and can be many different foods such as spicy potato wedges, calamari, or croquets. Serving tapas originated a few hundred years ago when the Spanish King wanted to put an end to excessive public drunkenness on the streets of Madrid. The new law stated that all beer and wine must be served with food. So, even today when you order a beer you get a free tapa of olives, bread, or jamon, of course.