Day 15 - Barcelona Hopping on and Off, Again

We decided to try the hop on and off bus again as we figured it is just an easy way to see the highlights of the city.  Added bonus is that one of the stop was directly in front of the building that houses Joann’s company.  This worked very well as she was meeting her colleagues for lunch.

The rest of us continued on the bus.  It was fun to see the Olympic stadium and the torch, etc.

We got off the bus at one point to have lunch and then got back on a different line to see the other side of Barcelona.  Most interesting thing on that line was doing a full circle around the Sagrada Familia.

I’m fairly certain that each of us fell asleep, at some point, on these buses.

Time to pack up, we head home in the morning.  Not much for pictures today, just a lot of tired broads.

Adios!

Day 14 - Sagrada Familia and More

The day started with a new adventure for some of us, taking the subway.  The Taxi's were on strike today until early afternoon, so our guide gave us a choice of walking or taking the subway.  Since most of us have never been on/in a subway, I thought that would add to the experience.

It was a super quick ride and we exited right at the Sagrada Familia, bonus, steps but no steep inclines to walk up.

The number of times I said "wow" was ridiculous.  Still can't really wrap my brain around it.  I could have added several more pictures, however none of them really do it justice.   Construction began in 1882 and will hopefully be completed in 2033.

Once our tour at was complete, we were off to see the Park Guell, which was pretty, but I honestly could have just spent more time wandering the Sagrada Familia.

Thankfully the taxis were running again and after a quick tour of Park Guell, we got a couple of taxi's and headed down to the Boquiera Mercado, a large market, where we had a small lunch and then wandered the market for additional treats.

Most of the broads wandered the Gothic section of town and stopped to get a foot massage and do some additional shopping. 

At some point we all met back at the hotel to get ready for dinner.  We had reservations tonight and went out for paella.  It was very good.

Dinner was followed by gelato, just because.

Tomorrow is our final day in Barcelona, we shall see what the day brings.

Later!

Day 13 - On To Barcelona and Home

I can't believe we almost forgot the end of trip bed picture.  Since it is the end of the trip for a couple of us, we had to get a quick one in last night.

Today seven of us continue on to Barcelona, while Mary and Jodi head back home.  It just won't be the same without them.  There were even some tears at the airport as we parted ways.  But wouldn't you know it, we ran into them again while waiting for our gate to be announced.  💖

To say we are ending our trip in a bit of luxury would be an understatement.  The Monument Hotel is fantastic.  No unnecessary steps, no grocery store runs, and no more worrying that we have run out of toilet paper!

As you may have guessed the first order of business were cocktails up on the rooftop bar

The view from the rooftop is pretty nice.

The pool sure looks inviting, sadly I don't think we will have time to partake in a pool party.

We took a short walk around the area to check out the nearest shops. The majority of the stores next to our hotel are way, way out of my price league.  We did find a restaurant to have dinner.  Do you want to know what is easier to do with a group of seven vs nine, get a table at a restaurant. 😉

A few of the broads got some pics on our way back from dinner.

Tomorrow we are off to see the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.

Buenos Noches!

Day 12 - Hop on Hop off Bus Tours

It is our last full day in Lisbon and we decided to take the Hop on Hop Off Bus tour.  It was a relaxing and fun way to see the city.

The blue line bus took us on the big loop through the city.  I would offer more content, but I wasn't paying attention.  I took out the earbuds as they were playing Fado music 85% of the time and between that and the sunshine I wanted to take a nap.  I just enjoyed the trip around the city and prayed the bus didn't run over anyone or anything.

As soon as we finished the Blue Line Bus, we got off and waited for the Green Line Bus.  This line went a bit more thru the middle of the city and up toward oldest part of Lisbon.

We got off this bus towards the end of the tour as it was time for cocktails and a late lunch.  Hmm, cocktails and food, that does seem to be a couple of the main focuses on this trip.  And because we are always up for new experiences, we went to Hard Rock for lunch. 😁 Not gonna lie, the food was good, they were able to accommodate a group of nine and the bathroom was rated an 8 out of 10.  Those were all wins!

Tonight we ended up ordering a pizza and eating the rest of the food and drinking all the remaining beverages.

Tomorrow seven of us head to Barcelona and these two head back home.  It has been such a great time.  All the adventures and laughter, these make the best memories!

We are going to miss them on this next and final leg of the trip.  Safe travels mi amigas!

Boa Noite!

Day 11 - Sintra

After the crazy walk-a-thon yesterday, not sure I'm up for another one, but when in Portugal....

This morning we took a tour to Sintra.  Sintra is a beautiful area with several different estates/palaces.  We walked up, yes up, to the village square.  Where Jose, our guide, told us a sweet story about his grandparents and how they came to live in the National Palace of Sintra.

Our first stop was to the Quinta da Reglaeira estate. The estate is beautiful and one of the most interesting things, at least to me, was the Initiation Well. It is believed that this well was used in the initiation ritual to become a member of the Knights Templar.

For all of our families that have horses, you need to step up your horse stalls to this level.  Your horses deserve marble troughs.

In the picture below I am fairly certain I am thinking, "I'm sorry, you want me to walk up where?!?!  I don't think so Jose!"  Okay fine, but I'm probably going to complain, repeatedly.

View from the top.  Only 135 steps to the bottom, so glad we didn't have to walk back up those steps.  The closer we got to the bottom, the more water was seeping through the stone walls and onto the steps.

View from the bottom looking up

After successfully navigating the steps, we toured through the tunnels.  Super interesting and obviously a great time for a group picture. 😎

After touring the estate for a few hours we made our way back down to the village center for some lunch and a little shopping.  Can't help but to put in a picture of some of the flowers.

Thankfully it was basically a down hill walk to where the vehicles were parked.  Then we were on our final leg to Pena Palace. We drove up to the parking area, then walked down to get on a bus that took us almost all of the way up to the Pena Palace.

Nothing but uphill from there. 😟

The views from the palace are amazing.  

We were able to get a couple of more group shots in during the palace tour.

We left the Pena Palace and headed back down to cars and went to the Cabo da Roca Natural Park for just a quick stop.

Made the decision that we had seen enough and asked Jose to drop us off at his recommended location, LX Factory, for drinks and dinner.  Heidi decided the berries from the Sangria pitcher were too good to leave behind.

We headed back to the apartment where several loads of laundry were done and more cards were played.

Boa Noite!