Bound for Barcelona - April 10, 2010 EB TA - Part 4

[cupcake]

We did the hoho bus in Barcelona last time, but were too intimidated to get off very often, because we were afraid it might take too long to get back on. The lines look long, but it moves fast. We got a late start and mostly rode the routes. This time we have an idea of where we want off and what we want to see. WE must see Park Guell even though it is a bit of a walk from the bus stop, La Sagrada Familia tours this time, we just saw the outside, Casa Batillo tour and Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic quarter is probably all we can squeeze into 2 days, if I have more time Picasso Museum.

I can't walk for large chunks of time, so we were thinking the HOHO would let us see the highlights while minimizing walking (sort of more a hop on than a hop on/hop off). We did the Codorniu tour/La Sagrada Familia tour (on the theory that it would minimize the total amt of walking during the day, we thought it was very enjoyable), followed by a few hours hitting La Boqueria (incredible market for those who are into that kind of thing. So neat! Have only seen something like that on TV before) and the Gothic Quarter. Not sure where/if we'll hop off, need to pull the list of stops.... The Gothic Quarter was incredible, even just wandering around and seeing things from the outside, but I recommend having a map, as there are a lot of little streets going in all directions that look alike. On the other hand, I have no sense of direction!

It's going to be a fiesta of HOHO as besides Cadiz, that's our tentative plan for Madeira. We did a Ronda excursion in Gibraltar (not offered this time-- it was fabulous and one of the highlights of our trip) so will check out Gibraltar this time. I was going to try to finalize all this when my hubby does the taxes. It's interesting to see what everyone else is contemplating.

Cynthia

 

[Happy Goofy]

Natlee58

I am a retired elementay teacher and taught k-3 and would love to help if you get a group together.

 

[TiggerPU88]

Hi all!

I've been compiling tips & tricks for the cruise. if you have tips, must-do/see activities, things you wish you had known before (like the Cove Cafe free pastries), please post or PM them to me and then I can distribute a list.

Enjoy packing (for those of us who aren't done yet...)!

-- Adrienne : )

 

[Natlee58]

Natlee58

I am a retired elementay teacher and taught k-3 and would love to help if you get a group together.

I would love that! It would be an amazing experience for the kids! Spread the word.

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

That's because, technically, you are. There was a whole big deal last year because the publisher of George Orwell's "1984" decided after the fact that they did not, after all, want to make the book available for eReaders. So when people who had bought the book turned on their Kindles, they found the book deleted off their readers, and a refund for the purchase price. Amazon can (and possibly will) delete anything off your reader. Which is why I will never own a Kindle. (I own a Sony eReader. Love it to pieces, and the books on it are MINE!)

I don't know if the same is true for the iPhone, but if it is, you couldn't pay me to use the Kindle app...

Sayhello

Hi Sayhello (haha!) - I am aware of Amazon's policies. These are the reasons I have chosen not to buy a Kindle Reader. I don't mind purchasing a few cheap books to have in my hand no matter where I am -- even knowing they might disappear. To each his own!

I have tried out the Song Touch and I liked it a lot, but I am waiting for the format wars to settle down and more outlets to sell ebooks before I commit to a dedicated reader.

Well, I just dumped dinner on the kitchen floor. I'M FEELING FRUSTRATED. Granted, I was trying to talk on the phone, monitor ds's 'fatal' injury (mostly imaginary) and carry the pan from stove to oven all at the same time. And the pan is one I love and refuse to throw away even though the handle wobbles back and forth a whole lot...So now I have wasted the food, wasted my time, messed up the kitchen floor, and have 3 hungry people!

On the good side, 2 weeks from yesterday we climb on a plane and I don't cook for 17 days!!!
Ann

On Ann! I am sorry. Sounds like you need a vacation! Hang in there!

In the words of Princess Tiana -
And I'm almost there, I'm almost there
People down here think I'm crazy, but I don't care
Trials and tribulations, I've had my share
There ain't nothing gonna stop me now cause I'm almost there

(we needed a little music, didn't we?)


As for procrastination -- I am not packed, but I do have lists and piles. I consider this pacing myself!

 

[kileybeth]

Here's the story on your countdown tickers:

Thank You for letting me know! No matter how hard I tried I could not get the personalized EBTA one to copy and paste into my siggie so I just went with Magical Kingdoms. We are so close now I guess it is no biggie but yes, always better safe then sorry.

 

[kileybeth]

We did the hoho bus in Barcelona last time, but were too intimidated to get off very often, because we were afraid it might take too long to get back on. The lines look long, but it moves fast. We got a late start and mostly rode the routes. This time we have an idea of where we want off and what we want to see. WE must see Park Guell even though it is a bit of a walk from the bus stop, La Sagrada Familia tours this time, we just saw the outside, Casa Batillo tour and Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic quarter is probably all we can squeeze into 2 days, if I have more time Picasso Museum.

Cadiz, we did DCL excursion last time, which was led from the ship on foot. WE could have just followed along. We will do the hoho bus because we have seen enough to feel comfortable that we won't get lost. It seems like a lot of us will be on the buses which should add a level of security and peace of mind. If anyone wants to catch the bus with us until you feel secure, we can discuss it onboard.

Thank You, it is great to hear first hand reports from those who has been there/done that.

 

[kileybeth]

Well, I just dumped dinner on the kitchen floor. I'M FEELING FRUSTRATED. Granted, I was trying to talk on the phone, monitor ds's 'fatal' injury (mostly imaginary) and carry the pan from stove to oven all at the same time. And the pan is one I love and refuse to throw away even though the handle wobbles back and forth a whole lot...So now I have wasted the food, wasted my time, messed up the kitchen floor, and have 3 hungry people!

On the good side, 2 weeks from yesterday we climb on a plane and I don't cook for 17 days!!!
Ann

Oh stink! I hate when that happens! Hope DS is okay.

Yeah for no cooking for 2plus weeks. I think it may be what I am most looking forward to!

 

[kileybeth]

I can't walk for large chunks of time, so we were thinking the HOHO would let us see the highlights while minimizing walking (sort of more a hop on than a hop on/hop off). We did the Codorniu tour/La Sagrada Familia tour (on the theory that it would minimize the total amt of walking during the day, we thought it was very enjoyable), followed by a few hours hitting La Boqueria (incredible market for those who are into that kind of thing. So neat! Have only seen something like that on TV before) and the Gothic Quarter. Not sure where/if we'll hop off, need to pull the list of stops.... The Gothic Quarter was incredible, even just wandering around and seeing things from the outside, but I recommend having a map, as there are a lot of little streets going in all directions that look alike. On the other hand, I have no sense of direction!

It's going to be a fiesta of HOHO as besides Cadiz, that's our tentative plan for Madeira. We did a Ronda excursion in Gibraltar (not offered this time-- it was fabulous and one of the highlights of our trip) so will check out Gibraltar this time. I was going to try to finalize all this when my hubby does the taxes. It's interesting to see what everyone else is contemplating.

Cynthia

I'm loving all these "mini trip reports" I know next to nothing about these locations altho I have read and re-read these tour books, somehow nothing is stickin' with me

On tour books. . .is anyone going to bring them along or is the wieght just to much to fool with? I think if I read the night before the actual port maybe something will actually stay with me and DH won't look at them at all until we are sailing soooo, am I crazy to bring them along?

I have Rick Steve's Spain and The Rough Guide Spain (which I think I might like a bit better but it is way heavier) Both also cover Gibralter.

 

[dster113]

My DS is in kindergarten also, but he's only missing 6 1/2 days because of school vacation and a half day BUT it's a full day kindergarten and I'm not sure how thrilled they are about it (I also had him out 6 days in Oct for Disneyland ).I wish it was the letter of the day- He's expected to read a simple book by June. He's excited for the trip but he's not too thrilled to miss school- if he ends up missing something special ( like a field trip ) I will not make Mother of the Year ! Isnt it funny that we feel bad about taking our 5yr olds out of school for the trip of a lifetime with great learning, fun, and family time...? What HAS the world come to... !!

When I booked the trip (not having the 09/10 school calendar yet) I figured one of the weeks would hit spring break...wrong...he's off next week, back in school for 1 week then off for 2.
I'm doing a mystery trip next week with the kids and not telling them where we are going, everyday starting today they are getting a clue. Because I just don't have enough to do

 

[brack]

Thanks for all the pixiedust for our anniversary today. It is still a great thing to be married to same person and still be in love!

 

[kileybeth]

Hi Sayhello (haha!) - I am aware of Amazon's policies. These are the reasons I have chosen not to buy a Kindle Reader. I don't mind purchasing a few cheap books to have in my hand no matter where I am -- even knowing they might disappear. To each his own!

I have tried out the Song Touch and I liked it a lot, but I am waiting for the format wars to settle down and more outlets to sell ebooks before I commit to a dedicated reader.



On Ann! I am sorry. Sounds like you need a vacation! Hang in there!

In the words of Princess Tiana -
And I'm almost there, I'm almost there




People down here think I'm crazy, but I don't care
Trials and tribulations, I've had my share
There ain't nothing gonna stop me now cause I'm almost there

(we needed a little music, didn't we?)


As for procrastination -- I am not packed, but I do have lists and piles. I consider this pacing myself!

Oh Lauren, That post just made me smile!

A vacation! No cooking! Catchy Disney tunes, and "Pacing Yourself" !

It's all so good and worth repeating!

In 13 days "I'm outahere!"

 

[dster113]

Awww I taught kindergarten in NYC. I have an undergraduate degree i theater. Maybe we can get some kids together and I will write a play and the kids will perform for the parents. My guy friend that I am travelling with is a magician. It would be great to put together a show for the parents featuring the kids on the cruise. Then your son won't feel like he is missing out.

Please let me know what you think!!

Oh..my..goodness!!! I can't tell my son about the magician, he would never leave him alone. He wanted to take the magic class after school but he was already signed up for two other classes. He also got a magic kit for christmas and asks me at least twice a week to help him do a trick. Let's figure it out when we get on this ship, I love the idea but it's also your vacation! I don't want you to have to work.

 

[kileybeth]

Thanks for all the pixiedust for our anniversary today. It is still a great thing to be married to same person and still be in love!

Pure Sweetness!

 

[mackeymouse4eva]

When I booked the trip (not having the 09/10 school calendar yet) I figured one of the weeks would hit spring break...wrong...he's off next week, back in school for 1 week then off for 2.
I'm doing a mystery trip next week with the kids and not telling them where we are going, everyday starting today they are getting a clue. Because I just don't have enough to do

you are my hero!!


I can barely get myself together for this trip- and here you are arranging a "mystery" trip - how cool!!!


Too bad about the school schedule - maybe its scheduled around Easter? Thats one good thing in Massachusetts ( most of MA ) , the spring break is always scheduled around a state holiday which is celerbrated the third Monday in April. It helps when trying to plan things far in advance. What a great month your kids are going to have!!!

 

[Disneyana'sAunt]

Hi Everyone,
I just discovered DIS! Though not new to Disney at all! We are going on our 5th Disney Cruise in a couple of weeks, Transatlantic.

Can you tell me how to get started on the magnets? I'm looking forward to chatting with you all and learning from your experiences.

 

[Natlee58]

Oh..my..goodness!!! I can't tell my son about the magician, he would never leave him alone. He wanted to take the magic class after school but he was already signed up for two other classes. He also got a magic kit for christmas and asks me at least twice a week to help him do a trick. Let's figure it out when we get on this ship, I love the idea but it's also your vacation! I don't want you to have to work.

He is great with kids and I am sure he would teach your son some tricks. We are excited to talk about talent show on the ship!!

 

[mackeymouse4eva]

Natlee58

I am a retired elementay teacher and taught k-3 and would love to help if you get a group together.

This is incredibly generous of both of you!!!!! But this is supposed to be your vacation!!!


If you end up getting together I'm sure my son would have a blast!!


And that magician could come in handy...can he make things disappear...???!!!!!!

 

[mackeymouse4eva]

Hi Everyone,
I just discovered DIS! Though not new to Disney at all! We are going on our 5th Disney Cruise in a couple of weeks, Transatlantic.

Can you tell me how to get started on the magnets? I'm looking forward to chatting with you all and learning from your experiences.

WELCOME!!!

 

[dster113]

you are my hero!!


I can barely get myself together for this trip- and here you are arranging a "mystery" trip - how cool!!!


Too bad about the school schedule - maybe its scheduled around Easter? Thats one good thing in Massachusetts ( most of MA ) , the spring break is always scheduled around a state holiday which is celerbrated the third Monday in April. It helps when trying to plan things far in advance. What a great month your kids are going to have!!!

It's just a quick trip for two nights and three days but I figured instead of telling him I could make it more interesting. It will be at a friends weekend house at the beach, just kids and moms. My husband said it's a trial for us being away from him for two weeks. Yesterday I had to write down directions on how to operate the diswasher for him...oh boy!