May 5, 2010 Magic of Barcelona

[strawberryblonde]

Hello from Venice! We had a blast at Disneyland Paris last week, then flew to Pisa and saw the Tower. We took the train to Florence for a couple of nights and are now in Venice. It is chilly and wet here. I'm glad I brought some warmer clothes, though I'd thought that I would use those in Paris. It was very hot there though. Probably in the high 70's, low 80's. Colder down here and just a constant overcast all day long. Hope this blows over soon. Other than being a bit wet, we're doing great and having so much fun. Looking forward to getting to Barcelona and on the ship!

I'm so glad that the first part of your trip has gone so well

 

[cj'smom]

I was curious how it was doing in Spain. It is quite cold this weekend in Germany and overcast. It is supposed to dip nearly 10 degrees colder by tomorrow . The forcast is predicting warmer weather for our cruise after the first few days, though.....70's and partly sunny. I hope so!!!

We came in to Barcelona on Sat. It has been chilly. Today we were out walking and my daughter made us go back to our lodging to get jackets. However, we later spent the rest of the day at the beach where she waded happily in the frigid water!

 

[cj'smom]

Hello and welcome!! Our family of 4 will be in pirate costume for pirate night, so I hope you find the costume for your little one

We will be in pirate costumes too - it's one of the few things I KNOW got packed.

 

[cj'smom]

Is anyone bringing a corkscrew? I don't think I can pack it in my carry-on, can I?

I meant to bring one of those things you can put in a bottle of wine to keep it good (in place of a cork). One more thing that didn't make it in. Hmmm, wonder what else I'll discover that I forgot, lol?

 

[cj'smom]

Thanks.


OK, has anyone cried yet? LOL
I'm stressing! Why didn't I start packing long before now like most the rest of you did!

I didn't cry but did end up throwing up on the way to the airport - a result of not sleeping all night, barely eating the last two days, feeling stressed and adding in motion sickness as I tried to check through the bags on the way to the airport. Despite working all night, I ended up with a lot still to pack with 1/2 an hour till we had to leave for the airport. Grabbed an extra suitcase and just started tossing stuff in. I love to travel but HATE packing

I know we have door decor, formals, semi-formals, and pirate stuff cause that all got packed first. Tossed in tons of FE stuff that I had meant to sort through and whittle down, Realized I packed NO shorts (had meant to get some down from the attic) though if it stays this chilly I may not need them. Had a sinking feeling on the plane that I left the camera behind - thankfully, it's here. However, I left ALL of the Barcelona and port info that I had carefully researched and printed out. Packed multiple toothbrushes and NO toothpaste, lol! Guess I'll find out what else I forgot when I unpack on the ship.

Anyway, we made it safely and are having a great time. Slept most of the first day and then went to see the Monjuic magic fountains in the eveing - absolutely incredible sight! Today, swam in the hotel pool, had a lovely buffet breakfast with lots of delicious Spanish food, traveled to the B&B where we are staying the next 3 nights, saw some of the Gaudi sites then spent the rest of the day at the beach and waterfront area.

Special "Magic" moment - at the Monjuic Magic Fountains - we are blown away by how beautiful this site is, really no words to describe it, most of the choreographed numbers are to classical music. The fountains die down for a moment and we think the show is over...then we hear the unmistakable opening notes of Circle of Life from the Lion King, followed by a 15 minute performance of classic Disney tunes from all the Disney musicals - all in Spanish but of course we recognized every one and were singing and dancing along while watching the spectacular lights and water show. My daughter was grinning from ear to ear. All the stress of getting here was erased in that Magic moment with my child! Don't know if they added that medly due to the Magic docking in Barcelona this summer or if it's always part of the program but it sure was wonderful.

Tomorrow will try and see the Chocolate museum, La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas and whatever else we can fit in. It's pouring down rain right now - hopefully it will clear up in the morning.

Safe travels everyone - "see you all real soon"!

Pamela and Christy

 

[cj'smom]

Does anyone who is still in the States have a package of dry ranch dip mix? I was supposed to pick some up to bring to the family we are seeing in Germany after the cruise - guess they can't get it there - anyway, that's one of the things that got left undone. So if anyone can bring me a packet or two, I'd be very grateful. Don't run to the store - just thought someone might have a packet on hand.

Also, could use a couple clothespins or whatever for keeping the porthole drapes closed at night. And, if anyone has nametags that we could use for the Dismeet that would be helpful so we can put faces and real names with our Disboard names. Thanks!

(Sheesh, this was supposed to say request not equest - darn board keeps acting up for me tonight.)
Pamela

 

[lmperrault]

Well, four out of the six of us are packed. My husband and the baby left to pack tonight plus our carry on stuff. Hoping to have everything done and in bed by 9:00. Been send the kids to bed at 6:00 and 7:00 and getting them up at 6:00 to try and minimize some of the jet lag. We'll see.

Can't wait to actually leave.

Lara

 

[lmhall2000]

Also, could use a couple clothespins or whatever for keeping the porthole drapes closed at night. And, if anyone has nametags that we could use for the Dismeet that would be helpful so we can put faces and real names with our Disboard names. Thanks!

(Sheesh, this was supposed to say request not equest - darn board keeps acting up for me tonight.)
Pamela

Have no clothespins, but I do have a large canister of Ranch seasoning that I bought from Sams Club, I can put some in baggies for you, if they don't mind!

So sorry about the last minute packing and stress!! Hope everything has calmed down for all of you traveling...I don't have nametags either but am bringing sharpies...I do have one extra little homemade autograph/misc booklet if anyone wants to claim it...I'll bring it to the meet if a child would like it! I'm way overpacking, well, it just seems that way, but 5 of us and everyone needing 7 pairs of socks/underwear is driving me crazy! That's 35 pairs of socks guys!! I think I'll have one suitcase of just that...aaagh! I'm about to lose it!! I know we'll be sooooo tired...time change and all...don't leave until Tuesday at 4am..then 15 hours of travel time with no sleep...will try my best to sleep on plane....ugh...I will try my best to stumble to our room and crash before we have float duties...

Bon voyage everyone!!

Tara

 

[everafter1]

It's exciting to hear about everyone traveling right now! It's been fun reading the blogs too! I do hope it warms up a bit, though, but I'm sure we'll be fine. I wish I had brought a few more long sleeve shirts, but I have jackets. The weather in Orlando has been great, today was hot, but there was a nice breeze

I wish I had thought ahead to make name tags or something like some of the other cruise meets, but hopefully we'll be able to find eachother.

 

[gibmum]

Also, could use a couple clothespins or whatever for keeping the porthole drapes closed at night. And, if anyone has nametags that we could use for the Dismeet that would be helpful so we can put faces and real names with our Disboard names. Thanks!

(Sheesh, this was supposed to say request not equest - darn board keeps acting up for me tonight.)
Pamela

Hi

Im still at home, can see most of you are making your wa already or in Barcelona. Hope youre having a great time!!

cjsmum im still getting my suitcase ready ill put some clothespins in for you.

well cant wait to go I start making my way to Barcelona tomorrow at 5.30am having to drive 1 and 1/2 hrs to Malaga to catch the plane to Barcelona so ill be in Barcelona at 10.50, cant wait

well c u all there !!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Does anyone who is still in the States have a package of dry ranch dip mix? I was supposed to pick some up to bring to the family we are seeing in Germany after the cruise - guess they can't get it there - anyway, that's one of the things that got left undone. So if anyone can bring me a packet or two, I'd be very grateful. Don't run to the store - just thought someone might have a packet on hand.

Also, could use a couple clothespins or whatever for keeping the porthole drapes closed at night. And, if anyone has nametags that we could use for the Dismeet that would be helpful so we can put faces and real names with our Disboard names. Thanks!

(Sheesh, this was supposed to say request not equest - darn board keeps acting up for me tonight.)
Pamela

I've got labels...they aren't name tags specifically, but could work...I throw them in!

 

[strawberryblonde]

We will be in pirate costumes too - it's one of the few things I KNOW got packed.

WOOHOO!! pirate party!

 

[strawberryblonde]

I didn't cry but did end up throwing up on the way to the airport - a result of not sleeping all night, barely eating the last two days, feeling stressed and adding in motion sickness as I tried to check through the bags on the way to the airport. Despite working all night, I ended up with a lot still to pack with 1/2 an hour till we had to leave for the airport. Grabbed an extra suitcase and just started tossing stuff in. I love to travel but HATE packing

I know we have door decor, formals, semi-formals, and pirate stuff cause that all got packed first. Tossed in tons of FE stuff that I had meant to sort through and whittle down, Realized I packed NO shorts (had meant to get some down from the attic) though if it stays this chilly I may not need them. Had a sinking feeling on the plane that I left the camera behind - thankfully, it's here. However, I left ALL of the Barcelona and port info that I had carefully researched and printed out. Packed multiple toothbrushes and NO toothpaste, lol! Guess I'll find out what else I forgot when I unpack on the ship.

Anyway, we made it safely and are having a great time. Slept most of the first day and then went to see the Monjuic magic fountains in the eveing - absolutely incredible sight! Today, swam in the hotel pool, had a lovely buffet breakfast with lots of delicious Spanish food, traveled to the B&B where we are staying the next 3 nights, saw some of the Gaudi sites then spent the rest of the day at the beach and waterfront area.

Special "Magic" moment - at the Monjuic Magic Fountains - we are blown away by how beautiful this site is, really no words to describe it, most of the choreographed numbers are to classical music. The fountains die down for a moment and we think the show is over...then we hear the unmistakable opening notes of Circle of Life from the Lion King, followed by a 15 minute performance of classic Disney tunes from all the Disney musicals - all in Spanish but of course we recognized every one and were singing and dancing along while watching the spectacular lights and water show. My daughter was grinning from ear to ear. All the stress of getting here was erased in that Magic moment with my child! Don't know if they added that medly due to the Magic docking in Barcelona this summer or if it's always part of the program but it sure was wonderful.

Tomorrow will try and see the Chocolate museum, La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas and whatever else we can fit in. It's pouring down rain right now - hopefully it will clear up in the morning.

Safe travels everyone - "see you all real soon"!

Pamela and Christy

So sorry to hear about the stress for you right before your flight . The fountain sounds wonderful, we plan to see that after the cruise!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Have no clothespins, but I do have a large canister of Ranch seasoning that I bought from Sams Club, I can put some in baggies for you, if they don't mind!

So sorry about the last minute packing and stress!! Hope everything has calmed down for all of you traveling...I don't have nametags either but am bringing sharpies...I do have one extra little homemade autograph/misc booklet if anyone wants to claim it...I'll bring it to the meet if a child would like it! I'm way overpacking, well, it just seems that way, but 5 of us and everyone needing 7 pairs of socks/underwear is driving me crazy! That's 35 pairs of socks guys!! I think I'll have one suitcase of just that...aaagh! I'm about to lose it!! I know we'll be sooooo tired...time change and all...don't leave until Tuesday at 4am..then 15 hours of travel time with no sleep...will try my best to sleep on plane....ugh...I will try my best to stumble to our room and crash before we have float duties...

Bon voyage everyone!!

Tara

I do not envy your flight....safe travels, I hope you can catch a bit of sleep on the plane

 

[cj'smom]

Have no clothespins, but I do have a large canister of Ranch seasoning that I bought from Sams Club, I can put some in baggies for you, if they don't mind!

So sorry about the last minute packing and stress!! Hope everything has calmed down for all of you traveling...I don't have nametags either but am bringing sharpies...I do have one extra little homemade autograph/misc booklet if anyone wants to claim it...I'll bring it to the meet if a child would like it! I'm way overpacking, ...will try my best to sleep on plane....ugh...I will try my best to stumble to our room and crash before we have float duties...

Bon voyage everyone!!

Tara

Thanks Tara, that would be great - but only if you can bring the Ranch seasoning in such a way that it won't risk opening and spilling on your clothing.

I'd love to claim the autograph book for Christy if no one else has asked for it.

Hope you can sleep on the plane. We had noisy aisle mates who stayed up all night laughing and talking loudly. I finally asked a flight attendant to request that they keep it down. Didn't last for long though. No in-flight sleep for us. We spent most of our first day crashed in our hotel room.

See ya soon

 

[maynrive]

Just wanted to wish everyone safe travels as we head off to LAX to catch our flight. Looking forward to meeting y'all real soon!

 

[Kaleigh]

At the airport now, will be in Barcelona tomorrow morning! Anyone else on the American Airlines flight from JFK tonight? I can't wait to meet everyone. I am finally well, packed, and get this... even my door magnets printed! They worked on my mom's printer. Ready to get this trip underway!

 

[lmhall2000]

At the airport now, will be in Barcelona tomorrow morning! Anyone else on the American Airlines flight from JFK tonight? I can't wait to meet everyone. I am finally well, packed, and get this... even my door magnets printed! They worked on my mom's printer. Ready to get this trip underway!

Excellent!! Have a safe flight!!

I'll bring the ranch mix in double bagged ziplock bags, no worries there...just may not get to it until after all bags are unpacked Christy can have it!! I just made a blank cover for it so she can decorate it with my sharpies if she likes and add her name to it!

See you all in less than 48 hours I'm guessing!! Dog woke me up at 3am this morning..so I'm already adjusting to Barcelona time...will be very ready for sleep tomorrow on the plane!! Off to pack!!

Safe travels!!
Tara

 

[everafter1]

I was up early this morning thinking about the trip. I guess I was too excited to sleep We leave tomorrow night and I'm starting to get a bit nervous about the flights DCL has us on, but I'm sure it will be fine. I think we may be the last ones to leave, but I'll keep checking for updates. Today, I'm just handling a few last minute things. Have a safe trip everyone!

 

[strawberryblonde]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX-_mSBHDTE

Such a fun song, playing this right now....it fits my mood!!

Just back from the postoffice......my gown came!! I'm so pleased, it feels like Christmas. I gained a bit of weight when we moved here to Germany from Hawaii....I think it was mainly because of the extreme change in climate and lack of sunlight during the winter....the chocolate, wine and bread here didn't help matters either! Anyway, I had wanted to lose those pounds and fit into my clothes for this cruise, but it was all I could do not to put on more pounds this winter, winters are very hard for me and this was my second one. So it was quite hard on me to not be fitting into the formal dresses in my closet, and yet the larger size gown I bought wasn't making it here in time...painful! Hooray this new one fits, it made it in the nick of time, I love the color (hard to see true color online)....now to switch out the shoes in my luggage.....more than happy to do that