Not a Trip Report Trip Report?

[Pushka]

I don't wish to hijack your enjoyable TR, but immigration authorities can definitely link present and former passports, and therefore photo identities (and pics they have taken of you going through immigration). Dunno if any of those are good enough for an iris photo. Hmmm ... I wonder if this time it is taking your iris image for the first time ...)

So, what's the pasteis de nata count so far?

Oh sadly. Even my iPhone is struggling with my Face ID these days. (PS. I don’t consider this hijacking but part of the discussion )

 

[Pushka]

We somehow whiled away the days doing pretty much nothing. The family did their own thing during the day then drinks started for us around five although on every single day we were pretty much several hours late to the party. My oh my, the pile of empty bottles that greeted us each night. . I'd look at the fridge in the morning and it was groaning - with alcohol mainly and Portuguese tarts. By the end of the night - all gone except our duty free bottles of gin which thankfully didn't appeal to the others except sons FIL. I didn't drink much until about day 4 when I woke up feeling - well! That night sons FIL poured me the g@T, he got carried away (deliberately) and within a few minutes I was talking nonsense which he thoroughly enjoyed.

The weather was perfect every day and good for swimming. We enjoyed the pool. On the last day we all walked to a wonderful restaurant in the Marina where the kiddies the day before enjoyed the chateaubriand. They wanted a repeat. So we added up our pennies and all splurged. It was wonderful. It was a share between two and between us there was medium rare, rare and medium ordered. All perfectly done. It was quite the show.







We even had vegetables.



And chips.







I forgot dessert. Oh my. I hadn't eaten so much in weeks.

 

[Pushka]

We didn't see the kids again that night. They decided to karaoke. It turns out that DIL has a fabulous voice and she'd taken the microphone the night before to sing. Wow. I recorded it but she threatened my life if I show anyone. She actually shy, just loves singing. They were both a little seedy the next morning when it was time to leave. We had to be out of the Airbnb by 10am . That worked out for us as our next flight was at 2 pm but BA messed up DIL flight back to London - left late at 10pm! Our son and we were flying VEULING to Barcelona.

He was going to his Aussie mates wedding in Spain and it was the first time he'd seen most of his mates since 2020. The friend getting married lived in London and was our sons best man in that bluddy Covid wedding we could only watch on zoom back here. .

Originally we were going on a cruise from Barcelona but I canned that. There was stuff happening back in Oz that meant I just wasn't in the mood for it. We were all committed to spending the week with son et al but that was it.

VEULING. Crazy and chaotic. Only backpacks are allowed onboard unless €€€€ paid up. And those must be stowed under the seat and not up top. And they were vigilant. If someone put their backpack up top, within a minute the crew handed it back to the passenger with a grunt. It didn't matter where you were seated, if you'd paid to have a small roller (we didn't, just had backpacks), it was put into the first space available on the plane, adding to this issue it boarded from the back so that those people who were in the back had their rollers put right up front. Of course those in the first few rows had their rollers stored way at the back. I mean, who could invent a more stupid way of dealing with this. We weren't in a hurry and were just laughing at the chaos. Consequently it took ages to board everyone and when it came to disembarking, we ignored all etiquette and simply walked off as soon as we could whilst those in the rows ahead of us were simply stuck unable to get to their rollers located at the back

I'd picked three aisle seats for us as I'd expected they'd be squeezy. They were.






I'm only 5'6 - little room to spare.

 

[drron]

There is something about Spanish FAs. They obviously go to a finishing school to learn how to be nasty. We flew Iberia JFK-MAD. I had lamb for my meal and it was inedible. Told the FA so.
On arrival at MAD everyone else in the J cabin was out of their seats whilst still taxiing so I got up. The FA pushed through the crowd to yell at me to sit down. I just pulled the no speak Spanish line and went back to getting our bags down.

 

[Pushka]

my photos are all scrambled on my phone. Just found a completely unremarkable picture of the Airbnb apartment.


And the Marina.

 

[Pushka]

Another one of the amenities available at the Portugal beach in Faro.


We checked out the beach. I'm sure on a nice day it was splendid. Some nice for hire lounges and umbrellas, and one extremely chic one with loud blaring music. But it was blowing a gale and just nasty.

 

[Pushka]

So we arrived into Barcelona and grabbed the taxi to our accommodation, which is Casa Camper just off La Ramblas. This would be our third stay here. It's funky and fabulous. Each suite has an adjacent lounge across the hall where there is a lounge, chair and hammock. All private to each suite. Downstairs in reception they have a free cafe, where you can help yourself to baguettes, chips, nuts, chocolates, pastries, desserts coffee and teas all day long. We knew our son would love it. Which he did. He told his wife on the phone that they had to come back and stay here. That night he was a bit seedy from the night before so we left him to it and ventured into Las Ramblas to soak it up. We ended up having pizza and snacks just off the road and then up to the overlooking the hills of Barcelona. We thought the son might avoid being with us, but next day after a great included breakfast he was on the phone to plan the day.

We ended up doing a HoHo bus so MrP could show him all the Olympic venues as he'd been part of the team for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. They were his favourite Olympics even though he later was involved in the Sydney Games. But, having shown him the village it was then up to Mt Juiic to see the Main arena and museum, but - it was closed because some international performer was rehearsing. Come back tomorrow they said. Yeah right said every tourist that was turned away. But it was ok, he enjoyed it anyway.

Off the bus and into the Marina area for late lunch. Sunny and warm and very busy but we snagged a table. Enjoyed some wine and snacks.

Just love the various squares of Barcelona and the fabulous restaurants but not on La Ramblas. We'd made that mistake before. That night we ventured into a restaurant where the two laddies enjoyed a wonderful paella. I had chicken.


We really wanted to visit the Gaudi museum (Park Guell) and went to buy tickets but it was sold out! We found some tickets on Viator - we didn't really want a tour, just the ticket but this was the only way. Oh well, had to be there at 11am so after a drink at the rooftop bar we called it a night. But....

 

[Pushka]

Barcelona sights.



One of the Virgin ships was in port, along with RCL, Viking and NCL. Very busy port schedule.

 

[Pushka]

That But. Overnight there was a massive thunderstorm. Thunder. Lightening. Rain. I messaged Viator expecting them to cancel as the tour was in the open. Nope. Show up or lose the money. We packed into a taxi.

It was bucketing at the meeting point. Lightning all round. On with the show.

It would have been spectacular on a sunny day. Instead we were in fits of laughter watching all the tourists trying, in their large tour groups, to dodge large puddles, deal with umbrellas, other tourists, while listening to the guides. Who, in the midst of lightening flashing around carried on as if nothing was happening.

Gaudis home.




We ventured down onto the plaza. Lightening and thunder booming. In Australia everyone would take cover. Here? Carry on.

Our guide. Blissfully ignoring the storm.













My brave laddies. We could see the joke.

 

[Pushka]

We carefully made our way down slippery stairs, minding the large tourist groups intent on pushing us down into the mud in their need the be the first to - everywhere. Meanwhile the guide is ignoring most of us perilously perched on the stairs as she stops to talk as soon as she gets to the bottom while most of us were still making our way down. Avec Les brolleys.

This area was fascinating though. Huge crowd. It was out of the rain. But stunning and clever architectural features.









Next to the twin buildings. One a museum. The other a gift shop. They totally missed the opportunity to have quality souvenirs on sale.

 

[Pushka]

We left at this point, grabbed a taxi and back to Casa Camper. Can't remember what I did for the afternoon but we planned for a steak dinner that night. Which was good but no photos. Not that kind of place.

Next morning we were to grab a taxi back to the airport while son came with us to catch a bus to the vineyard where his wedding was. We'd had a great couple of days with him and we all enjoyed it immensely.

We were flying out on BA, this time in Business Class. Nice. An afternoon flight so afternoon tea. As only the Brits can do, even on a plane. This was one of the nicest meals I've ever had on a plane. G@T. Scones with jam and clotted cream. Sponge kiss. English breakfast tea. Yum.

Views as we left Barcelona. Sadly not over the city as I'd hoped.












Didn't I make a hash of the scones. Should have put the clotted cream on first.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I think we will ask about this next November.

Definitely worth asking @Pushka
As you know, you enter the Lounge upstairs and it is almost a "secret door" that takes you down some rickety stairs to the new/refurbished section. From what we could gather it is the only way there!

I was wandering near the Prayer room when approached by a staff member asking if I needed anything. I replied just looking for somewhere cooler.
He then said come with me!

Not sure if @Captain Halliday found it on his departure in June and if so has better instructions?

 

[Pushka]

Definitely worth asking @Pushka
As you know, you enter the Lounge upstairs and it is almost a "secret door" that takes you down some rickety stairs to the new/refurbished section. From what we could gather it is the only way there!

I was wandering near the Prayer room when approached by a staff member asking if I needed anything. I replied just looking for somewhere cooler.
He then said come with me!

Not sure if @Captain Halliday found it on his departure in June and if so has better instructions?

Can you remember where the door is relative to the bar or food area?

 

[Flyfrequently]

Can you remember where the door is relative to the bar or food area?

Not near either from memory.
Honestly, one would not notice it @Pushka
Will check my photos but would say it was at the far end to reception/entry towards the back wall.

 

[Pushka]

Not near either from memory.
Honestly, one would not notice it @Pushka
Will check my photos but would say it was at the far end to reception/entry towards the back wall.

Yes I know where you mean. There seemed to be some rooms back there so likely a door as well.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Yes I know where you mean. There seemed to be some rooms back there so likely a door as well.

Yes, 2 rooms, one roped off as Prayer room. I only have photos of downstairs - quite a contrast to the 70's orange upstairs!
I would just ask one of the attendants to take you downstairs, I assume it is open all/most of the time.


I would say downstairs had a similar shaped footprint but smaller.
Also, you exited directly out to departure floor.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Not sure if @Captain Halliday found it on his departure in June and if so has better instructions?

Yep. For both departures.

@Pushka after the reception desk turn left abeam the buffet and go “outside” to the balcony that overlooks the overpriced luxury stores.

Follow that balcony to the end and go down the stairs.

On our second visit we were greeted at the entrance and escorted down.

For the thermally sensitive, just be aware the upstairs section is a lot like Darwin in summer, while the downstairs section is a bit like Antarctica is winter.

 

[CaptJCool]

Ah the Barcelona Olympics

Last of the free before money blllew them apart

I remember milling outside the stadium during the Opening Ceremony and seeing the arrow (that was meant to light the cauldron) fly outside the actual stadium and drop down around 10 metres from where we were standing! Luckily no one was injured. A close thing

My memory of the 10,000 metres race where they lapped other competitors then the winners teammate kept the 2nd runner from getting in front

And the ignominy of the silver medal in the men’s hockey … sighs
Gallipoli all over …

And the night in a very large club dancing topless ! As all the men did
Hot and sweaty weather

 

[Pushka]

Ah the Barcelona Olympics

Last of the free before money blllew them apart

I remember milling outside the stadium during the Opening Ceremony and seeing the arrow (that was meant to light the cauldron) fly outside the actual stadium and drop down around 10 metres from where we were standing! Luckily no one was injured. A close thing

My memory of the 10,000 metres race where they lapped other competitors then the winners teammate kept the 2nd runner from getting in front

And the ignominy of the silver medal in the men’s hockey … sighs
Gallipoli all over …

And the night in a very large club dancing topless ! As all the men did
Hot and sweaty weather

Yes. It was fantastic. Husband worked with the Cycling Team. He enjoyed having dinner with Kathy Watt, at the Marina, after she won the first Gold Medal for Australia. Heady times. It was an 'interesting' experience dealing with the team for so many reasons.

The opening and closing ceremonies were pure class with outstanding performances. He followed up with Atlanta which was pure commercial crass. And that bomb issue which cause significant stress for our young kids at the time. The Deputy Principal came rushing into 11 year olds classroom that morning asking if his Father was ok. . Let's say she got the message and his wonderful classroom teacher managed the crisis.

 

[Pushka]

We arrived back in London (again) and made our way to Hilton Garden Inn. What can I say, you pay for the convenience and the fabulous plane spotting in the bar. So we made the most of it. Our flight the next day on CX to return to Bali left at T3 mid morning so we didn't want to do too much training in the morning. We spent nice times just watching the planes.















And a nice snack of Indian food.