July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 2

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew.. yes, we will meet up at dinner and plan our excursion meets... its getting closer!!!!

Sounds good, did you ever plan anything for Marseilles?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Helen this is where I am staying how close is it to the MAGIC fountain and The dinner at 3Gats?

The hotel is situated near Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia.
Instructions: Take Highway Castelldefels, follow straight on direction to Barcelona. Straight on you will get Gran Via Corts Catalanes main street. Go straight on until Passeig de Gràcia Street and get second lane up. Turn left on the first street you found, it is Diputació Street.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

HI Joann
We had our :"Fun Day" yesterday... the whole school out on the hot field playing different games. It was so hot, 2 kids were sent to nurse for heat exhaustion! Tempers here are also at a dangerously high level...teachers are not pretty when they are hot, tired, and have had enough!!!
9 days 1 hour left!!!!!!

Stephens was cancelled due to rain, Alice is off to France Monday for four days with her school, Educational trip, The Headmaster likes France does it easch year!!!

Kept back some Euros from Majorca for her and still ahve some to contribute to Barcelona.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

My Barcelona hotel.

 

[salliep]

Stephens was cancelled due to rain, Alice is off to France Monday for four days with her school, Educational trip, The Headmaster likes France does it easch year!!!

Kept back some Euros from Majorca for her and still ahve some to contribute to Barcelona.

Wow- 4 days in France-!! That is fantastic-!! Our students usually dont do overnighters like that until high school. Some schools do an overnighter in Washington DC, or Philadelphia- places of historical value, but but not at Alice's age as far as I know- We have cut down drastically on school trips since 9-11 also- We used to take the kids to Manhattan all the time , but my district no longer allows us to go there- so sad!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Wow- 4 days in France-!! That is fantastic-!! Our students usually dont do overnighters like that until high school. Some schools do an overnighter in Washington DC, or Philadelphia- places of historical value, but but not at Alice's age as far as I know- We have cut down drastically on school trips since 9-11 also- We used to take the kids to Manhattan all the time , but my district no longer allows us to go there- so sad!

There are so many health and saftey rules and issues but yes they do this each year, she has tecnically finished this school now, as she took her exams just before we went on holiday, she has six weeks left at school, then moves on to her next new school, so whilst they mark the exams they can do stuff like this.

She is a seasoned traveller now, so I am not worried she is very good at airports and when she got losdt once at Disney, she did the correct thing went straight up to a shop and shop to a CM and she was found in a min or two.

The only issue is the sea crossing, I have always taken her to France by train on Eurostar, she will be on a ferry and most likley will be sea sick.

 

[salliep]

My Barcelona hotel.

Andrew- I used my Google Earth so cool!! to map our hotel- the Hesperia Presidente- i think its far off, Im going to call disney today to check it out when they open, I was hoping to be close to las ramblas- they also booked us at the Husa Illa for the night we return.. I'll let you know what they say

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew- I used my Google Earth so cool!! to map our hotel- the Hesperia Presidente- i think its far off, Im going to call disney today to check it out when they open, I was hoping to be close to las ramblas- they also booked us at the Husa Illa for the night we return.. I'll let you know what they say

You can see from my map I am just off La Rambla

It runs north south on this map ( top to bottom) the cruise port would be a little South, ( down ) mine is a four star and I think it would be five star if it had a pool, thats the only thing missing.

I know I could walk to the port from there, but will get a taxi on the 28th re bags etc. I am next to a few Underground railway and main line stations. Just next to the shopping area.

I went for this apart from location as few holtels had familiy rooms, i have a suite with beds for four.

 

[jlawall]

You have nothing to apologise for

I'm really looking forward to meeting you and your right we will have a blast.

I know what you mean about energy - I'm so tired and I'm only managing to get around 6 hours sleep a night. I usually like to have 9


Still how many days is it until we cruise?

35 days to go....7 weeks today!!!

 

[salliep]

I thought this was informative on Las Ramblas
Guide to Barcelona Las Ramblas

Hotels Las Ramblas
Ramblas Hotel Bookings
This page will give you detailed information on famous Barcelona Las Ramblas, including its main attractions, sights of interest and links to hotels on the Ramblas. Las Ramblas is often the first landmark that most tourists identify with the city. It is the central most Boulevard which cuts through the heart of the city centre and is a vibrant and lively promenade filled with Barcelona action at its best (and sometimes worst…more later)

Orientation - Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas in Barcelona is approximately 1.2 kilometres long with Port Vell (near the cruise port terminal) at the Southern most end and Placa Catalunya at the northern most end.

If you have your back to Port Vell and you are looking up towards Catalunya along the Ramblas on your left hand side is the Raval area and on your right-hand side is the Barri Gotic (or Gothic Quarter).

Barcelona Las Ramblas can also be roughly divided into seedy and non-seedy areas. This distinction between seedy and non-seedy becomes a lot clearer during the night time when the Southern most end of the Ramblas becomes something of a red light district and is frequented by night women (prostitutes).

In this article when I mention the northern most end of the Ramblas I mean north of the Liceu theatre (which is a mid way point along Las Ramblas) and the southern most end as being south of the Liceu Theatre.

Transportation along Las Ramblas in Barcelona

La Ramblas is primarily pedestrianised with only two narrow one-way traffic roads which run on either side of the central Ramblas Boulevard.

Barcelona city council have restricted traffic flow through this region and you have the overwhelming feeling that pedestrians rule in this area (which makes a welcome change). Unlike other cities that have huge roads running through the middle Barcelona has chosen to structure the road system such that the heart of the city centre is primarily pedestrianised with larger roads that service the periphery.

Metro stops on the Barcelona Las Ramblas

The Ramblas is serviced by three Metro stops along its length making it a superb transport point to see the rest of the city.

At the Southern most end of La Rambla, near to Christopher Columbus memorial, you have the Drassanes Metro stop. (Green Line, L3)

Midway along the Barcelona Las Ramblas, just outside the Liceu Theatre, you have the Metro stop Liceu. (Green Line, L3)

At the northern most tip of the Barcelona Ramblas you have metro stop Catalunya which is serviced by the Metro on both the (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1). Catalunya is also the point at which you can catch the Aerobus ( Express bus service to the airport) and the Bus Turistic which will take you around 2 circuits of popular tourist attractions.

Accommodation on Barcelona Las Ramblas

Hotels on Ramblas
Ramblas Hotel Bookings
There is plenty of accommodation along the Ramblas in the form of hotels, hostals and apartments.

Although the Ramblas offers you excellent access to the very heart of the city it is worth remembering that if you choose accommodation on the Ramblas you must be prepared for noise. There is no getting away from this. Regardless of whether your hotel has double glazing or not be prepared for some noise. There will even be street noise at night when the Ramblas can be busy until 3 a.m. or later. Click here for a guide to hotels near las Ramblas

Attractions along Las Ramblas Barcelona.

Attractions along the Ramblas including live performances, human statue art, artists that will draw your portrait or caricature, as well as established attractions like:

Wax Museum
Erotica Museum ( Museu de l' Erotica) - La Rambla, 96 ( be prepared to see some interesting toys),
Christopher Columbus monument and
Modernist Boqueria Market.

Did you know there is a Barcelona Miró on the Ramblas? The famous painter Joan Miró actually created part of the Ramblas? Yes, you read that correctly! Many thousands of people walk right over a Miró on the Barcelona Ramblas every day and they don’t even know it!

Where is the Miró you may ask? The place to find Mirós' circular tile mosaic can be found very close to both the Liceu Theatre and the Liceu metro. Look for a large circular coloured mosaic tiling right in the middle of the Ramblas. If you look carefully you will also find one tile that was signed by Miró.

Shopping along the Ramblas in Barcelona.

There are dozens of restaurants and shops along the full length of the Barcelona Las Ramblas. However due to the popularity of Las Ramblas, and sheer volume of visitors, you will find elevated prices and generally a lower level of service than you would experience in a less touristy area.

I would be reluctant to dine in a restaurant along the Ramblas simply because there are better places to enjoy a night out. But for a tourists’ first visit sitting on the Ramblas with a jarro of sangria is an absolute must!

if you are looking for some speciality items, practically anything, from an electricity adapter, special camera batteries, clothing, or even stationary items difficult to find in a regular shop you will probably find in El Corte Ingles.

El Cortes Ingles can be found in the Placa Catalunya Square which is at the Northern most tip of the Ramblas. El Cortes Ingles is a huge department-store with seven floors of shopping categorised by different genres. If you can't find what you're looking for there, you can't find anywhere!

Safety along Las Ramblas Barcelona

Las Ramblas is a popular tourist attraction in its own right. Any time during the day or night several thousands tourists will be meandering along the Ramblas soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the activities.

However there is also another group of individuals that are attracted to the Ramblas for a completely different reason. They are interested in taking advantage of the tourists. Who are they? Pickpockets and scam artists!

To help ensure your safety whilst visiting the Ramblas I highly recommend you read my Barcelona safety article that will help you be aware of the potential hazards and how to protect yourself. Help make Barcelona a scam-free zone by following the guidelines in this article. Without easy targets perhaps the pickpocketing and bagsnatching problem will start to disappear. Click here for the Barcelona Las Ramblas safety guide.
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/barcelona-safety.html

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Barcelona map, Eixample area.

Just above the shaded area, at the bottom the Gothis quarter,if you see in the middle of the non shaded bit, Passing De Gracia, where the double SS is I am just to the left of that going towards La Rambla, running pararel to Passing De Gracia.

Bottom Cruise port, Left side ''GREEN'' bit is the Olympic hill. Past that off the map is the Airport.

 

[jlawall]

Pirates Won! Pirates Won!

Of course this means I have to get him to bed early because we have a 9am game, and have to be at the field at 8. But tomorrow's game is for the whole enchilada. Winner goes to TOC. (sigh)

So now a little moment to brag - This is Garet in his Pirates uniform, and his Chargers uniform from last season.

More pirates!!!

 

[jlawall]

Hi all,

I just wondered what your family , partners, significant others think about the dis - I'll share what Dave and I talked about last night.

Last year was the first time we met up 'dis' people on a cruise. We both agreed it was the best thing we ever did. Dave to be honest is extremly shy and nervous around new people. He was over welmed at first last year meeting so many people at our dis meet -However having linked our dining reservations with 2 other families it was like we were dining with friends , not strangers. This worked so well and Dave was really comfortable @ dinner.

This year there will be a lot more of us than our meet last year. So pleased be patient if you see someone sitting quietly in the corner of our dismeet that will be Dave.

You know some of our friends say that I make up for Daves shyness - but I really dont know what they mean????

We are both really looking forward to this cruise. But I have to laugh -Dave has absolutly no idea where he is going (ie countries). We discussed the 5 excursions we booked through DCL - but apart from that he is clueless. I can see him now on the ship saying - so where are we going tomorrow As for me I have a plan all mapped out.

Deep down Dave is a wanderer -He loves to go out for a walk but has no idea where he'll end up.

Me on the other hand - I have to know where I am going and more importantly - how I'll get back

My husband sounds a lot like yours Helen, he's not really shy but on the quiet side. I get accused of being "talkative" quite frequently (I see it as a gift!)

I've been DISing for a number of years but in 2005, we made some great friends on our West Coast DCL trip. Lynn is one of them. We've met with her in NYC last fall and have met with the others in NYC & WDW since our cruise. We continue to communicate with each other regularly. We were all going on this trip together but they bailed! A few of that group will be REPOing next summer. We can't b/c of my school schedule!

 

[jlawall]

Andrew being on the East coarst its been overcast all week here. Infact it was that cold we put the cental heating back on.

We would love just a bit of sun

You can have ours........

 

[jlawall]

We were expecting it to be 90 - the hottest day of the week - it seemed like it would get there, but by the afternoon - you could feel a chill in the air and a light jacket was needed by 5-6 pm. We also had fog, yes fog moving - it was just very strange - we felt rain coming too, but that did not happen

I hope it's warmer tomorrow - my daughter and the cheerleading team will have a car wash 10 - 4 pm (fundraiser).

No way! Lucky you! It's still really hot and humid today!

 

[jlawall]

HI Joann
We had our :"Fun Day" yesterday... the whole school out on the hot field playing different games. It was so hot, 2 kids were sent to nurse for heat exhaustion! Tempers here are also at a dangerously high level...teachers are not pretty when they are hot, tired, and have had enough!!!
9 days 1 hour left!!!!!!

But who's counting??

 

[jlawall]

Wow- 4 days in France-!! That is fantastic-!! Our students usually dont do overnighters like that until high school. Some schools do an overnighter in Washington DC, or Philadelphia- places of historical value, but but not at Alice's age as far as I know- We have cut down drastically on school trips since 9-11 also- We used to take the kids to Manhattan all the time , but my district no longer allows us to go there- so sad!

The only overnighters we do in our district is the senior trip to WDW! Also, the music program does week long festivals.....mostly we just do day trips!

 

[salliep]

Here is another link to a good interactive Barcelona map- Im trying to get a grasp where we are compared to the fountain, las r. and other DISers hotels

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-map-191501797-map_of_barcelona-i

 

[Sandaneli]

Helen,

My dh and I are both "average" sociable and can be very quiet. We like to mingle but we also like to spend time on a lounge reading/having a drink quietly.

I can loosen up when we all meet a bit more since we have all been having conversations back and forth, where my dh will socialize and step back here and there -

He also has no idea what is going on. On a daily basis he will ask me - anything new on the boards? What excursions are we doing? Are we doing any excursions with Wendy (disneymagic316). I am the planner. He is really not on the computer much and can just barely open up and read mail

We look forward to meeting everyone and spending some time together. For our first dcl cruise - we met a lot of people at the Radisson Hotel (not a dismeet) and it was fun bumping into them all week on the cruise and chatting.

If you guys are up all night partying and we are not there - it's not because we are not sociable - we can't stay up. Our body is an alarm clock, we get up at 4/4:30 am daily (even when off) and cannot keep our eyes open early evening. We have missed a show here and there - we were there, but sleeping on the chair

Okay, I am writing a book here now.

Helen and Anna,
This sounds like us. DH asks everyday, "so what's new on the Boards?" But he doesn't go on at all. Then he can say, "You spend too much time on that computer!" He's very pleased to be meeting people on the cruise. We had hoped to meet people this time and because of this board we have a jumpstart. We have always taken the kids and stayed pretty much to ourselves but this time it's just the 2 of us and we are more interested in socializing. THis has been such a blessing. We are looking forward to meeting everyone.

Sandra

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Here is another link to a good interactive Barcelona map- Im trying to get a grasp where we are compared to the fountain, las r. and other DISers hotels

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-map-191501797-map_of_barcelona-i

Just going to have a look now. Found my hotel on google just now.