I probably shouldn’t start off any post with a picture of me after spending twelve hours in transit, but here it is. Thankfully for all of us, it isn’t a close-up.
But let’s rewind a day to my final packing preparations. I selected two outfits for each day of travel – one casual and one evening. I expected the weather to be quite mild, so most of the clothing was lightweight and quite easy to condense. I ended up with almost forty articles of clothes and seven pairs of shoes…
… which all fit quite easily into my eBags packing cubes and shoe sleeves.
Although I absolutely love how easy the eBags stuff makes packing, my favorite organization item is my clo-sette Travel Jewelry Case.
I have one – in white – which I completely filled for the trip… And now I think I might just have to add a second one. Part because it is such a wonderful case and part because I hope to continue to add to my jewelry collection!
Fast-forward a day and we arrive in Barcelona, Spain. We checked into the Hotel Arts Barcelona, which is just lovely. I am a fan of any place that hands you a cool towel and chilled glass of water after a long flight… AND allows you to check into a hotel at 8am!
But the loveliest part of the hotel was their jaw-dropping floral displays, which changed each day that we were there (to be fair, it was only two). I have never liked flowers (I have banned Mr. A from ever giving them to me), but these were just stunning.
A close second in the jaw-dropping department was the breakfast buffet.
Amazingly, we did manage to escape from the confines of the hotel to explore the city. We walked for hours, exploring the typical tourist areas along with small corners of the city.
And, of course, we sampled tapas and sangria! It was a great start to our vacation…
… but it just got better! See you tomorrow as my journey – and photo dump – continues!!
Love the jewelry bag… can’t believe you don’t like flowers since your Mom has the most beautiful roses in Manatee County!
It is a terrific buy if you do any type of travel at all. And it would fit perfectly in your Vera (that is your carry-on if I recall, right?). Yes, the green thumb did not pass on to me. I really dislike roses, and although I can appreciate how nice my mom’s are, you’ll never find me with any!
That all looks amazing. I can’t wait to see more pictures. The tapas pictures looked great, hopefully you got some recipes.
Oh, and more picture there are! These ones are just okay, they get much better as the trip progresses (as did the weather). It rained the first day in Barcelona and we were just zonked from the flight… But still gathered up enough energy for some tasty treats!
I love European breakfast! So many cured meats! Your food pictures look like you are in Italy though (other than the Paella). Carpaccio, Caprese, Olives, yum! Keep the food pictures coming!
How can you not love a plate of meat and cheese? And the charcuterie all house cured… nothing better. Mr. A was pretty annoyed that I made him wait so I could take pictures of absolutely EVERYTHING we ate, at absolutely every meal. But it was all so lovely!
Fantastic – you’re making me contemplate booking a flight to Barcelona!
And you are making me contemplate a flight to India! Seriously jealous…
You should go – it was amazing. Oooooh and there’s a direct flight from Cairo to Barcelona…. and I do love tapas…. and Spanish wine, and Spanish guitar…and…and…
I just took the direct Barcelona to Cairo flight on my honeymoon! Amazeballs.
Carpaccio nom nom!
how fun
looks like you had a lovely trip! i can’t wait to see the rest!
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It was amazing!!! Although now reality is slowly setting in as I am home.
Rude awakening.
booo!
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