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We are in Barcelona. Already we noticed that more people in hotels and restaurants speak English. But we also noticed more people walking down the street sounding like Americans.

The train was relatively pleasant once one figured out where to go in the station. Thank goodness a younger guy helped get our very heavy suitcases up on the racks. To DD's point about taking public transportation, we have taken Ubers and taxis a lot especially with SIL and at the end of the day they haven't been terribly expensive.

We arrived here around 4 then took a walk past the Cathedral of Barcelona and a little bit into the Gothic area. I will try and post pics on FB if they came out okay (haven't checked yet). We had a relatively normal dinner of potatoes bravas as an appetizer (well not normal but can be good - this was just ok) and roasted chicken. Back to the hotel where we crashed. The last night at the wedding caught up to us.

This morning I will call SIL and see how she is. Then we have tickets for the Hop on, Hop off bus to get the lay of the land. Not getting an early start though as it is already 9:30.

Have a superlative Saturday and Diane S, don't forget a picture with Peps!

I bet the tapas there is different from the tapas at bars here. For the most part at a bar they are charcuterie boards with a limited selection: Iberian ham (cured ham - a little like prosciutto only sliced thicker), manchego cheese (tastes a bit like Parmesan), and thick sliced toasted bread. Okay but not super inspiring. The other common tapas are croquettes (some good, some just okay) and potatoes bravas (potatoes with a spicy sauce - again some really good, some just okay). Even when the food is reviewed positively it hasn't always excites us. Another thing they have at some places is a Russian salad, which is weird but sometimes good. It is like a potato salad and a tuna salad mixed together. The best one of those we had at a high end restaurant where it was scallops vs tuna. That restaurant also had great fried octopus.

Greetings all

Happy fourth of July. It is overcast and kind of chilly here which is fine with me. We go to friends in a couple of hours. I have made the usual cheese crisps and have a seedless watermelon plus grapes to take. Last night was interesting because we were prepared for fireworks with dog tranquilizers but there were none. There are fewer stands selling fireworks and I think the local law enforcement has really cracked down on the illegal stuff. Good by me. I am not feeling especially festive or patriotic this year so I am dressed in Halloween colors. (that was what was clean).

Liz that wedding looks spectacular. So glad you got to go. What an event!! So sorry your SIL ended up in the hospital. Hope she feels better soon. Dang covid is still out there. Reminds me to get a fall booster. Overseas travel is particularly dangerous because of all the time on planes and busses. Enjoy the rest of the trip. Good time to be abroad. Can't believe you partied until 2 am!

So Peps is at the dog show and I will see him tomorrow, fully expecting him to win big and look svelte.

By all means DD do a lake! We used to have cousins on Lake Miniwashta (sp) I think. Fireworks over lakes rock!

Hoping you midwesterners don't roast in the heat. Paula good that you two walked early.

We have been watching a series called Georgia and Ginny. A single mom and teenage daughter navigating life. Kinda cute.

It is unusually quite right now. We hear lots of birds. Nice

diane S

Liz, you and DH looked absolutely stunning at what looks like a very elegant wedding. What a wonderful time!

So sorry SIL got that sick. And that damn Covid, always lurking around, ruining things. I'm surprised there was not more English speaking staff at the hospital. Most doctors I've met abroad socially speak some English, because they needed to to study medicine. Maybe Spanish is so ubiquitous, that's not necessary. I hope you are Covid free.

Yesterday I tried to make plans for my Scotland trip. The trip from Glasgow to Iona is complicated. We take a train to the coast, then a ferry to Mull. Then we need to cross Mull, and take another ferry to Iona. When we get off at Mull, there are only 2 busses available to take us to the next ferryport, at 1pm and 8:30 pm. I think we are going to have to hire a driver. I don't know why I am resisting this idea because my aunt will gladly pay for it, but it's not in my DNA to travel this way if their is a public transportation option. :) Now that I've written it out, it seems silly. I will figure out the connections between the train and and the first ferry and let the driving service know when we will arrive on Mull.

Yesterday was hot and sunny, and so is today. There's a breeze today though, that makes it more comfortable. Yesterday I really wanted to eat on the deck. I made charcuterie for DH, BFF and me. They humored me, but it was pretty hot, even in the shade.

I'm dressed and ready to go workout. I'll finish reading the paper and be on my way. Possible trip to one of the lakes/beaches in Minneapolis this afternoon.

We are waiting for our train to Barcelona right now. Crazy train station!

So yesterday was an experience. SIL ended up being admitted to the local hospital with a lung infection, covid, and a resulting low oxygen level. So neither she nor my other SIL who took her to the ER made it to the wedding. Nor did the groom's 2 aunts and niece as they missed several plane connections and ended up stuck in Monaco.

And what a wedding it was! Beautiful old building on beautiful grounds! Everything was outside except for the dancing which commenced at midnight. The officiant was a pastor who knew the bride since was a young child and came out of retirement just for this wedding. The ceremony was in both Spanish and English. Readings were read both ways. The bride said her vows in Spanish and the groom said his in English. A beautiful, touching ceremony. Everyone looked wonderful, the grounds were gorgeous, and the sunset over the hills was beautiful. The food! The drinks! The dancing! A few Americans left around midnight via Uber. 5 of us took the 2 am bus and the rest took the 4 am. These Spaniards really know how to party!

I saw SIL in the hospital this morning and showed her videos and pictures. She looked a little grey but sounded strong. She is on antibiotics and Paxlovid. Needless to say we are relatively certain the other SIL's cold was Covid though she wasn't going to bother to test. DSD and I are a bit under the weather today with a little congestion so we probably have it. Arghhh...

Onto Barcelona shortly and I will send DH to a pharmacy for a test.

That's it for now! Have a fine Friday and inspiring Independence Day!