[EUROBOUT CONTINENTAL CAROUSEL - 1984] DAY 17

Travel Notes
August 27, 1984 - Day 27
SPAIN

Barcelona - City Tour

Hola Espana! The group was on time and the guide, late! Though I must say that it was a comprehensive tour of the Plaza Cataluna, Sagrada Familia Church, Montjuie (Jewish Mountain), the harbor and replica of Columbus' Santa Maria, the Ramblas, and back to the self-service where we had dinner last night. Among the tour highlights were the Cathedral in the old town; though when the guide gave us a walking tour and a shopping break, I think that was considered the best part of all. Ma and I got ourselves a Spanish shawl and a fan each, and other bits to remind us of Spain. Going through the Ramblas, we passed through a narrow lane where Bart managed to squeeze through - just barely - and the guide was loudly appreciative of his skill.

Barcelona - Paella Dinner

There was a break in the day's activities for that time-honored tradition of the afternoon siesta, then off to dinner! The restaurant is off the little square behind the Cathedral, with lots of cobblestones! It was delightful to realize that Bart and Earl get to sit with us this time, and watching the normally EXTREMELY reserved Tour Manager acted as wine steward for the Sangria was something to see, indeed! I was fortunate to have him on my right, Grandfather on my left, and Bart took the head of the table beside Mr. Nocon.

The dinner equal to that in Rome : salad, shrimp in the shell, paella with clams, all washed down with Sangria. The jokes flew thick and fast, and Earl made an after-dinner speech while turning a pretty shade of pink - a nice Kodak moment, that was. I got involved with a scholarly debate with Jun on just exactly how long the Spanish were in the Philippines - 400 or 392 years? In the end, the question was settled with a compromise and a Sangria toast : but not without some ruffled feathers on the oldies' part.

Another source of merriment was when Grandmother Rita walked out of the restaurant on Lois' arm, and *singing*! Grandfather was *much* amused. Bart put on the "Chicken Dance" (again!) when we were all in the bus, while Bertha and Frank danced in the empty plaza. At 11:30 pm, the city is just starting to wake up from siesta, with folks all over the Ramblas.

We will definitely be sleeping all the way to Lourdes!