BARCELONA-3 (including the Pyrenees and Costa Brava, VAlaecia and Granada (Ahlambra) areas)

Monday 24th. May
Today is a Public Holiday in Barcelona.
We have news that the boat is still not ready and unfortunately The Hotel Neri is fully booked. ( Being unsure when Impulsive will be ready we just book on a daily basis . It is lucky it is not the height of the season!)We move to Hotel Atlas (c./ Casanas Cardinal ) which is much cheaper and still very central.

View of rear of Sant Maria del Pi from our room

Looking down to the Ramblas from our room

We spend more time with Peter and Andrea and their family, including another wonderful dinner at their home. Tonight Peter excelled with his barb-e-que skills, including the most delicious way of serving artichokes. It is just lovely enjoying the beautiful night on their terrace. Later Saul gives us a piano recital on the grand piano, which he performed at a concert the previous night. We also enjoy hearing about family life living in Barcelona.
We have quickly slipped into the way of life of needing a siesta because the evening meal here is much later than at home. We plan it into our schedule now.

On Thursday morning (27th. May) we receive the disappointing news that the rudder is expected to take another 10 days to dry out. We decide to hire a car for a week from next Sunday and go exploring along the Costa Brava coast as we planned to do on the boat.

Impulsive on the hard stand (with no rudder)

Tonight we have a lovely dinner with Jemma and Francesc and their children, Martin 8 and Ada 5, at their apartment. (we feel a little homesick for all our grandchildren). We met at Llafranc last season, and it is wonderful to have time with them again. They very generously offer that we may use their ski cabin for as long as we like next week at Masella up in the Pyrenees. What a wonderful experience to look forward to.
We had many long discussions last year with Francesc and Jemma about their lifestyle here. One of their main points tonight is that it is clear that being Catylans they are taxed discriminately and feel they often pay more to the government than they rceive back.

The next couple of days are busy. Peter comes to the Santa Maria market with us to show us his favourite stalls, where to buy certain produce I can´t find and how to organize cryovacced hams, cheeses and meats etc. This is great fun for Ross and me but I know through Heather´s experiences of translating it must be exhausting for Peter, trying to sort out what we need, and continually having to translate. It will make a great difference to how well we stow the boat.

Tasting cheeses at the market

We spend time on the boat sorting and stowing clothes, files etc so when she goes back in the water we will be ready to leave.

We also have dinner with Mark and Steve who are trying so hard to get the boat finished for us. They both have wonderful and interesting stories to tell, and are great company.

On Saturday night we have dinner with Ramon and Angeles (who we met in Cadiques last year) at port Olympic at a marvelous restaurant, Arola. We particularly enjoyed the Tapis here.

We are having dinner with Ramon and Angees at their home soon to hopefully try to finalize dates when they join us to sail in the Balearics, which will be great fun.

It is very frustrating we have to wait so long for Impulsive to be ready to set sail but we have had the most wonderful time in Barcelona, with all our special friends here.

New pot plant for Impulsive

The Pyrenees:

On Sunday at 10.30am when we leave to collect the hire car Barcelona is very quiet, even the Ramblas which is closed off to traffic for a marathon.
We are both excited to be heading up to the Pyrenees. It is only 155 ks.to Masella. We pass through many small villages on the way including Campdvanol which is celebrating a festival through the streets with a carnival and floats, and two people dressed up on the tallest stilts we have ever seen.

We have late lunch at the bar/restaurant la Tete at Puigcerda.

Lunch at La Tete - our young waitress is very helpful with ideas for walking trails


The lake at Puigcerda

We find a small cafe here with excellent wi-fi connections. This is very important when we are moving around so much and need to keep in touch about the boat. We come here several times.

We are told this is the last town we can buy provisions at before arriving at Masella, which has no shops. We find everything is closed so decide a cup of Peppermint tea by the fire at this marvellous cabin with beautiful views, will be just right for dinner! (and probably very good for us).

From Puigcerda we pass through a very green and fertile valley seeing brilliantly yellow canola fields and masses of wildflowers, predominantly the flanders poppies., and snow-capped mountains on either side.

Snow-capped mountainsA view from Masella

The drive up to Masella ( 15 ks. from the french border) is lovely as we wind up a very steep ascent to 1,500m. The mountains soar up above here to 2,200m.

The cabins where we stay

We spend four wonderful, and relaxing days here. We enjoy walking, picnics and discovering the nearby areas. Each evening we have a home cooked meal at the cabin by the fire, reading and then watching a Audrey Hepburn film. Jemma and Francesc have a set of all her films on DVD. We settle in one night to watch "War and Peace" which is very moving.

"Alp" is a small, and very old town below Marselles. We have lunch at Les Lloses (the Hills) before we drive back up the mountain to do a 3 hour walk high up around the perimeter of Marselles. The scenery is beautiful, with the snow-capped mountains always in sight, through the wooded forest and seeing many wildflowers. The walk back down to Marsella under a chair lift, is very steep and difficult.

Walking above Maselles


The forest above Masella

Top section of the walk

Starting the descent

Another wonderful walk we take is from Guils de Cerdanya, a very tiny but very attractive town starting with a picnic by the river. Again we pass through a lovely forest often by a narrow river gushing with the melting waters from the snow, and across some open plains covered in many species of wildflowers.

Picnic near Guils de Cerdanya


River of melting snow

Starting the descent

Examples of wildflowers here

Descending


Guils de Cerdanya

Unfortunately the rudder news isn´t so positive today. It is not drying out as it should and could take even longer than last anticipated. The query is if it ever will! Ross decides to contact Steve from Buizen in Sydney again. Maybe we should make do with the present one and have a new one sent over to have put on in the Canary Islands. This is all very complicated especially as we are not planning to have Impulsive lifted out of the water there. Not surprisingly Ross is feeling particularly frustrated.

The drive to Andorra is very scenic.. This is a fascinating country as since 1993 it became an independent, democratic parliamentary coprincedom. It is the only country to have catalan as its official language.

Andorra

There is endless development taking place here with the many new buildings, cafes/restaurants and chairlifts to cater for the huge tourism industry which has developed through duty free shopping and skiing.

Starting the ascent out of Andorra

Drive out of Andorra

The drive out of Andorra is very dramatic as we take the secondary road to Canillo and then to Ordino. The ascent is extremely steep and scenery is spectacular with the steep snow-capped mountains and two fertile valleys. We have lunch at hotel Barbot enjoying a view of this. The flowers here are gorgeous including roses, iris and lilac.

Iris in full bloom

We have more positive news about the rudder this morning. Steve, in Sydney has been continually conferring with Julian in Barcelona. Steve decides Julian can take off one side of the rudder to inspect what is happening inside. So we go ahead with our plans until we hear the result of this.
We hear a report from Julian that it all looks O.K. to repair inside ie remove the sodden foam and clear the rest of the water, but he needs an assessor´s approval to confirm this. It is all approved and work can go ahead on the rudder, so hopefully Impulsive is back in the water the following weekend.

We leave Masella and take secondary roads up the very steep and rugged ascent to the small towns of Saldes and Gosol.

Driving up to Gosol


Fertile valley near Gosol

Valley high up near Gosol

These 2 towns are 1400m. up, set in river valleys surrounded by enormous and very high mountain peaks, including very barren escarpments.

Walking around the stoned village of Gosol, dating back to C9 gives you a real sense of space and the fresh alpine air is so refreshing.

View looking back towards Gosol

Nearby Church

We then take main roads for the long drive to the Costa Brava, in the Girona region to stay at the small medieval town of Peratallada. This is a lovely town and so we stay here for 3 nights as our base to explore the Costa brava area more fully. The weather is becoming increasingly hotter so it it lovely to be back by the coast.

Peradallata


Picnic in the old moat

The surrounding moat surronding Peratallada is remarkable ,and the town preserves its ancient feudal aspect. It has a fortified castle, a palace and a church. It has also preserved its rural aspect adding to the atmosphere of the town.

Surrounding fertile rural land

We move from staying at Ca lÁliu, an old C18 village home because it is very noisy with church bells chiming and rubbish collections from early in the morning.

Ca l´Aliu (you can see the rut marks in the old road)

El Cau is a small hotel in the centre of the village and is attractive with its interior patio, and very quiet.

Interior courtyard at El Cau

There are many delightful towns nearby. Apparently the coastal areas have been popular with tourism for a long time but these inland areas have only been so for the lat 60 years.
Nearby are:

Sant Feliu de Broada

Sans Feliu de Broada
(Hay has been cut everywhere and adds to the freshness of the country air)

La Biobal dÉmporda _ a larger town and famous for its ceramics
Palau-Sator - a small medieval town

Palau- Sator

Driving through the beautiful and fertile countryside growing fruit and olive trees, grape vines and many rice fields, of Fontclara, Fontanilles and Guelta.

Pals - a wonderful little hilltop and walled town, with views across to Illes Midas (where we spent 2 nights last year on Impulsive)

Pals

Pals


View across to Illes Midas

Alguablava - a beautiful small cove

Alquabava

Tamariu - another small cove with beautiful waters
Llafranc - a lovely sandy and very attractive beach. We are pleased to spend time here again after our lovely few days here last seson.

The days are becoming noticeably hotter and at all these coastal towns people are swimming , sunbaking and soaking in the sun and the atmosphere.

After a pleasant lunch at Llafranc we walk

Leaving Lafranc on the walk

Capella de Palafrugell

Walk to Cap Roig

Continuing the walk

via Capella de Palafrugell, along the magnificent coastal track to Cap Roig

near Cap Roig

and to the well known Botanic gardens here.This is a 17 acre site with more than 1,000 species of plants, dating back to 1927. It also has a sculpture park, and the most wonderful views.

View from the Botanic gardens

Geranium Avenue

Woman in the garden sculpture




Sculpture in the gardens

Another interesting sculpture

The castle within the gardens

It is the most glorious day to do this with the sun sparkling off the water. There are many yachts and cruisers out enjoying it. We have mixed feelings about seeing these yachts - we are enjoying seeing inland parts of Spain without worrying about the safety of the yacht but we would love to be out on the water again, and living on Impulsive. Hopefully it´s not long now!

Food and wine festival at Peradalla

We leave Peradallada and drive along the very scenic and high coastal road south to Tossa de Mar , which is a town with medieval walls and towers. We have lunch here. We were unable to come ashore here on the dinghy last year because it was a very blustery day and it looked very touristy, so we didn´t pursue it.

Tossa de Mar

Our next garden visit is at Lloret de Mar, to the Santa Clotilde Gardens known as the "gardens between the sky and the earth", which were inspired by the Italian renaissance. These terraced gardens are set up high on the cliff top with stunning views of the sea. The use of the pencil cyprus tends to bring it all together, with the use of evergreen trees and shrubs, sculptures and water features. We were amazed how effective using simple plants can be eg. with ivy demarking the steps, lilies and agapanthas. They are spectacular.

Santa Clotilde Gardens

Santa Clotilde Gardens

Water feature

Mermaid steps

Covered walkway

With our heads swimming with ideas for the garden we venture down to the nearby beach which is so picturesque.

Beach below the gardens

This is a marvelous time to travel in Europe. It is beautiful weather and we seem to be able to be flexible with our bookings out of the main cities. Now we need to find somewhere to stay the night and are looking for something like a small B and B near the beach. There is only 1 small town between here and the next large town so we turn off and see what we can find, It is a lovely and well appointed hotel by the beach, the Santa Marta Hotel. Somehow Ross organized a special package deal including a room with a view of the sea, a session in the new spa and sauna complex and dinner including an aperitif. This is all rather idyllic.

View from our room

Surprise in our room

This is a lovely place to wake up for a birthday, with breakfast on the terrace and an early morning walk on the beach.
We venture off to view another garden just near here, the Pinya de Rosa, another botanical garden which specializes in cacti and succulents. We are not so keen on these plants but find them fascinating. They certainly look impressive in this setting on the coast. All these places have wonderful views looking over the Costa Brava.

Pinya de Rosa - Jardi Botanic

Effective use of the simple geranium

We travel further down the coast to Blanes past many long stretches of beaches. As we could see from Impulsive last year they all seem very touristy. At Blanes we visit another garden, Mar i Mutra, set up as an international centre of research. This covers an area of about 4 acres and is dominated by Mediterannean woodland. Again it is set on the cliffs overlooking the Costa Brava.

Mar i Mutra Gardens - Blanes

Mar I Mutra - Botanic Gardens at Blanes


Use of soft grasses

View of Costa Brava from these gardens

View over to Monserrat from the freeway driving back into Barcelona

I distinguish myself during this drive. We have an unusually large map to manage so I ask Ross to pull over so I can fold it to show the section of our route. All is fine until we come to the next toll, sometime later, and can´t find our local mobile phone. It must have been on my lap and fallen out when I sorted the map. It is now many ks. back so we cut our losses and keep going. Of course this is very inconvenient and we need to replace it.

We have some very tricky navigating to do to find our way to Port Forum to inspect the rudder. The marina here seems full booked like most of the marinas we have seen. Boating is very popular here.
It seems impossible that such a relatively small part of the boat has caused such a problem. I guess all these issues have to be worked through but it seems to have taken such a long time to find the solution that seems will solve the problem.
We decide to do more travel by car. We change our hotel bookings and our guided tour bookings to the Ahlumbra so that we still have our allotted time in the Balearic Islands. We are enjoying our inland touring very much.

With another testing time of navigating we drive mainly in underground tunnels to get through to the north of Barcelona and on our way to the well known Sitges, which is about 55ks. north of Barceona, again on the coast. It is a place full of atmosphere and is very popular for its beaches. The hotel Romantic, de la Renaixenca, where we stay is a delightful 19th. century villa with art works and many nooks and crannies filled with different artifacts, and a courtyard garden dining area.

Hotel de la Renaixenca

Sitges

Narrow street in Sitges

The drive from Sitges to Valencia on the freeway takes about 3 hours. Not as pleasant as sailing!
Arriving in Valencia to find our hotel, Ad Hoc, is another interesting , and frustrating exercise.
The streets are being renamed from spanish language to the valencio/catalan dialect.

We stay in the old Quarter which is the area once surrounded by the city wall. There are still two of the high stone towers with ancient wooden gates. This is known to be one of the finest examples of Gothic military architecture. One of the towers has evidence of Napoleon´s C19 invasion.

Towers at the city gate

After a self guided one and a half walking tour and a three and a half hour guided bike tour we feel orientated in this lively city, which displays historic evidence of Roman, Muslim and Christian architecture . The associated history is fascinating. This includes that of the Water Tribunal:
The farmers of Valencia, on the river Turia on Spain’s east coast, take their rights to water very seriously. For over a thousand years, they have relied on their city’s Water Tribunal to guarantee that water drawn from the Turia is distributed fairly. Although they are not lawyers and do not keep a written record of the verdicts they reach, and although there is no prison for offenders, eight Síndicos or magistrates meet under the Porch of the Apostles of the Cathedral of Valencia and settle verbally the disputes arising between farmers over the right to use water from the channels irrigating the 17,000 hectares of what is known as the “Orchard of Valencia”.
This scene, which has been re-enacted every Thursday at midday since the middle of the tenth century, when Abd-ar-Rahman III was the caliph of Córdoba, makes the “Tribunal de las Aguas de la Vega de Valencia” the oldest law court in Europe.
The eight magistrates, who are dressed in black and are accompanied by a bailiff bearing the tribunal’s emblem, represent each of the “mother channels” which are used for irrigation and for distribution of the water from the Turia. The roughly 1,500 farmers from each of these channel systems elect their own magistrate, who is required to be someone who actually farms the land and is not simply a landowner. The task of these “people’s judges” is to ensure that all the farmers of Valencia are supplied with the water they need through application of the provisions of a decree promulgated by King James I of Aragon in 1238, which is still in force and provides that “Everybody shall be entitled to a share of the water in proportion to the amount of land owned”.
The most common complaints with which the Court has to deal are concerned with the squandering or theft of water at times of drought, the disruption of channels, damage to crops as a result of water overflowing onto adjoining land, and failure to comply with irrigation schedules and to keep the channels clean so that the water can flow along them freely.
Places visited:
We spend time walking, cycling and relaxing in the beautiful and very large Turia riverbed Park.

Turia riverbed Park

Resting in the Park

It is wonderful to see how so many people enjoy using this facility from young children through to the elderly, whether walking, jogging, roller-blading, kicking a soccer ball, doing exercises or just relaxing.There are many attractive orange trees here which brings to mind the famous Valencia oranges, The lilacs are now in full bloom.

The city of the Arts and Sciences

The "City of Arts and Sciences" designed by Santiago Calatrava. This displays the most exciting architecture, and a wonderful use of mosaics. The only issue with this complex is that it cost an enormous amount of money to build but apparently the debts are overwhelming and the payments seem impossible. The Spanish economics are suffering from the global economic problems and they suffering a 20% unemployment rate. The evening we arrived we witnessed a large protest in the Plaza de la Reina. This wasn´t aggressive but you could feel the tension amongst these government employees. The government is cutting their wages by 5% and freezing the pensions.

The protest

The Cathedral with its layers of historic architecture i. e. Romanesque,Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance. In the Chapel the "Holy Grail" chalice is on view, which Christ is supposed to have used for his last supper. (we find the audio guides in Spain are excellent)

Statue of Neptune in front of the Cathedral

Bike tour-outside Roman door

The Holy Grail Chalice




Little girl dressed in local costume

The post office with its beautiful led-lighted glass dome.

Interior of the Post Office

The Commodity Exchange, or Longa

The Longa

C15 century palacio del Marques at the " joining of the two rivers" .
The Music Hall, which is along the riverbed parkland.Classical music is played outside here every Friday and Saturday evening between 8 and 10 p.m. It is a lovely experience on a balmy night with the soft lighting and water features.

The Music Hall

There are areas where shops sell middle eastern jewelry and clothes, And tea houses with Hookahs to enjoy

Examples of the local architecture

The marketMansion House with ceramics exhibtion

Bars and Restaurants:
Finnegan´s, a lively Irish pub on Plaza dela Reina
El Rall (between Longa-Exchange Building and Pz. Negrito) Our young guide from the bike tour recommended this and it certainly was a marvelous example of the famous night life here. It was easy to dine and wine and soak in the atmosphere for several hours until we leave to catch our train to Granada.
Restaurant/bar - Lobitas & Sibaritas - Caballeros 10, near Plaza la Virgen. A delicious seafood rice lunch. This is one of our favourite meals in Spain. Paella was first cooked in Valencia.
The restaurant at our hotel, Ad Hoc. They use all fresh and organic produce. the manager says this idea of cooking is very slow to take off in Spain. They cooked a lovely dinner.

Some cooking tips the manager gave us:
Base for Paella: rice
garlic
tomatoes
saffron (this is very expensive and most use a sustitute
Gaspacho: use vegetables or fruit in season:
e.g. peas
tomatoes
watermelon and tomatoes
With pea gaspacho:-
Place a small sardine on a thinly sliced piece of toast, surround with the soup and place garnish on the sardine.

A local cod fish (sometimes salted ) is a popular dish here.
Another favourite is the famous tomato bread. You rub fresh garlic and tomato into the bread or toast

We discover the drive from Valencia to Granada is 550 ks. so decide to travel there and back by train. We board the train at 1am. so then we can sleep most of the way. We book a day trip back so we can take in the scenery.

Valencia Station - another famous architectural building here

Arriving at 8.30am we go directly to our hotel and then have a full day ahead of us exploring. The Parador hotel at the Alhambra is a real treat especially as we are upgraded (the same as we were at the Neri in Barcelona).We don´t usually experience this luck!

Ross guiding!

We set off on a self guided walking tour in Granada and later did the same of our hotel and its surrounds. This used to be the Monastery de Granada on top of Sabika Hill. The Ahlambra was built on top of earlier Arab and Roman structures. It was built by a Nasrid monarch during C14 as an independent palace city. Subsequently it was used as a monastery, barracks for Napoleon´s army, an artillery warehouse, housing for the extreme poor, a hospital during the Civil War and later as a painter´s residence. In 1945 it became the hotel it is today, and the area is now a World Heritage site.

Parador Granada


Typical mosaics in the paving of the area using white pebbles and slate


The inner courtyard


Parador Gardens

Water feature in the courtyard

View across to the Generalife

The three and a half hour tour with Manuel through the Ahlambra and its gardens, is a wonderful experience. His knowledge is incredible and he exudes his passion for his subject. We are fortunate gardens are one of his specialities and loves. We so delight in the whole experience.

The Parador

Generalife Gardens

Generalife Gardens

Generalife gardens



Generalife- Friezeof the Courtyard of the Myrtles

Details of the facade of the Comares Quarter Generalife

Example of the CupolaCourtyard in the Nazaries Palace

The gardens of the Generalife where the four wives and the concubines lived have fountains and tranquil pools, and are lush green.
Seeing over the fortress and palace is a wonderful monument of Moorish architecture and gives an understanding of the lifestyles then. One great feature is the original irrigation system the Moors installed all those years ago and is still in use. They use the abundant water supply from the snow capped Siena Nevada mountains nearby.
Reading Washington Irving´s Tales of Ahlambra gives us further insight into "a dash of that Arabian spice which pervades everything in Spain" as he writes about the life and tales founded on popular traditions.
Manuel explains he is not happy to have to pay two taxes, one to the province and one to the Madrid government. He claims there are five government employees for every job where one would do! He is also very disappointed to have his salary reduced by 5%. He is obviously very dissatisfied with the politics here at present.

Places visited:

Albaysin is on the hill opposite the Alhambra, across the Darro valley. From the Alhambra you see across to its many white mansions and smaller houses. When there, you walk over cobbled and narrow streets which are usually too narrow for a car to pass through.

Shops selling middle-eastern wares

The view back across to the Alhambra from here is stunning, both during the day and in the evening when all the lights come on.

View across to the Ahlambra

View in the evening


Snow capped mountains in the background

This area has been the old Muslim quarter and later it housed the Jewish quarter.

The Gothic royal chapel here holds the marble monuments to the Catholic monarchs, Isabel and Fernando. There is a small Flemish art collection and Boticelli´s "Prayer in the garden ofOlives", which are part of Isabel´s personal collection.

The Chapel where Isobel and Ferdinand are buried

There are areas where shops sell middle eastern jewelry and clothes, and tea houses with Hookahs to enjoy
We didn´t see the gypsies or see them dancing in their caves which would be an experience.

Restaurants/ bars visited:

Estrellas de San Nicolas - Mirador de San Nichlas - It is positioned high up in the Albaysin area with magnificent views over the Alhambra

Delicious scallop dish

Calamari

View from Estralles de Sans Nicolas

The Parador - A drink on the terrace first is very pleasant with views over the Generalife.

View across to Albaysin area

Unfortunately it is a cool evening and we have to eat inside the restaurant which isn´t so atmospheric. It is lovely walking around this area in the cool of the evening and when there is no one about.
Falafel for lunch in the centre of Granada. It is fun people watching here.

Via Colon bar/restaurant

Via Colon at Gran Via e Colon 13. A very atmospheric small Bar/restaurant. Just near here is an excellent bookstore where Ross bought a copy of Washington Irving´s "Tales of the Alhambra".


Washington Irving´s statue on the path leading up to the Ahlambra

Mirador de Morayma. This was suggested by Manuel and is a wonderful old mansion turned into a restaurant high in the Albaysin area , and with a lovely view over the Ahlambra.

In Granada you are still served a free tapas with your drink, which is typical of thee very friendly and welcoming people.

Typical views from the train
Many farmlands growing olives, fruit trees and vines

We return to Valencia just for the night We take this opportunity to hire bikes again to ride through the Turia parklands again, and continue on to see Port America´s Cup where we would have been if we sailed here on Impulsive. It is a very large modern area but we saw it with no atmosphere. There are very few boats here and we would have felt isolated from the action. We did see a large party boarding a boat to celebrate a wedding . Weddings are always happy occasions to watch.
After another bike ride we head off in the car the following lunch time for Barcelona. The rudder is due for its final assessor inspection and we feel we should be closer at hand. Thank goodness for excellent email and phone connections where we have been traveling as it means we can be away and do some of the traveling we planned to do from the boat.
A favourite meal in Barcelona is at Cafe Mut. The tapis is so well presented.

A tuna tapis dish at Bar Mut

COSTA BRAVA - SPAIN (cont)

2nd. September 2009
We call Sam Macaw for his 7th. birthday. It is lovely to hear him so excited and enthusiastic about it all. We look forward to catching up with him properly when we get home.
We set sail for Porto de Llanca. The wind comes round more from the south, earlier than forecast, but by coming off 10 degrees, we can still average about 5.5kts.
As we sail past Cerbere we cross the french/spanish border. Port Bou is the first port on the Spanish side. This is very pleasant tracking along this charming, irregular coastline.
Porto de Llanca is an attractive former fishing harbour now concentrating on tourism. It used to export olive oil, marble and wine.

As soon as we can we fly our Spanish flag. It is etiquette to fly the host country´s flag above your own.

Flying the Spanish flag

Language is a problem for us here as we have no Spanish between us. Ross is picking up some handy words and phrases quickly and I am working on the polite basics. Ross manages to buy a dictionary which proves very helpful.
After giving Impulsive a well needed wash down and thorough clean, we enjoy a walk followed by dinner at the yacht club at the marina. This restaurant is high up with a view over the village and the port. Fortuitously the the owner here speaks some english.
We are surprised how quiet the village is and there are very few in the restaurant. He explains how in July/August there are 30,000 people here, and now there are very few. By mid-September he closes down as there will be no holiday makers at all. It is amazing how the seasons here are so marked.
The red wine here is said to still be one of the strongest to be found. I believe it after only having .5 of a glass of it and having the wildest dreams I´ve ever had .
The marina here is surprisingly expensive, even compared to France, because they are privately owned in Spain, and publicly run in France.
We are disappointed to realize we were actually in Cadaques the same day as the Mulders. We hoped we could catch up somewhere in this area even though it would be brief because of our different schedules. Victor and Barb think they saw us approaching Cadaques on Impulsive.
3rd. September 2009
We set off this morning with 15kts. of wind to sail averaging 5.5kts. Later there are gusts up to 26 kts. Now the speed increases to 7.5 kts. Ross is experimenting with holding the mainsail in a reef position (.75 of the way up) to prevent it blowing off the spindle. This is planning ahead for our coming long ocean sails.
The Costa Brava is lovely to sail along with its small villages down to the sea, nestled into the wooded backdrop and mountains behind. These are interspersed with the rugged and barren landscape also sloping down to the sea.

We track about 8 n.miles to Cabo Bono in time for a late lunch. This is an isolated , beautiful, tiny cove. We swim in the azure water here and do some drawing and painting.

Cabo bona

We watch our first D.V.D. this leg this evening. It is Lawrence of Arabia because we were told it gives you a good idea of Wadi Rum in Jordan (which we were disappointed to miss). We didn´t get a good impression of Wadi Rum, but enjoyed the film.

4th. September, 2009
We wake up to a large swell this morning so decide to leave early to track 4 n.miles south to Port Lligat.There are many fisherman still out, and many coming in at this time.
We plan to anchor here to go ashore to visit the artist, Dali´s house. We are not permitted to anchor so decide to track around to Cadaques where we know we can moor safely. Also it seems unnecessary to pay two mooring fees in a day.

We take a dinghy ride ashore for Ross´jog and my jog/walk around the nearby headland. Along this coastal path, Ptjal de ses Oliviers, must be one of the most picturesque places we have been.

A view along the coastal walk

This is followed by a refreshing swim off the back of the boat.
Just as we begin to prepare breakfast and boil the kettle we hear "good morning" at the stern of Impulsive. What a wonderful surprise to see Ramon. He spotted Impulsive from their house and ventured out to see us, just in time for a cup of coffee on board.
We are embarrassed we aren´t flying the catalan flag especially as we are moored next to Ramon and Angeles´boat.

There are many boats moored at Cadaques and Ramon explains by mid-October they, and their moorings, are all lifted out of the water because the strong easterly winds come in then and there is no protection from this wind.

View over the harbour from Ramon and Angeles` garden

Local knowledge is invaluable. eg. we thought we would walk back to Port Lligat to visit Dali´s house but Ramon explains you need to book a time to view this house, which he kindly does for us, the earliest available in 4 hours time!
Ramon takes us over there in his small, antique, sky blue fiat, which is nearly 50 years old. This was his father´s car and is kept in immaculate condition. It is a great experience to ride in this very special automobile.

Ramon´s fiat

We see a documentary about Dali before entering his house. He certainly was an intriguing character, and obviously devoted to his wife, Gala. This was Dali´s only fixed address from 1930 to 1982, when Gala died.

Dali´s house

The house itself is an amazing place, made up of a number of fisherman´s huts bought over the years. It has many small rooms, but so full of character, and so much thought for detail in the decor and artefacts.

Photo of Salvadore Dali

View through a window on the Terrace

The famous egg-shape dali used many times

Later this afternoon we take Ramon and Angeles sailing. We sail downwind for a start which seems deceptively quiet, but the wind comes up and coming back we have to beat into a wind gusting up to 35 kts. This turns into an exciting and most willing sail! All is well apart from the worry of stress on the sails and rigging.

Calm before the wind comes up

Sailing out of Cadaques

We have dinner at a small cafe by the beach tonight recommended by Ramon. There is a happy, relaxed family atmosphere here with the locals, and they serve delicious local cuisine. The nearby mussels were ruined in a big storm last December, but there are many just a few coves away.
There is also a top of the range restaurant not far away which is considered one of the best in the world. We are very keen to try to make a booking here until Ramon mentions it is very expensive, costing €500.00 ($1,000.00) a couple! We decide dinner on Impulsive is a better option.

5th. September 2009

Little cove we passed on our early morning walk

This morning we repeat yesterday´s exercise regime, including exercises. We like to keep fit generally but still feel it´s important when we are sailing.

Swimming carnival

The highlight this morning is the carnival swim with 500 competitors. Unfortunately the wind has come up as forecast and the course has been changed from 6 ks. from a nearby cove to just around the bay here. On the home run it is particularly difficult for the swimmers heading into the wind and a very choppy sea. The course takes them right beside our boat which is a great place to watch from. The sea has been so choppy we have slept in the stern- port cabin the last 2 nights because the groaning on the mooring lines has been so loud.
We have planned to be moored here for a few days until the weather settles. We catch the bus into Figueroles , Dali´s birthplace,to visit the Teatre-Museu Dali.

Teatre-Museo dali

Dali wanted this museum seen as a whole. He conceived and designed everything in it to give the observer the opportunity of entering his unique and fascinating world. Some of his famous paintings are housed here too. It illustrates his earliest works and his surrealist period up to the last works of his life.

Bronze scuptures

The Dali- Joies collection is magnificent. These jewels are exquisite and epitomize Dali´s imagination. Also it adds to the sense of quality and productivity of his works over the years. Neither of us like all his work but we certainly admire his inspirational imagination and ability.
The bus timetable is very infrequent now the height of the season is over, so we spend time wandering about Figueroles and have a delicious tapas dinner in a small, cosy bar.
Figueroles is an old and attractive town. We enjoy watching the evening lights come on about 8.30pm., when we catch the bus back to Cadaques, which takes about 1.5 hours. Cadaques is very lively, still celebrating and partying after the swim apparently, with live bands playing in the main square.

6th. September 2006
The weather is settling this morning so we make plans to track further down the coast.

Ross calls Ramon to thank them for all their generous hospitality , and to say good-bye. He and Angeles invite us to go out with them on their boat to a nearby cove for a swim and lunch with some of their friends. This is too lovely an invitation to refuse. However we take Impulsive and follow them as they usually stay out until about 6pm. on these outings and we need to leave by 4.30pm to be organized by dark.

Following Ramon to the cove for the picnic

What a lovely experience to share with them one of their great pleasures. Swimming here is beautiful even though the water is beginning to have a brisk edge to it. And what a delicious lunch on board their boat, Bonavista. This is in the same immaculate condition as their car.
There is a house here referred to , even on their charts, as the Australian´s house. it was built by an Australian 25 years ago.
We greatly appreciate they all speak mostly english to include us in their conversations. It obviously wasn´t always easy for them. It is such a treat for us to have an experience like this, behind the tourist scene.
Angeles has a great sense of humour. Ross had been trying to encourage them to say , when some unexpected gusts of wind came up "it´s bloody windy, mate". Later in the afternoon when some wind suddenly disrupted the serenity of the scene Angeles said "it´s bloody windy!" I wish I could speak as many languages as Angeles. She speaks Catalan, Spanish and three other languages, as well as having an excellent grasp of English.
After a beautiful afternoon in Cala Guillola (a small cove) we leave at 4.30pm. We are hoping to catch up in Barcelona, and there are plans in the making for Ramon and Angeles´ next trip to Australia.

Leaving for las Ilas Medes

We motor sail with the headsail up 12 n.miles to las Ilas Medes . As a result of the strong winds over the previous few days there is a large, uncomfortable swell.
It is surprising as we round the n.west corner of the relatively small Isla Meda Grande the sea calms and there are protected moorings where Ross plans to stay overnight. This group of steep islands are uninhabited and are a marine reserve.
We are able to moor here for the night, but had to leave time before dark to track across to Puerto de LÉstartit if necessary.
It is lovely to be moored in a marine reserve only .5 n.mile from the coast and its bustling. The moon rises as a large golden ball up between Isla Meda Grande and Isla Meda Petita, throwing its golden reflections across the water to shimmer on Impulsive. We think this must be a good omen as we enjoy our moonlit barb-e-que.

7th. September 2009

Sunrise at las Ilas Medes

Today is a catch-up day on Impulsive, including reading, drawing and painting.
Later in the day we walk up to the summit of Isla Meda Grande to the lighthouse where there is a 360 degrees panoramic view of the area. The snorkeling here is superb, especially as this has been a protected area for 25 years. Some of the many fish swim up to our goggles, and the waters are beautiful colours from darker indigo blue through to crystal clear turquoise.
We are reading peacefully in the cockpit just after 9.30pm when we have a visit from two very pleasant young men. They are from the authorities and say we are not permitted to moor here overnight, as Raymond had mentioned. However the pilot book says it is permitted , so that´s why we stayed here last night, as did two other yachts. We happen to be the only yacht here tonight and are enjoying it.
Ross shows them the pilot book and explains we have had a glass of wine, and we never drink and sail. They still say we have to move as they leave us saying they have to check elsewhere but they will be back. . We wait up for some time but it soon becomes apparent they have kindly turned a blind eye to us.



8th. September 2009

There is quite a swell this morning so we leave early to track for only four n.miles just west of south to Cala de sa Tuna. The landscape changes here to steep cliffs with their soft pink tinges dropping directly into the sea.

Cala de sa Tuna

I am ashamed I obviously haven´t done my homework adequately. I really thought we would just be filling in time tracking along the Costa Brava to Barcelona, and needed extra time in case we were held up by the Tramontane. This can happen for up to five days at a time apparently. This coastline and its villages are wonderful.
Cala de sa Tuna is a tranquil, tiny village. It has few houses, none with any interesting architecture, and only two restaurants, one of which is already closed for the end of the season.

There are a group of men bringing in the boats, and their moorings and chains to store them through winter.

Winterizing the boats and moorings


sa Tuna

We walk along the coastline (I´m running out of superlatives to describe this beautiful place) up to the ancient town of Begur. Somewhere we take the wrong turn up through a forest filled with marine pines and many varieties of birds including robin red breasts. This turns the walk into a 10ks. hike but is well worth it.

View looking up to Begur castle


View from the castle back across to las Ilas Medes

Begur

There is only room for a couple of yachts in this very small harbour. We are anchored here, and Ross is pleased he has put a stern line out to the nearby rocks as a swell developes again and it prevents too much rolling. We are so close to shore we can hear the small birds twittering and the cicadas shrilling.

Impulsive anchored at Cala de sa Tuna

We enjoy dinner on-shore tonight at the one restaurant open, situated right by the beach.

9th. September 2009

Coastal path for our morning walk


The beautifully clear water

We make time for our exercise regime, including a long swim this morning, and then head off to Tamariu where Ross expects we will have protection from the constant n.east swell. There has been no wind for two days now so we are not sure where it is coming from. There is no room to anchor close in so we tie up to a buoy further out to visit the village briefly. It hasn´t the same appeal for us as the last one but is attractive, and the same as Cala de sa Tuna , it has a sandy beach.

We track another two miles further down the coast to Llafranc. The marina is written up as always being fully booked. When we venture into this tiny port with very little manoeuvrability the the man on the diesel dock says there is no room. We understand him to say to come back and inquire again at 6pm. We leave and are just wondering where to go next when the man from the capitania comes by in his tender and invites us to come back in. It takes some sorting out but they find us one last available berth, making sure we understand it is usually full. We are delighted as this is another lovely place to stop. The architecture is much more interesting with the terra-cotta tiled roofs and attractive shutters on the old, victorian-style fishing houses which are now all tastefully renovated.

Spraying elastic zips to prevent them "freezing up"

This afternoon we have an afternoon preparing Impulsive to leave her in Barcelona. Being tied up to the groin at Club Nautic Llfranc is a very friendly place to be as many people pass by for a walk or to go fishing.
First we have a group of four young boys, who have been swimming, come to talk to us. They have excellent english and they enjoy coming on board to see how we live on the yacht, and something of how we sail her.


Later a father with his two young children arrives at the stern of Impulsive, on their bikes and carrying fishing rods. I recognize him from when we came in earlier and he was very welcoming. They were going out on their boat, which is typical of the smaller boats used here. They are made in a nearby village, and used for day trips to the nearby coves and rocky outcrops, to go fishing or swimming , picnicking and sun-baking.
Francesc is keen to come on board and is very enthusiastic about us having come all this way from Sydney. He is keen to learn to sail and someday do a similar trip with his wife. They are also keen to travel to Australia and Canada sometime.

We gave the children a very small present each. (We are so looking forward to seeing our grandchildren soon it was lovely to have these happy, healthy young people on board). Young Martin, aged 8, dashed off on his bike saying he had something special for us. He came back with his mother, Jemma, and a bag of goodies they had put together for our dinner - some speciality cold meats and a bottle of red wine.

Francsc and Jemma


Martin and Ada

Later Ross and I go ashore for a drink at a hotel, and then dinner at the restaurant Franesc and Jemma recommend. We always appreciate having local knowledge.
Jemma met us later for a cup of tea once the children are settled. Luckily her brother is able to bab-sit for a while. She is amused though because we have come to wrong restaurant - it´s name is similar to the one they suggested.
It is interesting to hear how young couples cope with family life in Barcelona. It is not easy. Usually both parents work but this means needing help to cope with the children´s school hours and the parent´s work schedules. The children go to school from 9am. to 5pm. with a 2 hour lunch break in the middle of the day. Jemma has organized for her two children to go home for lunch (Martin has special dietary requirements) but even so it is such a long day for youngsters. The major problem is that most parents don´t finish work until 9pm. so see very little of their children during the week. This must put huge pressures on society here. No-one has siestas anymore, so it is an extremely long day for the adults too.
Francesc has returned to Barcelona. He is a Catalan political journalist and needs to be there for reporting on Friday which is their national holiday. We are also grateful to know about this holiday as everything will be closed.

10th. September 2009

We go for our early morning jog/walk so we are back in time for Jemma and the children to come for breakfast on Impulsive. They are going out on a friend´s boat from the marina so it suits well.

Later we meet them at the restaurant Jemma had meant us to eat at last night. It is very colourful sitting looking over the beach with all its bright umbrellas.

View from the cafe

Not only do we have a delicious spanish meal but we now know a great deal more about the menus and how to order. Jemma´s english is excellent which is a great help.
We are enjoying being here so much Ross asks if we can stay another night in the marina, but unfortunately the owner of our berth is returning this afternoon so we must move on. We decide to anchor just outside because the forecast is still very mild. Again a swell develops (from where we don´t know). Jemma has noticed this and generously invites us to stay the night. We accept gladly and return to Impulsive to have a relaxed afternoon.
Just as we are planning to have a light meal before we go ashore Jemma calls to say she is very embarrassed but she must cancel her invitation because her parents are coming for the night ,on their way to a wedding tomorrow. They have had this house for twenty five years so we quite understand their last minute decision.
A quiet night on board is always good for us!

11th. September 2009

View looking back to the anchorage on the walk to Cala Furgell

This morning we walk south around the headland to the next delightful cove, Cala Furgell, again with a sandy beach. It is the last preserved town before Barcelona. From Cala Furgell north it was made illegal many years ago to allow new buildings to be built more than three stories high.
We have coffee with Jemma and the children and plan to see them all in Barcelona.
We track 15n.miles south-west to Tossa de Mar. There is not enough wind to sail but what wind there is, is directly behind us so flying the spinnaker would be perfect. unfortunately Ross has strained his back so this is out of the question. I´m not strong enough to pull it back in by myself. This turns out to be an excellent decision as the wind comes up to 19kts. in a n.easterly direction, and handling the spinnaker would have been very difficult. We sail with the headsail up. The foreca is for 2-4 kts.
There are many other boats out today, especially out of Porto de Feir de Guiscls. Also it is a holiday and long weekend.
At Tossa de Mer we tie up to a mooring because there is still quite a lumpy swell.
There is a long stretch of beach here, but it is a town of high-rises. We don´t bother going ashore here.
From here we sail with the headsail up, to Porto Blanes. There are still long stretches of rugged scenery between the coastal towns, but again it is the wooded slopes down to the sea, rather than the cliff faces.

Blanes

At Porto Bianes the man on the fuel dock says there is no room. There is still quite a swell and anchoring outside is no longer an option as the pilot book suggests you may. I can´t believe this as it is our last night to find somewhere safe for Impulsive for the night on this leg. We have been warned of this problem and have been worried of this happening during our time in the Mediterranean, especially if there is a sudden change for the worse in the weather forecast.
However my skipper is not to be deterred and ventures over to the other side of the marina where there are many serious fishing boats. We come stern - to next to another yacht in the same situation. Just as we finish tying up we hear a whistle from a skipper on a large tourist boat. Impulsive is in their berth so we will have to move. This skipper is very patient with us and in fact is very helpful. He suggests mooring up between two fishing boats as none of them will leave until Sunday night. This proves to be a very safe and peaceful mooring for the night.

Secure between 2 serious fishing boats

This groin is like a promenade in the evening, and quite lively as people stroll by , or ride their bike. We have dinner at the marina restaurant looking over the sea and the town. We don´t walk into this town as it is large and another high-rise. Also it is so pleasant where we are , and with the small, nearby beach where we can swim.

Small beach at Blanes

12th. September 2009
Blanes to Barcelona
This is a beautiful morning on the sea for motor-sailing calmly along with the headsail up. We pass long stretches of beaches, but these areas are becoming more cluttered with stark white high-rise buildings as we come closer to Barcelona. Levatane winds, the problem strong easterly winds in this area, have been forecast some days ago for this weekend, but fortunately this has been changed to light winds of 10-12 kts. from the s.east. We have a glorious last sail for the 34 n.miles to Barcelona.
Enroute we call into Porto Olmpico to check out the facilities here. It looks very well organized but the travel lift to bring a boat out of the water doesn´t seem very big and there isn´t much room for boats to be left on the hard stand over winter. Ross has to finalize all this and was hoping it may have been a good option, but it doesn´t seem very suitable.

Coming into Port Vell, the old harbour in the centre of Barcelona, is a spectacular sight and very memorable. It is a colourful time to arrive being Saturday evening. It is also reassuring to know we have a berth booked here - Ross had it organized before we left Australia.

Yachts at Port Vell involved in around the world racing

We are happy to be safely tied up at the end of our 4th. season sailing. We have had the most wonderful time, and shared a host of experiences. We look forward to exploring Barcelona and are excited to then be going home.

The cheery hibiscus which has flowered all the way from San Remo to Barcelona - we hope we can find a good home for it!

Favourite recipe this leg:

Tapas - a well known traditional dish in Spain

There are many varieties of this. This happens to be the one we have.

Tomato bread -made by rubbing a cut tomato over the roll cut in half

Place on this a layer of mashed eggplant (peeled)

Then a layer of peppers grilled, marinated and sliced into fine strips

Place on top thin rounds of sliced goat´s cheese

Place under the griller and serve hot.

A plate of tiny green peppers, grilled and marinated

A plate of anchovies - marinated in lime juice, a light vinegarette dressing, and S. and P. to taste

A plate of razor clams doused in lime juice


Spain-to Barcelona

At Llanca it´s hot:it´s still summer here
But when we round Cabo Creus today
And find a buoy inside Cala dÍles
We find autumn is on its way

The great Pyrenees meet the sea at this point
And the coast is rugged and cut
Into lots of small bays with beaches and rocks
It´s a beautiful coastline,but

The price of this scenery´s the tramontane wind
Persistent and strong from north west
Which sings through our rigging in Cadaques bay
And puts our reefed sails to the test

(As Ramon would say:It´s bloody windy here mate.)

So we learn about Salvador Dali
And explore the Cadaques town
We picnic with Ramon and Angeles
And wait till the wind settles down

Now it has,and we´re moored at Las Islas Medes
Dorado is on tonight´s menu
And a long golden pathway extends to the moon
Not a bad anniversary venue?

Well,we open champagne which we drink with moonlight
And the barbequed fish is so good
As is Neil Diamond´s music,we think as we dance
We´d do it again if we could

We find that Sa Tuna is just as attractive
The cove´s sculpted free of the stone
You can walk to Begur ,you can swim,you can sketch
Impulsive´s here almost alone

We can´t stop as we´d hoped at Tamariu
For the swell from the east is too strong
This proves lucky:we end up instead at Llafranc
A week here would not be too long

We are taken in tow by Francesc and Gemma
And treated to Catalan fare
Pescadito frito follows whitebait son sos
And then ris l´estrata to share

At Tossa la Mar it´s too swelly again
But at Blanes(where they say there´s no space)
We tuck in between two huge fishing boats
Where we vanish with hardly a trace

It´s our last leg today and the weather is fine
We will tie up tonight at Port Vell
Right next to La Rambla at Barcelona
We´ll stay here until next May

What a fabulous 4 months.


September 09.

Barcelona

Barcelona, founded in the 3rd. century B.C., is a seaport city. It is the capitol of Catalonia autonomous region, and is the country´s principal industrial and commercial centre, as well as a major cultural centre. It is a very vibrant city and has the second largest population density in the world.
Our style is cramped for the first couple of days because Ross has problems with his back. Again we are grateful to our sister-in-law Ruth´s advice for medication. When Ross had difficulty walking I knew we had a problem! However the one advantage of staying on the boat is we are around to organize the different issues that need to be organized eg. the storm damage repairs, engine, generator and bow thrusters servicing, sail repairs , replacing a staysail etc. and finding someone to check Impulsive regularly while we are at home.
It s lovely to catch up with our friend Peter Churcher who is living with his family in Barcelona so he can follow his painting/art career. He comes onto Impulsive a couple of times with the children. His wife, Andrea is in Australia so we are are sorry to miss her. One afternoon Peter
takes us for a guided tour into the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter, and brings it all to life for us as we wander through the classic medieval , narrow streets. We imagine we could easily get lost in these windings streets when we come back by ourselves. There are many grand buildings which were built during the prosperous times of the city dating back to C15.
The cathedral is a wonderful example of Gothic architecture with its particularly high and spacious interior.

It is marvelous to imagine the Romans standing around in their togas all those years ago, discussing politics in the main square. Also it is exciting to think of Christopher Columbus walking up the stairs here when he returned from his famous voyage, to be received by Isabella.
We finish the tour with a delicious tapas lunch in this area. Peter has certainly given us a marvellous insight into living in Barcelona, and he is keen to come sailing with us when we return next year.
It is fun exploring the Ramblas, the lively pedestrian mall, and there is a wonderful market here.

We enjoy a delicious lunch at Jemma´s cafe/delicatessen in the heart of the business district. We heard from another friend that the three delicatessens her parents own are famous, one in Madrid and two in Barcelona.
Jemma and Francesc have explained that people of our generation seem to find it difficult to retire, even though financially it is not a problem. They are continually encouraging Jemma´s parents to retire and enjoy themselves. They say they don´t know how to "stop". Jemma and Francesc have made their plans already that they are working towards so they can retire and do the things they want to do eg.extensive sailing. The are certainl highly motivated.

Ross is disappointed he is unable to play tennis with Ramon and his friends (with his back problems), but hopefully it will happen on our return trip. We have a wonderful dinner with Ramon and Angeles at Aqua, a very well appointed restaurant by the beach we sailed past when we went in to check Porto Olympica.
Ross is very pleased to be able to organize having the boat looked after while we are home in Australia. We have found a group of British ex-pats who work on this arm particularly to look after boats when people leave them for a long period of time. Their care will include running all the systems weekly, keeping Impulsive clean and repairing all the steel work (damage from the storm in Elba).
This all takes time to finalize. Our main concern now is the customs bureaucracy. We can only have the boat in European waters for 18 months before we must pay V.A.T. tax ie.16 percent of the value of the boat. One option is to leave the European waters for aminimum time, eg. sail over to Tunisia, and then return. Secondly, the boat can be lifted out of the water for the time we are away, and you can be given an exemption. Thirdly, you can obtain an exemption and leave the boat in the water. We had panned to have Impulsive lifted out of the water but their are not many opportunities for that here, and it is a much more expensive rate than applies if we leave her in the water at this marina.
Ross has endless frustrations organizing this and it takes a long time dealing with the bureaucracy. Customs have agreed to give us an exemption to leave her in the water but she must be sealed, which means no-one is able to go inside her without getting permission each time. This would be very difficult for the people maintaining her. The issue is still to be resolved, but the people who are looking after Impulsive know of other boats which have done this, and just had a large cutom´s sticker put on them intead of sealing the door. This is one more challenge for Ross to overcome. At least we know we are exempt from V.A.T. tax.
We haven´t seen as much of Barcelona as we had planned so we will make time when we return.

The lovely finale to our time away is having a few special days in Copenhagen with Scott, Jeanette, Auguta and Lily. We always enjoy our time here so much, and sharing part of their lifestyle. The weather is exceptionally good with warm, sunny days and no wind, so we are able to be oudoors for many outings.
Now we are looking forward to going home, to be with our family and friends there. This will be an unusual week for us - to see all our grandchildren within a few days.