First few days in Catalonia

Jon and I are in Barcelona now. We spent a long long flight getting to Europe. But we paid for 1st Class with our Alaska Airline miles so I can´t complain.

After a brief stint in Paris to grabe some lunch (3e area) we hopped on a crowded flight which was delayed an hr and a half to Barcelona. Our first few days were spent at La Meridien down in St Salvador (south of El Vendrell). The relaxation was exactly what we needed! We celebrated our two year anniversary with wine tasting at Jean Leon up in the mountains at El Pla Des Penedes and wrapped up with a massage and nice dinner. Jon surprised me with some beautiful diamond earrings afer I surprised him with Cava (Catalonian champagne) and chocolate covered strawberries :) and our winery trip and couples spa day.

The biggest challenges we faced in El Vendrell were that nearly no one spoke English and my flat iron blew out. I learned very quickly how to say Plancha el pelo :). Besids that every day was spent on the beach being waited on by our garcons or relaxing in an environment where time had no place.

After El Vendrell we drove into Barclona to stay at W Barclona. The hotel, also called La Vella by the locals (means big sail) is stunning. it sits in the Barceloneta district and is also right off of the Mediterranean. We spent our first day shopping and visiting the Picasso museum in the Born district. I quickly recognized the word for sale in Catalan, Rebajas, and poor Jon was dragged into every store that had a sign. So far I´ve had some good steals (a scarf, a few skirts, some blazers, and a new pair of flats).

Yesterday we went to the Contemporary Art Museum of Catalonia and La Pendera (where Gaudi lived and built his apartment from stone). Tapas were enjoyed along every exursion and all of the walking through La Rambla burned whatever calories we were able to consume.

We just finished sunbathing on the beach and today we will head to Montjuic to see a fort and a military museum (my compromise for dragging Jon shopping for 5 hours yesterday). We hope to also squeeze in a trip to FC Barcelona museum and stadium since it´s in the same area. I´ll leave you all with a photo from our hotel room at the W :).