Bar The Lona

After our second day in Italy we had a 'sea day' - we were in transit the entire day. There is so much to do while at sea - beyond the pool and the decks, there are lessons and sports, etc. all day long. I slept late, then went for a swim and had lunch. In the afternoon I went to a ceramics class, then ran off to a bridge lesson! I did not know how to play bridge but some of our companions were having a private lesson and invited us (Phil and I) to watch. We did have a very short introduction to the game but were given the recommendation to return on the next sea day to take a real lesson. It seems like it is a lot of fun.
Yesterday we woke up in Barcelona (see pronounciation above!). We took a shuttle bus to the area where they have the 'on and off' bus and bought a 2-day pass. Our goal was the major museums/sites. The bus actually gives a general tour of the city but one can get off to spend time at a site, then return to the bus at any time (or any site). Along with the bus fare you get a coupon book which gives discounts at various places. The food discounts - you will be so impressed to hear - were at the following restaurants: McDonald's, KFC, and Subway. I had to go across the world to get this!!!
The weather was mostly sunny but cool and we rode on the open top of the bus to get a view of the extraordinary architecture of the city. It is truly magnificent and a place we will have to visit at another time with a some time to spend! We spent the morning at the Picasso museum, the afternoon at the Miro museum. The Picasso was truly excellent as it definitely demonstrated his life and how his work progressed...the Miro was okay - just not as impressive a body of work as we thought.
Today Marlyse joined Phil and I and we again took the on and off bus to see the sites related to Gaudi! The Segura Familia - the church that was his life's work - is quite interesting as a work in progress and seems to be more about models than about the church...however, the Parc Guell, though small, is truly something to see. We almost ran through the place so I did not get a photo of the people dressed as characters in the center where visitors were having their pictures taken...
Now I have taken so many pictures but still haven't had the time to figure out how to post them etc.
Ah - last night we had a small group together on the ship at the Italian restaurant and it was terrific.
Today we had a cocktail party in Ann's stateroom (Phil's mom and our hostess) in honor of our new friend (and dinner partner) Dick's birthday. This occurred as we set sail. As the ship leaves a port the captain plays a recording of 'What a Wonderful world'. Tonight we are eating at the Japanese restaurant. These eateries have amazing reputations - though all the food on board is really excellent. I feel I am getting spoiled! Marlyse (who has joined her mom before) says it is hard to remember once you get home that you have to clean up after yourself! Really, the guests are so spoiled on board.
We are quickly making many new friends. The sea day was our first formal night. I met a gentleman from San Antonio and had much to discuss in common! People are there to be sociable and are from many different backgrounds, have been to so many places, and share freely.
Tomorrow we have our next sea day and i am hoping in between my classes and swimming to put up some photos! Bon Voyage!