So here we are in Barcelona for a few days before the cruise begins. Richard, Yvonne, Jeannie and I arrived from Darwin on Sunday via Singapore and Dohar, Andre and Patricia Monday via Singapore, Nepal, Timbuctoo and Schiphol (yes I know what it sounds like) Amsterdam where Andre was caught stealing someone else's suitcase and had to return it. Jan Marie and Mick arrived late Monday also and we linked up yesterday. The Roommates Hotel is fantastic, just off Placa de Catalunya and has a terrazza where we have had some good laughs and drinks at day end. First stop of course was Las Ramblas for some (ok lots) of overpriced but essential sangria San Miguel and pallellas and people watching. So many nationalities taking the promenade down las Ramblas. A slightly inebriated wander through the squares and alleys of the Ramblas quarter full of both tourists and local residents out in the cool of the evening found us home. I can appreciate their lifestyle and the benefits of living out in the squares with their neighbors enjoying a late supper and wine. Yesterday was the hop on hop off all around Barcelona including a long wander through Parc Guell. Gaudi was a true genius but pretty crap at dodging trams like the one that killed him. We have dived into the markets off las Ramblas twice now -a kaleidoscope of colours, smells and noise with brilliant displays of fresh and dried fruit, fresh and processed meats and seafood. Fantastic!

I'm not supposed to mention Richard's swinging richard so I won't. Some bloody photo-bamber I mean photo bomber keeps getting in his shots but he has been very patient so far.

I was deposed as Chief Navigator on day one due to my uncanny ability to point us in the exact opposite direction that we need to go in. Yvonne has been appointed to the role although comments like "that looks like a good alley to get lost in" does not inspire confidence. Richard and i found a new guide that we would follow wherever they led us but Jeannie pointed out that a Gstring and transparent dress does not necessarily indicate good navigation skills.

Today we went into the mountains to Montserrat via metro, train and a choice of cable car or funicular. One of us doesn't do cable car so after ten minutes of blubbering and crying on the ground in front in front of the Information Kiosk in the main square we told Andre we would take the less-scary funicular.
The ride out through the countryside was great and Montserrat itself was spectacular. Don't know how they carted all of that material up to build the monastery and other buildings. There was a second funicular that went even higher with views across the country. Great break out in the country around Barcelona - highly recommended.