Let The Adventure Begin

Our latest adventure began on September 6th with our departure from home. We have travelled many miles /kilometres by many means of transportation over the past couple of weeks ...  from planes, trains,  automobiles plus a cruise ship and let's not forget our own two feet. 

This adventure includes a new thing for us ... a 10-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Barcelona, a busy itinerary with only one day of cruising at sea and nine port stops. Monsieur Honey or Señor Honey depending on which country we are in is celebrating a special birthday this year so we decided to give cruising a try. 

We added an extra day on the front and tail end of the cruise in Barcelona, Spain so we could do a little exploring in this amazing city. Plus we have a two weeks stay in Ceret, France at the same apartment we have rented the past two years. We then have a week in the Lot valley to visit with friends made on previous trips. 

We flew with Air France Toronto - Paris -Barcelona approximately 6,830 kilometres, arriving ahead of time in Barcelona on September 7th mid morning. We were very fortunate that the staff at our quirky, boutique hotel near La Rambla was able to check us in and we grabbed a much needed quick nap after the long "Hurry up and wait day of travelling".  Once refreshed we headed out to do some wandering of the surroundings. 

We strolled La Rambla ( a wonderful pedestrian street ) along with 100s or should I say 1000s of others, and down the many narrow side streets.  

Our little taste of Barcelona only wetted our appetite to see more. 

Mirador de Colom 

Do you think it was laundry day? 

It was time for some refreshments and we found a busy square "Placa Reial" totally surrounded by cafes and restaurants on each side, palm trees and a beautiful fountain in the centre. 

We were fortunate to be seated at a sunny, front row table perfect for watching all the activity in the square including the entertainment by the acrobats, singers and musicians plus the usual people watching. 

At the next table were two "British" speaking couples who to our amazement were from South Shields, England ... Graeme's home town! 

We had a fun time with our new acquaintances who were also going on a cruise the next day but on a different ship. 

Our night turned out to be later than we expected ... we stopped for a quick bite of tapas on the way back to our hotel and then it was lights out for a good night's sleep. 

Tomorrow morning ( September 8th) we will explore a bit more before heading to the port for our embarkation at 1 o'clock. 

We hope to see you all again! 

Colours of the Basque Flag...

A drive through the foothills of the Pyrénées will lead you to another village which has received the designation of "Plus Beau Village".

Sare (pronounced Sara) is a commune of the Pyrennes Atlantiques.

The village houses are the typical Labourdine maisons in white with shutters in red or green... the colours of the Basque flag.

The village is based around the "fronton". 

The "fronton" is the court on which the Basque game of Pelote is played.

                         

The "fronton" has stone bleachers where spectators can watch the games. 

Today the village children were playing a casual game.

Here you can catch the little tourist train that takes you to the top of Mount Rhune with panoramic views of the mountains and the sea... this was not on my agenda, it was way too high in the clouds!

Avocado green glazed brick made this house stand out amongst all the other houses in the village!

                             

Next stop... "Red Hot Chilli Pepper" country ... the village of Espelette!

Espelette is famous for it's red chilli peppers that are grown in the region and is governed by an appellation control to ensure their authenticity.

After the harvest of the peppers, they are hung on the buildings to dry.

Can you see them in the photos, these are the peppers from the previous falls' harvest.

We purchased a bottle of "Piment d' Espelette"  to take home to "add some spice to our cooking life!"

The 16th century castle which now houses the Mairie, Tourist Office and Library and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

                        

                            

After our busy morning and early afternoon of being tourists, we retreated for some quiet time before venturing out this evening.... 

We found a seaside café in the sunshine to enjoy a glass of good wine and a platter of seafood tapas for our dinner.

   

   The plates are even in the colours of the Basque Flag....

 

    Another colourful day!