*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 3

[magic123]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-13154500

Thanks Karen for posting the link for that cruise story

margaret

 

[lovingthemouse]

School is still very active for another 2 months, so I have had little time to read about all the exciting places we'll be going to. The three of us arrive in Barcelona on the 7th - so, for all you experienced travelers - what are some "must sees?"
Traveled to Europe a few times but never made it to Spain, so this is a real treat!!
Since my cabinmates and I are also scrappers, I am planning ahead - will join LindaBabe in the scrappers exchange.
As this is my retirement trip, I am thoroughly planning to make it a memorable one. Thanks for all the info you constantly provide. I look forward to meeting many of you. Caroline

 

[Dgentrysim]

thats really wierd that you just posted that deb, i've just read this weeks passporter newsletter and pretty much the exact same question was on it!

have you got a small compact camera that you use? if you do, i recommend a dicapac (http://www.dicapac.com/) - i've got one for my camera and it works really well. its basically a waterproof plastic pouch that you put your normal camera in and it keeps it dry to a depth of 5 metres. it'd be ideal for snorkelling, and that way you dont have to spend loads of money buying a new camera

Thanks Karen! Does the plastic get in the way of the lens (like bunch of or is it like a cover?)? I'll check it out. I got the same passporter newsletter but didnt' see where it mentioned the dicapac.

Have a great week-end!!!

 

[JessicasMom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-13154500

Thanks for passing this along...I cannot even imagine the terror she felt. I have chills .

 

[Goofy Adpi]

I got over the fear of booking the "wrong" hotel and finally booked the pre-cruise hotels. I'll be joining a few of you at the Novotel Barcelona City

And talking about breaking in shoes, I just bought my bridesmaid shoes for a wedding in November. Gold heels, and as a bonus I can't walk in heels. Anyone want to set up a pool to see what point of the evening I fall flat on my face?

 

[nick262]

Hello all,

We are still onboard. We have been busy preparing for our college graduations and have not had a bit of time for posting. Here is all of our info in a nutshell:

Me (Nickole)
Dom262 (DH-Dom)
DD-Kirsten (8 as of sailing)

We will arrive in Barcelona on 9/9 at 8:30am and will be staying at the Renaissance Barcelona Airport hotel

We will be celebrating my and DH 40th B-days, both DH and I graduating from college and DD 8th birthday.

Hope to post more frequently in the future.

 

[LindaBabe]

WELCOME new folks!

School is still very active for another 2 months, so I have had little time to read about all the exciting places we'll be going to. The three of us arrive in Barcelona on the 7th - so, for all you experienced travelers - what are some "must sees?"
Traveled to Europe a few times but never made it to Spain, so this is a real treat!!
Since my cabinmates and I are also scrappers, I am planning ahead - will join LindaBabe in the scrappers exchange.
As this is my retirement trip, I am thoroughly planning to make it a memorable one. Thanks for all the info you constantly provide. I look forward to meeting many of you. Caroline

glad to see you post Caroline! Ya gotta get out of school more often, girl!

I'll pm Pinky (Claire) to sign you up for the Scrappy exchange.

 

[poohluv2u]

Would like to know if anyone has bought/used an inexpensive waterproof camera that they would recommend? I've tried the disposable ones and can't say I'm impressed with them at all. I'd like to have a dependable one for when we go snorkling. I do scrapbooking so I would like the pictures to come out without the blurriness that the disposables can make.

Would appreciate any recommendations!!!!

Like Karen said, we too have used our small digital point and shoot in a waterproof bag type thing. I found ours at Eddie Bauer, and it's called aquapack, I think we paid around $30 for it. Not only are the pics better than disposable cameras, but you can keep reusing it.

 

[poohluv2u]

Like Karen said, we too have used our small digital point and shoot in a waterproof bag type thing. I found ours at Eddie Bauer, and it's called aquapack, I think we paid around $30 for it. Not only are the pics better than disposable cameras, but you can keep reusing it.

My mistake ... we got it from REI not Eddie Bauer

 

[Beauty & the Best]

School is still very active for another 2 months, so I have had little time to read about all the exciting places we'll be going to. The three of us arrive in Barcelona on the 7th - so, for all you experienced travelers - what are some "must sees?"
Traveled to Europe a few times but never made it to Spain, so this is a real treat!!
Caroline

Hi Caroline, We've been to Barcelona two times (three times after this May!) and I'd say the highlights for us were: The Sagrada Famiglia cathedral, the Gothic Cathedral, Casa Mila (a Gaudi structure - you can go inside and tour the apartment and rooftops), the Picasso Museum, the Boqueria market on Las Ramblas and if you have the time, also the Archeological Museum in the Gothic Quarter - there are lots of Roman ruins under the city. Many people also go to Montjuc but we've never done that so I can't comment.

We are going to Barcelona in 2 weeks with family for a different cruise and my mom & sister have never been there. On our list for the 1 1/2 days we'll be there are the Sagrada Famiglia (outside only), Casa Mila, Picasso Museum, Gothic Cathedral and Boqueria Market. So w/ a shorter time there, that is what we are going to do.

I got over the fear of booking the "wrong" hotel and finally booked the pre-cruise hotels. I'll be joining a few of you at the Novotel Barcelona City

And talking about breaking in shoes, I just bought my bridesmaid shoes for a wedding in November. Gold heels, and as a bonus I can't walk in heels. Anyone want to set up a pool to see what point of the evening I fall flat on my face?

I'm sure you will be just fine!! Practice walking in them until you get the hang of it. You can do it!

Hello all,

We are still onboard. We have been busy preparing for our college graduations and have not had a bit of time for posting. Here is all of our info in a nutshell:

Me (Nickole)
Dom262 (DH-Dom)
DD-Kirsten (8 as of sailing)

We will arrive in Barcelona on 9/9 at 8:30am and will be staying at the Renaissance Barcelona Airport hotel

We will be celebrating my and DH 40th B-days, both DH and I graduating from college and DD 8th birthday.

Hope to post more frequently in the future.

Nickole, Congratulations on your graduation & DH's graduation!!! How exciting for your family!

 

[Dgentrysim]

Like Karen said, we too have used our small digital point and shoot in a waterproof bag type thing. I found ours at Eddie Bauer, and it's called aquapack, I think we paid around $30 for it. Not only are the pics better than disposable cameras, but you can keep reusing it.

Thanks Karen! I'm going to check it out online at REI. Appreciate it!!!!

 

[PFlamingo]

A question for those on here that like to bake (or shop ); as some might know I've been seriously infected with a baking and candy/chocolate making addiction. I've already found that many products are (a lot) cheaper in the US, where as others aren't avail. in our corner of the world. So I'm going to do some nice shopping to extend my material while at WDW. But; what are good places to shop for baking materials? Think about the "hardware" like pans, cutters, decorators etc. but also about the ingredients like flavoring oils etc. I've got a few items of Wilton I'm eyeing and by then I'll want to fill up my Lorann oils supplies again. I know I can order stuff online and at the moment I use Ebay for some essentials I can't wait for, but in september I would just really love to shop IRL. Browse, look at the things IRL, feel them, real shopping so to say. Any stores I should definately hit? Any tips for those hidden special gems shops, products or what nots?

(ps; on Ebay there are a couple of toooo cute Mickeyhead mini cupcake pans being sold. Just used them earlier this week and I sweat; mickey cupcakes do taste better than the regular ones )

However, I did find that at the Premium Outlets in Orlando (on International Drive, right off the highway) there is a Calphalon Kitchen Outlet, a Le Creuset outlet and a Le Gourmet Chef (they carry Wilton) outlet. I'll bet you can get everything you want between those 3 outets and for WAY less than what you'd pay in the regular store.

My absolute favorite store for cooking (and baking) items is Williams-Sonoma. There is one at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando. http://www.williams-sonoma.com/?cm_type=gnav It's pricey, but their items are always high quality, made to last. They also have an interesting selection of baking and cooking ingredients. We've been to Le Gourmet Chef - it's okay, but you could probably find the same Wilton items at Michael's Craft Stores for less. I've not been to the Calphalon outlet, but I do like their cookware. It's not my favorite (that would be Scan Pan), but it's very good. Same for Le Creuset, though I find it to be very heavy. We have one saucepan that I need to use two hands to lift. That means I need a third hand to scrape! You have to understand, though, Dennis and I are a bit crazy-serious about our cooking. We each have our own knives because he likes one brand and I like something else. And yes, I've paid triple digits for a single knife.

Dennis is actually a fabulous baker. I'll ask him if he has any ideas for good places to buy bakeware. I don't like to follow recipes - I'd rather "play" with my food. That makes me a really good cook, but a really lousy baker.

 

[karentan]

Thanks Karen! Does the plastic get in the way of the lens (like bunch of or is it like a cover?)? I'll check it out. I got the same passporter newsletter but didnt' see where it mentioned the dicapac.

Have a great week-end!!!

it didnt mention the dicapac, but it was pretty much the same question - even down to the needing it for snorkelling!

its a soft plastic case (quite robust plastic though, its not a flimsy thing like some i've seen), with a hard plastic bit for the lens to protrude into. you need to put the camera in the bag and align the sticky out bit of the lens with the sticky out bit of the case (see how technical i can be ) then seal it up. i tested it in the sink first, but its since been to CC, typhoon lagoon, blizzard beach and loads of other places. its a great value alternative to having to buy another camera. i liked my little camera and i didnt want to have to pay loads of money getting a waterproof one with good enough zoom for me to take decent photos

 

[auntlynne]

Budget car hire?

Is it Atlantic Avenue or Astronaut Blvd I need? What time should we get off the boat?

Hersheys chocolate........

We've always had late dining, so had late seating for breakfast on disembarkation day and have always been off the ship by 9 am.

Same here, always off by 9am...they get you off the ship asap on the last morning.

On the last night you are requested to put your luggage outside your cabin by around 10pm, which is then collected and stored, then the following morning you collect it after you disembark the ship. When you go to breakfast on the last morning you take all your hand luggage with you as they will be cleaning your room ready for the next cruise. Hope this helps.

You will be off the boat by 9 am, as DCL needs to clean the ship. It's not just a choice.

School is still very active for another 2 months, so I have had little time to read about all the exciting places we'll be going to. The three of us arrive in Barcelona on the 7th - so, for all you experienced travelers - what are some "must sees?"
Traveled to Europe a few times but never made it to Spain, so this is a real treat!!
Since my cabinmates and I are also scrappers, I am planning ahead - will join LindaBabe in the scrappers exchange.
As this is my retirement trip, I am thoroughly planning to make it a memorable one. Thanks for all the info you constantly provide. I look forward to meeting many of you. Caroline

Okay - what Liz (Beauty and the Best) says. You may want to consider the hop on/hop off bus - it will give you a day (24 hours from the time you start - although they don't run 24 hours) to ride and they stop at practically all the major sites.

I got over the fear of booking the "wrong" hotel and finally booked the pre-cruise hotels. I'll be joining a few of you at the Novotel Barcelona City ...

If you decide that DCL prices are too high, you can come join us at the Hilton Diagonal Mar or the Universal or the Praktik (?) - there are several of us at each of these. And quite a bit cheaper than DCL rates.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

School is still very active for another 2 months, so I have had little time to read about all the exciting places we'll be going to. The three of us arrive in Barcelona on the 7th - so, for all you experienced travelers - what are some "must sees?"

HI Caroline ... I would definitely visit the Sagrada Familia and the Gaudi architecture at Casa Mila and La Pedrera .. all within walking distance from each other. The Gothic Quarter with Barcelona Cathedral is another must -see . This area is so wonderful for just wandering aimlessly and enjoying the atmosphere. I am hoping to visit Parc Guell this time too.

Hello all,

We are still onboard. We have been busy preparing for our college graduations and have not had a bit of time for posting. Here is all of our info in a nutshell:

Me (Nickole)
Dom262 (DH-Dom)
DD-Kirsten (8 as of sailing)

We will arrive in Barcelona on 9/9 at 8:30am and will be staying at the Renaissance Barcelona Airport hotel

We will be celebrating my and DH 40th B-days, both DH and I graduating from college and DD 8th birthday.

Hope to post more frequently in the future.

Hello and welcome aboard. Congratulations on graduating

We are Sarah and Tony from Wales, 2nd WBTA.

 

[granmaz]

I am hoping to vivit Parc Guell this time too.

That is the one place we want to get to this time. We had planned to go on the Friday last year, but it was covered in low damp cloud so we didn't think it was worth making the trip there. You need to be able to see the view I think!!

 

[Pinky166]

Hello all,

We are still onboard. We have been busy preparing for our college graduations and have not had a bit of time for posting. Here is all of our info in a nutshell:

Me (Nickole)
Dom262 (DH-Dom)
DD-Kirsten (8 as of sailing)

We will arrive in Barcelona on 9/9 at 8:30am and will be staying at the Renaissance Barcelona Airport hotel

We will be celebrating my and DH 40th B-days, both DH and I graduating from college and DD 8th birthday.

Hope to post more frequently in the future.

Welcome aboard Nickole, Dom & Kirsten. You have lots to celebrate onboard.

We are Claire & Lee, this will be our 3rd cruise. We look forward to getting to know you.

glad to see you post Caroline! Ya gotta get out of school more often, girl!

I'll pm Pinky (Claire) to sign you up for the Scrappy exchange.

I have added Caroline to the scrapbook exchange.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

We have a long weekend ahead of us ..... I have 3 days off work, but poor DH is working night shifts all over the weekend, and DD is working hard on her illustrations for her University end of year assessments, so I doubt we will be doing much at all. I plan to rest up and hopefully get rid of a horrible chest virus I have lingering around. I may take a few walks out if the weather stays nice. On Easter Sunday we will probably have a family meal with my Mum and then I have to pick up DS from the airport as he has been in Cyprus for the week with his GFs family.

Does anyone have any plans for the Easter weekend?

 

[granmaz]

Just relaxing here Sarah and perhaps visiting our daughter and family.

I hope you rest up and feel much better. Some good sea air will help too!!

 

[auntlynne]

I am off to see the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona, AZ, as I wrap up 2 weeks on the west coast.