Back to Barcelona

It’s early here, the ship is docking in Barcelona and my bride is still sleeping. We didn’t do much yesterday, just stayed on the ship so we could rest. We’re last off the ship because our flight to Paris is this evening, so we wait. It’s hectic downstairs with all the folks who are trying to make to the airport in time to catch an early flight…like our 4 dining mates from England…their one of the first off. Not like the gentleman we met yesterday who is taking the B2B (back to back). He’ll get off for the day here and back on the ship tonight to do the transatlantic crossing to Galveston. Yep, this is one of the ships that will spend until the fall taking all those Texans, Okies, and whoever else down to the Caribbean for 7 days. This was his 27th cruise.

We wondered about our other dining mates from Montreal. They joined us for the first 3 nights or so and then didn’t come back. They are a young couple with a 6 month old baby boy. She was on maternity leave and he took some time off and they are doing 5 cruises in a row from Barcelona, two seven day cruises followed by a 14 day and 21 day cruise, yes you heard right…7 weeks in a row on a cruise ship with a 6 month old. They had decided if they wanted to travel…now’s the time. Not sure where they went but after the 4th night or so they didn’t come back to the dining room.

Cruising is interesting and enjoyable. Everybody looks so happy all the time. Maybe it’s the escape from reality that draws folks. Maybe it’s the exotic ports of call that you seem to sometimes rush through…i.e..Rome in a day. Maybe it’s because you can be as busy as you want or do nothing. Maybe it’s because no one has to cook or clean…you can do exactly like you want. Maybe it’s because you simply want to make some special memories. Surely it’s a mixture of all the above. My bride and I decided when our kids were young that instead of spending inordinate amounts of money on Christmas presents and birthdays…we take trips. No, we didn’t start out in Europe…our destinations were Galveston and camping in the hill country…San Antonio. But they were memories…many of which last a lifetime. This was one of those trips. We both wished several times that our kids had been with us. We have shared many memorable trips…and Lord willing there will be more.

I guess reality sets in today as we make our way from Barcelona…to Paris…to Houston…then Baytown. I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed. No more all you can eat bacon…or fried eggs…or whatever your pleasure. Hopefully we can avoid the pickpockets on our way back. Thanks for reading and keeping us in your prayers.
See you Soon,

De & ke

Unfortunately Kim doesn’t even make it back to Baytown. Jared is bringing her other travel bag from home…she’ll swap out some clothes and hit the road…and be home Friday. Oh, the joys of travel.

FAQ - Why didn't you post more pics? Internet on the cruise ship is 50c a minute and eternally slow! Thanks for asking.