Day Three: Mallorca

Day three started early with a 9:30am flight which allowed us this beautiful sunrise. 

Second fact about Steve: He likes TV. Apparently funny TV. (I’ll post video on Facebook)

We arrived in Palma Mallorca and picked up a car. We drove into the city, did some walking, shopping, and eating again. We  visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria...man these churches are ginormous!! 

Beautiful, super cute city. I will add this to my list of “places to live”. 

We drove to Pollença where we will stay for a couple nights. We are at a hostel called Bellevista. The town is on the water and also so cute. Will add to list. 






We had dinner at Angelo, where the food was spectacular. I had a lovely chicken and rice dish and Steve had some pasta with prawns. 

We stopped for a couple drinks and wrapped up fairly early. The season is definitely ending as some restaurants have already closed and the crowds are null. 

Great first day in Mallorca. 

Day Two: Beach, Paella, Ramblas

We spent day two walking toward the beach, that looked like it went on forever. The crowds in Barcelona are not bad. 

There were several street markets we enjoyed along the way. 

Our goal for the day was paella. Most dishes are served in portions for two and we were hoping to get something lighter so we didn’t need an afternoon siesta. We read pretty much every menu along the beach front. But it was great. For those that know me, I did eat that chicken leg...with bones!!

Throughout the day I sampled drinks of Spain; Vermut  (lovely), Gin & Tonic (lovely), Sangria (lovely), Aperol (lovely) and Cava (lovely). I figure while in Spain...

We spent the remaining day walking (a lot) and sipping on some local drinks. Ever had a “cone of meat”? Just meat. In a cone. Ya, crazy. 

We came across the Cathedral of Barcelona (beautiful) and started following a group that was walking in. We realized it was actually for a service and snuck out the back! But is was beautiful inside. 

We ended the night in a lovely bar on the streets of Barcelona. We should have ended it earlier, as our wake up call would come quickly, but Barcelona is a lovely city and why sleep? 

Day One: Barcelona

The first day was pretty much a travel day. It took us 24 hours to get to Barcelona via Chicago and Brussels. People often say to me “You must have a lot of money since you travel so much”. I answer “No. I’m frugal with my travel.” Travel means different things to everyone. Some like to go on a tour and not think about logistics. I like to spend less so I can do more. Steve and I built this trip off a $496 ticket into Barcelona and out of Lisbon. That is a great deal. 

We arrived in Brussels after a bit of a delay due to some rain in Chicago. Overall it was an uneventful eight hours and I got some sleep. I don’t try and calculate how much or my brain begins to think I’m tired. I’m not here to sleep. 

We landed in Brussels and went back in time a bit. I love passport stamps. They aren’t as common as they once were and I often find I have to ask for them. 

First fact about Steve: He likes beer. 

Some may wonder “Why did Steve end up being the lucky one to venture on this trip with Rae Ann?” Everyone travels differently; how you spend your money, at what pace you want to move, the types of attractions you want to visit are just a few. After meeting at the bar, Steve and I spent a couple hours talking about our travel approach. Many of our desires lined up perfectly. At the end of the night Steve asked “Should we try a dry run?” I said, “Sure. How about Spain and Portugal?”

We landed in Barcelona and took a taxi to our hotel. At least we thought it was our hotel. After a short period we learned the reservation Steve made was cancelled. What? So we walked a couple blocks and got something else. If that is our biggest woe this will be a great trip. 

We dropped off our bags and took the metro to Park Güell. This is a park built by Gaudi originally intended as a residential area but it never took off. It was very...eclectic. Beautiful tile work. 

Off to Sagrada Familia which is beyond impressive. We grabbed our first beer and watched as the sun set over the amazing structure that was started in the 1800’s but is yet to be complete. 

We walked the Las Rambla, which is simply a street, but where the fun happens in Barcelona. We had dinner at Taller Tapas where I had the best Cava of my life. Well, I had two. 

We came across a parade with these amazing huge puppets of sorts, as well as an amazing light show. 

We both felt great at 11pm but knew we would crash quickly. I couldn’t even get my blog written I was so exhausted when My head hit the pillow. 

It was a great first day. 

Spain - Morocco - Portugal

I'm back on the road my friends! I'll be gone for nearly two weeks traveling to Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Three new countries and one new continent!!

I'm traveling with my new friend Steve. Steve and I met less than two months ago. At a bar. Our mutual friend Robert introduced us. We discussed travel, as I so often do with people. When Steve's girlfriend mentioned she didn't have as much PTO as Steve she said "You two should travel together". So here we are.

I love to travel. I'm single. I'm not going to give up the first because of the second, and I don't always follow cultural norms. I figure it is similar to one of those tours you take where you don’t know anyone, but this tour group is just a bit smaller. 

Meet Steve. I know him as well as you so I can't tell you more. But I’m sure we will both get to know him more over the next couple weeks.



Below is our schedule. I’m excited for the architecture in Barcelona, beaches in Mallorca, cultural observations in Marrakech, and music in Lisbon. 

Sunday	September 22	Minneapolis to Barcelona
Monday	September 23	Barcelona
Tuesday	September 24	Barcelona
Wednesday	September 25	Barcelona to Mallorca
Thursday	September 26	Mallorca
Friday	September 27	Mallorca
Saturday	September 28	Mallorca to Marrakech
Sunday	September 29	Marrakech
Monday	September 30	Marrakech to Lisbon
Tuesday	October 1	Lisbon
Wednesday	October 2	Lisbon
Thursday	October 3	Lisbon to Minneapolis

As I was getting ready this morning I realized I’m doing a pretty good job living the words that hang on my bathroom mirror. 

Cape Cod

I spent a week over July Fourth in Provincetown (Cape Cod). My friend Mary, who lives in Boston, has access to a freaking gorgeous house on the beach and she was kind enough to invite me along. It was a college-reunion-of-sorts for everyone as they all went to UMD. I went to high school with three of them. 

Our Home for the Week

The Lovely Mary

Lisa, Mary, Jeff and I

Mary is an excellent cook, so while I worked during the day the three of them would prepare meals (although they spent much time on the lanai). I continue to be in LOVE with portrait mode on my iPhone.

July fourth was spent in Provincetown enjoying lunch (and drinks) while watching the parade. We enjoyed the fireworks that evening from our beach house. It was just a lovely day.

Outside of work I got plenty of time on the beach. The weather was absolutely perfect. I'm dubbing the summer of 2019 "The Nicholas Sparks Summer". I read nine (9) Nicholas Sparks books over a two month period. He is not my normal genre. I'm not sure if my brain simply needed some easy reading or if I'm craving a male companion. Probably both.

Friday night we saw Ms. Richfield in P-Town. Provincetown is simply...fun. Not only is it gorgeous but comes alive every night.

Ms. Richfield - from Richfield Minnesota

Saturday my friend Meghann, who lives in Salem (but previously lived in Chanhassen) took the ferry to P-Town where we spent the day catching up and walking around. Meghann lived in P-Town years ago and has such fond memories. I would love to spend some time in P-Town at some point in my life. It is just gorgeous - and fun.

Meghann and I in P-Town

Sunday Nola joined us and we visited the Pilgrim Monument. It is a simple museum but has some rich history and a lovely climb to the top overlooking the harbor.

Nola, Rae Ann, Mary and Jeff

Intermixed with fun we ate delicious food, drank good wine and enjoyed one another's company.

Monday I took the ferry to Boston where Meghann picked me up. Tuesday I worked from Meghann's and returned that evening to Minneapolis.

Leaving P-Town

It was such a fun week catching up with old friends while being in my happy place (the beach). Thank you Mary, and Meghann. I am grateful for both of you.