I woke up bright and early today since it was my last day to explore on my own. I went through the ticket book and found a maritime museum with ships and maps from Christopher Columbus. I decided to start here (to Drassanes), the marina for pictures for Owen and of the famous Gaudi architechture. The museum was quite interesting, with replicas of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Also there were copies and some originals of maps made of the "New World" and some great 'pirate ships.' After, I walked the short distance to the harbor where the small boats were docked. This was a relatively busy part of town, but clearly more commercial. I wondered if there was a college or university around as it appeared a little more fast and centered.
After this I took the metro to Montjuc park with beautiful botanical scenery and then a funicular car through the mountain to the top of the hill overlooking the city for a magnificent view of the Gaudi architecture. This was a great afternoon alone before meeting the family. I walked to the Olympic stadium in Barcelona before heading back to the Ramblas for lunch and to meet the bus for the Kelley duo of the group.
I left a note for the family with the Catalunya Ramblas and headed to the plaza Catalunya where the buses from the airport come. I knew they were arriving sometime in the afternoon but did not have the specifics. I wandered the plaza and fountain, took in the smells and sights of the buzy city center, sat on a bench and watched the new city visitors arrive to their hectic destination and look around, dazed and confused- taking it all in. How long ago it seemed to be that I arrived in the exact same spot...
It turned out that Jennie and Rob's travel was delayed in Amsterdam so I watched and walked and watched some more. There were vendors in the park and kids in the fountain. I went to the large grocery store again and purchased bottled water for pennies on the euro. After nearly giving up hope, the best looking couple for hours disembarked the smelly diesel bus. We hugged and walked around the square to the hotel where they rested for a while. I set out again to explore more of the city, agreeing to meet at 7 for dinner and visiting.
I went for a metro ride to a part of the city I hadn't seen, walked the streets and ducked into an internet cafe. I emailed some pictures and sent some messages and also checked on the ship excursions. After a while, it was time to head back to meet the group. My time alone was done, and I treasured the chance to get to know myself, but I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone else.When I arrived at the hotel, the whole family was there, some having just arrived. I wasn't sure what to expect, and part of me began to put up defenses right away. How silly and how quickly it is that we go into old routine without even being aware. Dad and Barb; Scott and Steph; Jennie and Rob; and Jen and I all left for dinner after recieving a generous gift from my dad and hugs and hellos all around. We decided I would take us to the plaza where I had dinner last night since there were so many choices. I headed in the direction talking and chatting.
Unfortunately, in my carefree, aimless rambling I didn't pay attention to how to get back to places, since I never really had an agenda when wandering. I didn't exactly get us to the same spot, and everyone was tired and hungry from a long day of travelling. It is much harder to fend for 8 people than just one I realized, which I believe the older Beisenherz' of the group had discovered long before. We finally settled and had a pleasant dinner. I had my first Paella (Pay-ella to us Redmond gals) which was outstanding with Sangria.
Mmmm, to be at that table again with great company and good food, on the verge of an unknown adventure in anticipation and excitement of what was to come- perhaps one of the most incredible moments of the voyage.
After supper, Jen and I escorted the family back to the hotel before wandering the city by twilight.
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