Bonjour Marseilles & Hola Barcelona

So it's official! The real real start of the World Cruise started today in Barcelona where the last guests joined the vessel! Welcome to the next 115 days as we discover the world!

But before we get there.. let's back track two days.

I know it seems like a whirlwind- try being us!

Yesterday in Marseille I would have had to search deep for high school French and today in Barcelona I was pretty useless as I never did HS Spanish so thank god from our cab driver Kamuni who was from India to our waiter at lunch Javier- both allowed me to save face and spoke English way better than what would have been my butchering of their native tongue!

Dre and I had been to Marseille before and decided to stay onboard unpacking! I still have yet to reveal how many suitcases we brought- it shall remain a secret of shame for the duration of this voyage!

Therefore instead of getting off in Marseille- we found nooks and crannies in our state room turning it into from a cruise cabin to a 4 month studio apartment for 2- we made systems for laundry- and Andre was a pro at his job of "electronics king!". Charging iPads, phones, my bedside fan just to name a few! Our room has a lovely balcony which makes the room feel bigger!

But I won't lie- my OCD felt SO much better when I finished my day with a spot for everything!

Tip: if cruising bring "command" hooks! They come in ridiculously handy!

After a good night's sleep we arrived in Barcelona today. It was a really short stop! We got here at 7am (which if you know me- is NOT a time my mind and brain even register as "awake time" ) and all aboard at 4pm.

Not to sound "bougie" but We have also been to Barcelona before so we decided to make it's a "foodie" day with a little refresher of the city by cab!

We walked off the ship around 10:30am and hailed a cab (our new friend Kamuni- who has lived in Barcelona for 22 years) and he was a love driving us to see the "additions" La Sagrada Familia- the church that one wonders if after 140+ years - if it will ever be finished! 2026 Kamuni said!!! Lol! We aren't holding our breath!

We drove by a few Gaudi Homes and Architecture- as my mom says you either LOVE Gaudi or not a fan! We happen to love his style!

In the middle of the night - aka when I don't sleep- I looked up restaurants that I thought Dre might like and settled on Amaya- a local Basque and Mediterranean favorite that's been around for 82 years and is run by the founder's granddaughters today! We met Javier the GM who's been there 25 years- although we were convinced he WAS 25! Much love was made as Andre and Javier chatted about the restaurant industry/compared notes and stories and it was a real treat! A MUST GO EAT- if you're in Barcelona!

We finished our very short day in Barcelona with a walk back up La Rambla- a tree lined pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, many a souvenir shop on an absolutely GORGEOUS day! We popped into La Bouqueria an indoor market where you will find stalls selling EVERYTHING! Meat! Fruit! Candy! Fresh Seafood! Fresh juices, Pastries and sweets! It's a feast for the eyes and the stomach!

Now in case you don't fill up at LA Boqueria there's always "Dick Waffles". No, not a waffle joint owned by Dick- but a waffle spot made up of entirely dick shaped waffles. Hmmm I guess if you're looking to be memorable you might be onto something- I mean I DID stop AND take photos!

We had truly a perfect day! Even though it was only 6 hours we made 2 new friends, a shop keeper where we bought a Number "2" to add to our collection gave me a hand fan inspired by Gaudi - or.....he just saw my "menopausal state" and felt bad for me! "Here lady take a fan cuz you're making ME hot!"

We are back on board- drifting into a day at sea tomorrow and Monday we are in Cadiz! We were supposed to be in Lisbon but apparently their "striking".

Sent my first WINNER postcard out today!

It's really NOT hard to win kids- just comment or share my blog and you're entered.

Our contest is not very high tech- I give Dre numbers from 1-however many decided to say "Hi Sam" and he picks one!!!

Unfortunately the BIG prize is still just a postcard- but as i said before it's better than a bill!

Want a postcard from Barcelona? Say hi!!!!!

Tonight we are going to watch a Flamenco dance show on board!

Ole!