Barcelona

We just got back from a lovely trip to Barcelona. We had never been there and it was my first time back to Spain since my mission. We were hoping for some warmer weather than we had but it was a fun trip nonetheless.
We started off with a trip to the Boqueria...the big food market in the city. When in Spain, must have picture taken with jamon:


We saw a lot of Gaudi architecture, including the Sagrada Familia, which is massive. They have been building this church since 1909 and it is still under construction. They have scaled down Gaudi's original plans somewhat but are mostly following his design. Rob kept saying that Gaudi must have been on acid with such a unique style especially for the early 1900's. His stuff is crazy but it is really cool and vibrant which I think fits Barcelona perfectly.




We also saw the aquarium which was really great actually. There was a huge interactive part that Easton could have lived in.


Outside of the aquarium:


And the food. It wouldn't be Spain without some favorites. We had paella for dinner:

Wow.
And I ate my weight in sugar with a whole box of polvorones and a squirt bottle of Nocilla...that's right, squitable chocolate goodness:


We spent time in some Spanish plazas:


And on the beach, even though it was not exactly beach weather:


We also had a run in with some real Barcelona street crime when our backpack was nearly stolen in McDonald's. Long story short, I noticed sketchy loiterer by the restrooms but soon got distracted with crazy kids. Man takes backpack, Rob walks up stairs just in time to see man take backpack. Rob yells, I snatch bag back, Rob gives out some minor insults in spanish, and I am totally paranoid for the rest of the night. Crime scene:


There is an entire park that Gaudi designed and it is full of his art, buildings, sculptures, etc. It is on the top of a serious hill...I mean serious. There are escalators on the side of the road to get up to this park. Here is Rob pushing the stroller up...this pic totally does not do justice to the incline but oh well:

Gaudi tunnel:

Gaudi building:


We had a great trip and can't wait to go back to Spain in May when we visit my mission...yay!

And...who doesn't love a nice toothy grin?

Sydney - The Last Leg

From Hong Kong I ventured down to Sydney for a couple of days. We are excited to go there. It is such a pretty place. I didn't get to do much tourist stuff, but I did get to go for a run along the coast. This is a picture I took at the end of one of the bays, it is looking back on Coogee beach.

Last time I was in Sydney I snapped this photo running around the top of the "downtown" region known as the CBD - Central Business District

And lastly this is a view standing at the top of the famous Bondi Beach.

We look forward to welcoming all who want to come and visit us in Sydney.

The last leg of the trip was the 27 hour flight back to Dublin from Sydney. I can tell you no matter how nice the seat is on the plane, 27 hours is too long.

-Rob