Barcelona la cuarta parte

I never gave the last day of pictures for Barcelona and even though this trip was in February I still want to finish these pictures and have them journaled   blogged. Our last full day in Barcelona we went to Montserrat which is a mountain about an hour from Barcelona. I am still quiet impressed at our ballsiness to make this trip. We took a bus across town to catch the rail to which was an hour ride, and then took us to a cable car which was amazing and the kids loved it. We finally reached the top and the view was gorgeous especially since it was a clear day and we could see all the way to Mallorca. Our camera died so we only had my Iphone.

On the cable car on the way up.

View from the cable car

Finally at the top we had to climb a lot of stairs but we made it.

This Basilica is beautiful and many people travel here for multiple reasons but two of them being to get a chance to hear the boys choir, unfortunately we didn't get to hear them and a pilgrimage to see the black Madonna you can read more about it here.   

All done and waiting for the cable car and our long journey back to our hotel.

We left the next day and had to wake up at 2:00 AM to catch our flight at 6:00 AM. It was brutal for all of us but originally this trip was supposed to be a girls trip with a good friend from South Africa so the kids were not included in the calculation of the best time to fly scenario. The trip didn't happen so we ended up at the last minute getting tickets for Hubby, Ladybird and Zeke Bear. Wouldn't have it any other way I am a blessed mama and wife to have had them with me. I love traveling with my little family.

Cheers.

York, England Part Two

Our second day in York was Packed with a capital "P" there was so much to see and do. I am still impressed with everything we did on Saturday. Here it is:

First we went to Clifford's Tower which is part of our heritage pass and was built during William the Conqueror reign and is the last standing piece to the York Castle. We walked all the way to the top which was no easy feat we climbed up and down a narrow, winding stair case with Bear strapped to his daddy and Lady holding onto me. I will say the view at the top was worth it. 

Inside Clifford's Tower.

The view from the top.

After Clifford's tower we went to York Minster for a tour but it wasn't open yet so we rested and ate cupcakes at this adorable cupcake shop called Crumbs, with a view of the Minster. Then we headed to the National Railway Museum the best part was it was free to the public and the museum it self was amazing and worth the walk. We also got to walk along the York Wall. After the Museum we finally went to the Cathedral and took part in a tour. Sadly at this point I was worn out and so were the kids.

We had a great day exploring York and I will leave you with these gems. I feel incredibly thankful for these two.

Cheers.

York, England Part One

I have been wanting to visit York since I read Secret Garden a few years ago when I was nursing Ava as a newborn and I had a lot of time to read especially at 2 AM for those late/early feedings. The setting of the book is in York and they cross through the Yorkshire Moors also another dream to see them and especially when the purple heather is in full bloom and all you see for miles and miles is a sea of purple. But I will tell you more about that later. The kids and I had been home from Florida a couple of weeks and we wanted to get away as a family and Matthew booked a hotel the night before we left and off we went. York has so much history and was just so beautiful! The first night was a Friday so we got there in time to scoop out the city center and eat a delicious dinner. This also marked the first time we were on a mini holiday and neither Matthew nor I were in school. FREEDOM!!!! Yup, that's right I am officially done with school I am a college grad!! 

The cutest thing ever a family of Geese and their goslings.

Even before moving to England I had heard about Betty's Tea Room in York and knew I had to visit. I have to admit I was really excited to go try their scones. 

The York Minster is where Roman Emperor was crowned. How cool is that?

This crazy man climbed up this very steep hill while holding onto a four year old and a 17 month old. Both weigh about 30 plus pounds. Good news daddy made sure they made it all the way to the top and they were all very proud of themselves. Zeke Bear and Ladybird cheered  and threw their hands up in victory!

Cheers.

Barcelona, ​​segunda parte

Warning there are a LOT of photos. 

This was our second day in Barcelona and it was a jam packed day full of amazing adventures. 

We had such a blast playing in the playground in front of the Sagrada Familia this day. We went there with the intention to wait in line and go in but the line wrapped all the way around the Basilica. We decide against waiting in line I am sure the kids were happy and we were ok with it. Instead we decided to play and we all had a blast. How many times will we get to see the kiddos play while their this age. 

Our attempt at a family photo we will keep trying until be reach success. 

Then we caught a city bus and went over to Placa Espanya because we had a flamenco show that night so we decide to spend the day here. This is the Catalan Art Museum and we got some of the best views of Barcelona on the roof of the museum.

I think I will start a series of art around the world with nursing mamas. Remember this nursing mama in Louver in Paris. I love these paintings, it shows strong women/ mothers nursing and caring for their babies with pride and dignity. 

Don't you just love the halos I wish there was a halo around me when I was nursing and someone playing the Spanish guitar behind me. Have I told you this is my favorite sound of music, just wait I am about to.

We had to take an elevator and then a few flights of steps and we reached the top. It was a gorgeous view of all of Barcelona. You can even see the Sagrada Familia and the Pickle shaped building. (I don't know the name but we saw pictures of it all lite up at night.)

This a view of Mount Olympic we really wanted to get here but didn't have time at least we got a good view from the top.

Our Flamenco show was in a tourist area called Pablo Espanyol and we got free entry with our reservation. It was a little bit of a tourist trap but still really nice because you get to see different architecture from all over Spain. So this Orange looking house is a replica of what a house would look like in Oviedo Spain where Hubbys Great Grandfather was from.

Our dinner started at 6:30 pm and it is one of my favorite experiences of being in Barcelona. Although Flamenco is not originally from this area it was still really cool to see. Ladybird has even declared she will be a flamenco dancer when she gets older.

You will find this everywhere in Barcelona Tomato spread on bread. We ordered the Tapas course and everything was delicious my favorite were these eggplant fries in honey. I want to try and find a recipe and make them at home. 

Everything about this show was amazing from the technique, to the emotion on the dancers face. I love, love the sound of a Spanish guitar and the sound that came from the stage was captivating. I wish there was a picture of Ladybird and me, every time I turned around to check on her she was mesmerized with her mouth open and eyes wide open. Its probably how I looked too.

After seeing this guy perform I have already said Zeke Bear can be a Flamenco Dancer if he wants to as well. 

This best way to end the evening was at the Magic Fountain back at the Catalan Museum. This show was fun for all ages there was American pop music and lights and lots of people. Ladybird and I got a seat near the water and watched the water show for a couple of songs. 

Ladybird is totally into these funny faces.

Cheers.