Cruise Part 2

September 2nd we woke to a slightly rainy day in Barcelona.  We weren't going to let that stop us since we had been really excited to get out and explore the city.  

 The rain was coming down pretty strong so we spent a bit of time just trying to think up our game plan.  We were so thankful that shortly after we got there, the rain finally stopped. 

Silly faces in the rain! 

After we got the sillies out, the rain stopped and we picked up our trusty Rick Steves book.  Off to his walking tour The Ramblas Ramble.  The walk begins at Barcelona's main square and leads you down the city's main drag: the Ramblas.  

The momument to Columbus. 

 Right off the Ramblas is the La Boqeria Market.  This market is like a permanent farmers market that has been selling animal parts since 1200!  Not only were there fresh fish and meats, but also nuts, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, pastry/candy, fresh juices and stall like restaurants where you pull up a bar stool and order as the food is made in front of you.  Truly the most amazing market I've ever seen.  

 And I guess the Spanish have a sense of humor--I managed to snap of picture of these peppers without the kids seeing it.  Eek!

We continued our walk up the Ramblas to the Placa de Catalunya.  Charlotte needed a big brother rescue from the pigeons.  

 Sean couldn't help but snap a picture of Obama British-American Bar.  We didn't realize that Obama was British.  

We decided to take the metro after the walk to see the Sagrada Familia.  It was something we had both wanted to see.  Architect Antoni Gaudi started this super-sized church in 1883 and worked on it until his death in 1926.  They are still working on finishing his design based on the classics, nature and religion.  It was the craziest and strangest church I've ever seen, and one I would really like to see completed.

The kids were starting to get tired so we didn't get a chance to see inside, have to pick your battles when traveling with three young kids.  So we decided that we can't leave Spain without some Paella.  We found a restaurant just up the street from the church with an outdoor seating area.  We got to enjoy some really delicious food with a great view of the church.

We headed back to the ship and relaxed before seeing another show, this time it was Pirates.

September 3rd we woke up and got to enjoy a day at sea! The boys went back to Kids Club and enjoyed one of the cooking classes.  This time, they did a baking class.  They both ate the cakes that they made, but Ryan was determined to make sure his sister got to share in on the fun so he asked them if he could bring a cake back for Charlotte.  I wish I got a picture of Charlotte's face, the fact that the boys brought her a giant slice of cake COVERED in sprinkles just made her day.  

After lunch and the GIANT slice of cake it was time for the pool.

Ohh, yeah, it was just a terrible day.  ;)  Up next, Naples!

Let's Cruise

August 30th we woke up in La Spezia, Italy.  We decided that since Florence and Tuscany were both areas we wanted to spend more than just a few hours at, we decided on a trip to Pisa. 

Starting our walking tour

  The buildings around the field of miracles were just beautiful.  Full of amazing details, including an interesting fact that all of the buildings there are leaning just a bit...not just the obvious tower.

 It was Sunday and there was a church service going on so we couldn't go inside.

 Behind the church you can see the Leaning Tower peaking out.

 Ryan liked listening to the details concerning the area from the tour guide.

 The boys thought it was pretty crazy looking up at such a tall building that was a "mistake" that they didn't want to fix.

 She loved that carrier.

 After we saw a bit of the Tower we walked around more of Pisa.  There is a college in the town, but its hard to image going to school in all those amazing old buildings.

After checking out the town it was time to go back to the tower and be silly.

 Charlotte enjoyed more of a "Ta-Da" hands verses holding up the tower position.

 My crazy crew.

 Trying on her own.

Getting a little encouragement from Mom.

Decided to hold up the tower with her feet would be better.

Crazy girl.

And we don't really wonder where she got the craziness from.  

 Goodbye Pisa!

 The views from the bus on the way back to the ship were breathtaking!

 Trying to keep everyone calm on the bus is always a challenge.

 Back to the ship and now for some pool/cocktail time!

 View as we headed to dinner.

 My little ham at dinner.

After dinner it was bedtime.  We put the kids to bed and sat on the balcony with the intention of reading our books.  Little did we know we would get a great view of a huge fireworks show.  Not a bad full first day of vacation.

The next morning, August 31st we arrived in Cannes, France.  We decided to just use Rick Steves book and wonder around.  

From the harbor we walked up to Eglise Notre Dame d'Esperance, the old church was beautiful and the views it offered of Cannes were well worth the walk.

 Even better than the walk up was the walk down.  It was steep and the kids LOVED running down it.

After walking through the town we headed back toward the harbor and found a two story carousel.  Their choices were prefect - Charlotte wanted the pink scooter, Bryce got the Batman motorcycle and Ryan got the pirate ship.

 As we walked back toward the ship, Charlotte decided that she couldn't make it and nap time it was.

 I decided that it was time for a pedicure, and the view from the chair was great! Very relaxing after walking around Cannes.

 The boys went to kids camp so it was just us and Charlotte for some pool time.

 She LOVED the pools but the water was a little cold.

 Time to get out and enjoy a treat without having to share.

 We asked her to smile or tell us if she liked it.  But she wasn't willing to risk taking the straw out of her mouth, lol.

 After dinner it was off to our first show on board.  The kids loved going on the sparkle stairs.

We watched Wonderland. It was a show based on Alice in Wonderland with almost circus like acts and singing.  The boys loved the feats of strength and Charlotte loved the White Rabbit. 

On September 1st we woke up to Palma De Mallorca.  It was a rather grey and rainy day.  So we decided that since there wasn't anything that we had really wanted to see that day, we were going to stay on the ship and relax.  The boys spent a lot of time at the kids club, which they loved.  And needless to say, Charlotte really enjoyed the time with just us.

 Good thing we took a day to relax.  Tomorrow is Barcelona!