This time my wonderful wife, Sonia and I planned almost down to the detail of where we would stay and go. We checked Trip Advisor as well as the Delta Airlines. We found that even though that we had to drive to Dayton Ohio to fly out it was actually $400 dollars cheaper then flying out of Cincinnati International Airport (CVG) which is literally ten minutes away from our home in Kentucky. Which is sad because now that the majority of the majority of the airport is shutdown i.e. Terminal One and Concourses A & C, it is unbelievable how expensive it is to fly into and out of this airport! I spoke with Ms. Air who is on the board a few weeks later and she seemed confident that the airport can turn around to it's former glory.
We parked in Dayton, Ohio Long Term Parking and took the van to our terminal. We went thru security with no hiccups as we made chit chat with the TSA. I find that if you give them a smile and some small talk that they are pretty pleasant. Word to the wise, just wear slip ons or flip flops that you can change to shoes AFTER you get thru TSA. It's less time and hassle getting your shoes on and off.
Fortunately for me, I saw and old friend that I use to work with at Comair Airlines and he hooked me up with a couple of free tickets for booze for the flight.
My wife being the smart lady that she is insured that when she booked the flights that I was either sitting on the aisle seat or beside the flight attendant jump seat. Since I am a rather large man in the shoulders this is much more comfortable.
So on that glorious day we flew out of Dayton, Ohio and to Atlanta, Georgia! We landed with a bit of a crosswind which made for an abrupt kick in the tail which had folks a little skitterish but after catching our breath we pulled up to the gate. We then made our way to our next gate to wait comfortably for our next flight.
We then boarded our flight to Barcelona, Spain and snuggled in for the 8 hour flight. We watched movies and ate our airline supper which wasn't half bad. I slept the best I could with the crew going up and down the aisle serving people. I also learned that Spanish and Castilian Spanish is NOT the same, nor is Catalonian. The next morning minus 6 hours we landed in Barcelona!
I was truly amazed at the incredible architecture of Barcelona. The lines the beauty the boldness was remarkable!
We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel by the Airport. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. They all spoke English which was great!
Dennis which was the Concierge was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful with hooking us up with transportation to downtown and back to the Hotel. We learned about the bus system, the taxi system, the hop on hop off bus system and of course how to spot pick pockets!
Just so that you know, pick pocket crime is extremely high in Europe and if you are AMERICAN you are a target! Rules to live by!
1. Don't wear ANY bling!
2. Be Vigilant!
3. Don't go to town if you are tired because the pick pockets will target you.
4. They work in teams. Could be two, three or even ten.
5. Rick Steves said it best, "If they are beggars they are thieves." Leave the beggars alone. Get away from them as fast as you can.
6. Keep your purse in front of you and your hand on your camera!
In Barcelona your focal point should be the Statue of Christopher Columbus!
Here, you can pick up your taxi, your bus or your hop on hop off tour bus.
It's also at the bottom of Las Ramblas which is a great street for a stroll as well as seeing street performers and shopping.
I highly recommend using the Hop on Hop off bus because for 23 Euros per person you could get a ticket for one day, which would allow you passage for one day on either the Red line, the Blue Line or the Green Line. You can get on the bus go to the top so as to get good pictures. Don't forget your sunblock because you get hot up there and don't forget your water. Also take your ipod phone buds so that you can plug into their audio system. It will give you great historical facts as well as a heads up for Photo opportunities.
Now to be quite honest with you I believe that the best Tapas bars and Restaurants according to the locals are NOT on Las Ramblas but down by the harbor. We listened to them and found them to be correct as well as less expensive then the Las Ramblas restaurants.
If you don't see anything at all in Barcelona you MUST see the Segrada Familia. It is beautiful as well as breath taking. The best way to go is to make your way to the Statue of Columbus EARLY in the morning and then take a taxi to the Church. If you don't go early you will be in a line forever! To get into the Church is 12 Euro and to go up in the Elevator to the spires is an extra 3 Euros but it is worth the view.
Believe it or not this all natural light.
Between the Spires.
I'm not a religious person but I am very spiritual. This place moved me to tears. To think that Gaudi visioned this over a hundred years ago and they are still building it because our technology is just now catching up with his mind. Brilliant.
On to Italy! Continued.....
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