4/10/2010 eb ta "bound for barcelona"

[bound2travel]

That is a reference back to our pride of cougar joke that was a number of posts back.

T

I LOVE THIS!!!!! I'm going to have the oddest collection of magnets on my door as long as people don't mind my "borrowing" what they have posted.

Kristi

 

[auntlynne]

I have the link to thossink's photobucket (although users of a web browser other than Safari are probably able to link to it with a simple right click of the mouse). He is a wealth of graphic designs. Very sly of him to keep putting out a new design every day. Where was he when we needed a logo? Good thing Stephanie has the skills, too.

 

[bound2travel]

I know it's only been two days since SM signup was closed. But I was wondering when we might get our SM name. I'm going someone on Sunday and was hoping to do a little shopping if possible.

Just asking. I can wait.

Kristi

 

[woody73]

Would anyone think me ungrateful, rude, crass, impolite, or be hurt, if I regifted anything I may not need, use, want, or can carry off comfortably?

We are not participating in the FE exchange. We will be traveling post-cruise in Europe on planes, trains and automobiles, and the baggage limits are brutal. But we will have a FE.

We will be cruising with a family with an 8-year old son. The parents work very, very long hours, and are not able to DIS. It is a huge struggle for them to even get the time off.

So if you want to re-gift, we would be happy to accept and share with a family that can barely keep afloat.

Woody

 

[DisneyHeather]

If I pay for internet access on the ship will it work in my stateroom with my laptop?

 

[Michelle2]

I know it's only been two days since SM signup was closed. But I was wondering when we might get our SM name. I'm going someone on Sunday and was hoping to do a little shopping if possible.

Just asking. I can wait.

Kristi

Sure Kristi, now that the date has come and gone, I will work on the SM's tomorrow.

 

[auntlynne]

Found this website with some interesting info (hasn't been updated recently, I don't think, because they mention " A giant new south terminal is expected to open in 2009.")

Verify anything that really needs accuracy, which should be our SOP, anyway.

http://www.traveltips24.com/Barcelona.htm

Barcelona Weather

"Given the high humidity, 19-23 degrees Celsius is considered comfortable weather, which is normally the temperature between april and june and between late september-november. This is the best time to visit the city. Anything warmer than this can feel too hot."

Festivals and Events

"Sant Jordi. 23rd of April. Considered to be like Valentines Day. People give roses and books around the streets. Traditionally men give women roses and women give men books. It is one of the most popular and interesting celebrations in Catalonia.

Airport Luggage lockers: Someone asked about this

Baggage storage is €4.60 per day for a large locker that easily fits 2-3 serious suitcases. Left-hand end of Terminal B, behind the Ars cafe.

Language

Barcelona's official languages are Catalan and Spanish. However most signs are indicated only in Catalan because of political reasons. Luckily Spanish and English are also widely used in public transports and other facilities. As in most European countries any attempt by visitors to use the native language, in this case Catalan and Spanish, is always appreciated. The majority of Catalans instinctively address foreigners in Spanish. Catalan is a language, not a dialect and sounds close to Italian and French in many ways. Try to avoid referring to Catalan as a dialect, which will probably offend Catalans. Around 30% of local people consider that Catalonia is a nation, with its own culture, history and traditions, to them different from the other regions in Spain. Bullfighting and flamenco is not so popular in this region but the differences are actually quite few. The identity subject might be a very sensitive one among certain traditional Catalans. Moreover, speaking in Catalan to Spanish speaking Catalans might also be a sensitive issue.

On tourist areas almost all shops and bars have some english speaking staff. But english is not very widespread among spanish people, not even among young ones. They are kind and will make an effort to try to help you if you talk in english but their vocabulary knowledge will be very limited. If you do find a white fluent english speaking barcelonian it is most likely to be born outside of Spain, usually an european or latin american inmigrant (both groups being a very significat part of the city center inhabitants along with the not so integrated asian and african inmigrants -which, of course, also do have english knowledge-)."

Sightseeing

La Rambla. The most famous boulevard in Barcelona stretches from the harbor to La Plaça Catalunya running through the Ciutat Vella like a spine. Come here to see the street performers jump out at unsuspecting tourists, enjoy the flower and pet stalls, or just sit back and watch all of Barcelona walk by. During the day, La Rambla is packed with tourists, at night, the locals come out, as well as many prostitutes. There, you can find newspaper and book stands, birds, flowers, musicians, street-performing artists that all contribute to create a lively and unique atmosphere. If you happen to be here after Barca win, you're in for a treat!

The Montjuïc Castle. Provides a beautiful panorama view over the rest of the city. Take the harbor cable car* to Barceloneta for more splendid views. The Montjuic Castle is in the Montjuic Mount, in which you can visit so many places, like the museums MNAC, Caixafòrum, El Museu de l'Esport Olímpic and El Museu Miró. Note: * Jun-Sep: 11am-8pm.

L'Aquarium The second biggest aquarium in Europe (after that in Genoa). Watch thousands of fishes, penguins and sharks in this interactive sea-life museum. Unlike Genoese Aquarium it has a long glass "tube", where you can walk watching sharks and other fish swimming around. Located at the Port Vell leisure center, next to the IMAX cinema. Entrance ticket - €16.

Food

A treat to try that no travel guide mentions is waffles sold at street stands. They will tempt you with their mouth watering smell and taste.

Even though tapas restaurants are now all over the city, tapas itself originated in Andalusia in the south of Spain and is NOT native to Catalan cuisine. Catalans generally eat three course meals (appetizer, main dish and dessert), and would more likely go for a pre-dinner drink and pintxos (Basque counterpart for tapas) at a Basque taverna.

Near Sagrada Familia on the Carrer de Provenca (across from the church, and next to the McDonald's) there is a buffet style canteen with large windows facing the Cathedral. You get a dinner (unlimited snacks, main dishes, drinks, tea/coffe, deserts) for €10.30 and credit cards are accepted. Open 24h.

In several supermarkets you can find a wide stall with a great selection of ready-to-eat dishes. You can get a two-course lunch for less than 5 euros.

 

[auntlynne]

We are not participating in the FE exchange. We will be traveling post-cruise in Europe on planes, trains and automobiles, and the baggage limits are brutal. But we will have a FE.

We will be cruising with a family with an 8-year old son. The parents work very, very long hours, and are not able to DIS. It is a huge struggle for them to even get the time off.

So if you want to re-gift, we would be happy to accept and share with a family that can barely keep afloat.

Woody

Now that sounds like the real way to "Secret Mickey." The kid wouldn't know what he was in store for.

You will know where we can find this FE, right?

 

[woody73]

Now that sounds like the real way to "Secret Mickey." The kid wouldn't know what he was in store for.

You will know where we can find this FE, right?

Of course! It will be in the Mini-Navigator under "Woody73."

Woody

 

[Michelle2]

If I pay for internet access on the ship will it work in my stateroom with my laptop?

Yes, but very very slowly!

 

[slcmom]

Hey, Krisann, I love your website! Looking forward to your workshop. Here's a quick question for you; we've down-sized homes and had to get rid of many belongings because we just don't have room. So shopping doesn't have the appeal it once did. BUT I am still very tempted by wonderful Christmas decorations. Have you scouted out any great Christmas things available in any of our ports? Share?


One more question for the group, please. Many many posts ago a European family joined who will be with us on the cruise, and she is a jewelry designer. Can anyone remember her dis name?

Thanks, and good-night!
Ann

 

[PrincessMonkey]

Festivals and Events

"Sant Jordi. 23rd of April. Considered to be like Valentines Day. People give roses and books around the streets. Traditionally men give women roses and women give men books. It is one of the most popular and interesting celebrations in Catalonia.

Awww, we can celebrate another version of Valentine's Day in Barcelona. Nice find!
(Will the cougars give the book club books to their new friends?? Stay tuned!)

Also, don't waste your time with Montjuïc Castle. We thought the fort/castle and the skytram ride were just okay. The cannons and gardens outside were the big "must-see" but we weren't too impressed.

Those views were secondary to the GORGEOUS and exciting vistas at Tibadabo! Try a visit at the Tibidabo amusement park built on the mountainside (see this link) too. It opens for the 2010 season on March 6th, but the park hours were ending when we got there around sunset in 2008. The attractions appeared to be so unique! They will challenge any fears of heights. You do not have to visit the amusement park to enjoy the views at Tibidabo.

Prices for Tibidabo Amusement Park

Park Hours (link)
Closed Friday, April 23rd
Open April 24th from 12:00-21:00
The panoramic Tibidabo Skywalk part of the park (with a few rides) is open every day from 11:00-21:00!

PrincessMonkey

 

[auntlynne]

...One more question for the group, please. Many many posts ago a European family joined who will be with us on the cruise, and she is a jewelry designer. Can anyone remember her dis name?...

I think it was The Youngs

...Also, don't waste your time with Montjuïc Castle. ...

Park Hours (link)
Closed Friday, April 23rd
Open April 24th from 12:00-21:00
The panoramic Tibidabo Skywalk part of the park (with a few rides) is open every day from 11:00-21:00!

PrincessMonkey

You toy with us. Tell us it's great - but it will be closed while we're there. Would it be worthwhile just to go up to the Skywalk?

I read about the old train (tram?) that takes you to the area (maybe at the base?), which sounds like fun.

Montjuic - I am on a hunt to find out how we are going to the fountains for our final night together. Any experience with this?

 

[joius24]

One more question for the group, please. Many many posts ago a European family joined who will be with us on the cruise, and she is a jewelry designer. Can anyone remember her dis name?

Thanks, and good-night!
Ann

Ann Here is a link to her website... beautiful stuff!

http://www.laylea.com/

 

[thossink]

Wait a minute, aren't you bringing your own cougar with you?

Not quite She is bringing hers. I am "Older".

The addition of the score card is for Steven

T

 

[thossink]

I LOVE THIS!!!!! I'm going to have the oddest collection of magnets on my door as long as people don't mind my "borrowing" what they have posted.

Kristi

Borrow away, sharing is half the fun. Most of mine are on Photobucket. Looking at my stats on PB some people are "Borrowing" my countdowns for other cruises on other boards, they are being used before our count gets there.

T

 

[thossink]

I have the link to thossink's photobucket (although users of a web browser other than Safari are probably able to link to it with a simple right click of the mouse). He is a wealth of graphic designs. Very sly of him to keep putting out a new design every day. Where was he when we needed a logo? Good thing Stephanie has the skills, too.

HEY, I was just learning how to do this when we needed a logo. (actually reading this set of posts is why I started)

Who says I am obsessive and compulsive

T

 

[DVCGirl49]

Hi all! Wow, you guys are so organized!!

We just booked the EB TA yesterday for myself and DH. So just trying to catch up on the thread.

If there is still room, we'd like to join the 2nd FE group, who do I need to PM the info to? Also if the lanyard team still has extras, we'd like do that too.

We've been scouring the net all day to find a good airfare BCN to JFK, but are having trouble finding a decently priced flight without a hideous layover that is after the DCL advised noon. How flexible are they with noon being the earliest time? There's a 10:50 Air Lingus we'd love to book, but not too sure what the scoop on getting off the boat earlier is. Does anyone have an early flight, that's doing the Disney transfers?

 

[Brooklyn]

Hi all! Wow, you guys are so organized!!

We just booked the EB TA yesterday for myself and DH. So just trying to catch up on the thread.

If there is still room, we'd like to join the 2nd FE group, who do I need to PM the info to? Also if the lanyard team still has extras, we'd like do that too.

We've been scouring the net all day to find a good airfare BCN to JFK, but are having trouble finding a decently priced flight without a hideous layover that is after the DCL advised noon. How flexible are they with noon being the earliest time? There's a 10:50 Air Lingus we'd love to book, but not too sure what the scoop on getting off the boat earlier is. Does anyone have an early flight, that's doing the Disney transfers?

DCL is booking people earlier then their suggested time after noon. There are many on this board who will be on that earlier Aer Lingus flight.

When we took the TA last time in 2007 our flight left even earlier then that and we made it to the airport fine.

Other will be able to elaborate better on their plans for the morning of the 24th.

 

[thossink]

Hi all! Wow, you guys are so organized!!

We just booked the EB TA yesterday for myself and DH. So just trying to catch up on the thread.

If there is still room, we'd like to join the 2nd FE group, who do I need to PM the info to? Also if the lanyard team still has extras, we'd like do that too.

We've been scouring the net all day to find a good airfare BCN to JFK, but are having trouble finding a decently priced flight without a hideous layover that is after the DCL advised noon. How flexible are they with noon being the earliest time? There's a 10:50 Air Lingus we'd love to book, but not too sure what the scoop on getting off the boat earlier is. Does anyone have an early flight, that's doing the Disney transfers?

We are using DCL and flying out at 10am

T