Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous

It has been a busy couple of days with exciting ports, rehearsals and sunshine.  Yesterday we were in Barcelona, a city I have wanted to see for a couple years.  I spent the day with Elena and we started on the iconic pedestrian-ruling street, La Rambla.  This mile-long strip is tree-lined and has all sorts of cafés, shops, restaurants, and street performers!  It is really a feast for the eyes. 

As we wandered up La Rambla in the morning we stopped at La Boqueria, a famous covered market.  This place was HUGE and we had a blast getting lost among the hundred-something stalls selling all sorts of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods…even a stall devoted solely to EGGS!!! Ha ha!  We were truly blown away.  We also enjoyed a great little treat: 100% juices handmade and blended to make fresh little smoothies.  I was happy to enjoy the flavors of crushed peach, strawberry and mango!  I also enjoyed a pastry for breakfast and Elena was over-the-moon to find some Fuji apples!  Ha! 

Next we wandered through the Gothic Quarter where we saw the city’s cathedral and found cool little areas with shops and beautiful fountains.  It was outside the cathedral that we met up with Brett ,who had just finished a bike tour and led the way to the beach for lunch!  I was thrilled to be able to have highly recommended, traditional paella!  Brett had asked his guide and we were pointed to a beachfront spot where we enjoyed the Spanish rice dish.  IT was fun because it was served in a big pan with all sorts of crustaceans, shrimp, mussels, etc.  It was one of the best meals I have had on my entire trip.  Seriously- SO GOOD!  (Thanks for insisting I get it, Linda- you were right… a completely necessary experience!)

To finish our visit we figured out the bus system and traveled to La Sagrada Familia, a church designed by Gaudi, a very distinct and famous artist.  This church was begun 127 years ago and is still under construction!  I have never seen anything like this place.  From the sheer size to crazy, symbolic ornamentation, to the cranes still working overhead..it was like a big circus.  This thing must be visible from outer space.  I just can’t imagine how Gaudi possibly came up with plans for this thing and how it will possibly ever be completed!  Ha ha!  It’s estimated to be complete in about 30 more years.  (Good luck!) 

To get back to the ship we rode on the underground system.  It’s amazing how much cooler you feel as a traveler when you use public transportation.  Seriously- I know it sounds silly, but riding the metro with all the locals for 1 euro is so much better that paying 15 euros for a cab ride!  Overall, this has been one of our favorite stops.  It’s a beautiful, friendly city that has much to offer for ANY visitor.  I can see myself falling in love with this place and finding many spots to call my own, you know?  I hope to return very soon.

Today we had our first overnight in weeks!  We arrived in Monte Carlo this morning to picture-perfect weather!  Seriously- it could not have been a better day here in the Principality of Monaco.  Did you know that Monaco is the second smallest country in the world…next to the Vatican?  It is a tiny little spot on the French Riviera and is truly the home of the RICH RICH RICH!!!  We are ported right along a large fortress wall and right in the harbor, but our luxury cruise line looks like a clunker compared to the big boys parked around it. 

The yachts that are docked in this port are just millions and millions of dollars floating and bobbing around in the clear, blue Med.  I can’t begin to explain some of these boats; some have other smaller boats on them, are tricked out with neon lighting, and are even large enough to have helipads!  Now explain this: you are on a boat…it already is one mode of transportation…why do you need your helicopter out there with ya, too?!  Seriously- WHERE ARE YOU GOING!?!?!  Anyway- we enjoyed our day laying by the pool after walking around town for a bit. 

Tonight was a really fun time, though.  Brett and I headed up the hill from the harbor to the one and only Grand Casino of Monte Carlo!  I was set on getting inside this very traditional, gorgeous gambling house.  We walked up (dressed as nicely as we could) and were blown away by the Ferrari’s, the Bentley’s, the beautiful people and the stunning building that all combines to be the glamorous casino.  We headed in (after paying the 10 euro entrance fee) and bought some chips.  Now, I have never really gambled in my life, but I knew I wanted to just try and if I lost- whatever.  I wasn’t going to leave without playing my odds in one of the most famous casinos in the world!  We were only finding roulette tables that looked interesting and in our budget, so after watching for a while we sat down and I hesitantly sat down my first little five-euro chip.  (Yeah- 5-euro minimum bet… that’s a little over seven dollars!  And that’s nothing compared to the minumum 25 euro bet for the blackjack table!)  Anyway- I lost that round, but overall I did pretty well!  After I won back my 50 euros in chips and entrance fee…I kept winning!  I ended up leaving the casino 50 euros richer!  Ha ha!  I couldn’t believe it.  I made myself stop while I was ahead and cashed in.  It was a really fun and exciting night!  (Brett had fun, too…but I will just let him tell about his…winnings.) 

It was just so nice to get to be in the city at night and not have to rush back to the ship.  We loved this city, but it’s WAY too expensive for any of our tastes!  We are having fun though!  Sending love from the warm, blue Mediterranean waters!

Tripp