On the Road Again

21.5.17: Chugging and Strutting

Breakfast was another buffet with everything you could possibly imagine on offer but there wasn't time to induge for too long as we were off down to the Ebre Delta, a nature reserve, for a boat trip. It was on the boat that the "update" post photo was taken. The trip was something of a disappointment as there wasn't really anything to see. We just chugged up to where the river meets the sea and then chugged back again. In fact the peacock at one of the café/bars was the most interesting bit of wildlife that I saw. Pity that such a splendid creature has to spend its life in a pen.
Back at the hotel there was a buffet lunch and with the luggage already loaded it was a quick turnaround for the trip home. Luckily, I had two seats to myself as Nicole had found two seats for herself so I wasn't obliged to talk to anyone and could watch a couple of films on my tablet. Arrived home at 18h30. What bliss it was being able to slump on the settee and just relax.
Weather:
28°, sunny

20.5.17: A Fitting Name

It was an 8am start for 45 of us to journey to Barcelona by coach. We visited the Museum of Catalunya and the Palau de Música http://www.palaumusica.cat/en/the-art-nouveau-building_23602 an absolutely fabulous Art Nouveau building. Follow the link to see the photos and you'll know that I'm not enthusing for nothing. In between the two we had lunch at "Quatre Gats" (4 cats) a restaurant that's been in operation for120 years. http://www.4gats.com/en/ Lots of atmosphere with plenty more Art Nouveau touches, including sanitary ware made by Thomas Crapper!
At the end of the afternoon, our bus took us on to Salou on the Costa Dorada where we were booked in to the hotel H10 Vintage for the night. https://www.h10hotels.com/en/salou-hotels/h10-vintage-salou
There was a huge buffet meal as part of the deal and entertainment (Brasilian dancers) laid on. Feeling tired and as my throat was even sorer, I was in bed for 21h; well before Nicole S with whom I was sharing the room.
Weather:
Very warm and sunny

19.5.17: Let Us Eat Cake!

Had a coffee at the bar before Sauveur arrived to sort out the light switch that wouldn't switch off. Left him to it as I went to get the bus to go and have lunch with Eamon and Liz. As often happens, I was given a lift which meant that I could take my time buying dessert and walking up to their holiday rental. Golly, it was hot and there was little shade.
My friends kindly gave me a lift back and once at home, it felt chilly enough to light a fire. What a contrast to the morning.
Weather:
21° sun, rain in evening

18.5.17: Duty Calls
Straight back into routine. Well, having missed several language exchanges recently, it didn't seem fair on Maggie to skive. Of course we all went to the bar afterwards for a drink in the shade. Spent the afternoon in front of the computer while it rained outside. A sore throat is hatching; no doubt the result of the AC on the plane.
Weather:
24°, sun with rain later