Thursday, July 09, 2009

Live Strong Barcelona

The Tour de France is riding through town today. We crossed paths with Lance's support crew while driving to Barcelona from Avignon. They stopped in Montpellier. There was a small parade of black cars with bright yellow graphics: Just Do It and of course Live Strong! This will not be TDF's first time in Catalunya... it seems the race came through here 44 years ago.

It is raining today... should be interesting to see how this affects the ride. As for us, we are enjoying the thunder and big drops and splashes. In this Internet cafe we are staying dry and comfortable. Yesterday we walked and saw a lot, so I don't feel as disappointed about being indoors today.

We walked up Las Ramblas and to Placa Catalunya, then Casa Amatllr and Casa Batllo. We continued our walk all the way to Sagrada Familia, which was breathtaking in the twilight. Maria made friends in the park, and everyone rested a bit before the next walk to the Metro... we rode linea La Pau back to our Barrio near Jaume 1.

Our journey is nearing its own finish line. Tomorrow is our last day in Catalunya, and our last day in London will mostly be occupied with airport security and hurrying up to wait. If the rain eases I imagine we will squeeze in more sightseeing and long walks, otherwise we will concentrate on reorganizing and reflecting on all that has passed. On home and on another passage.

It has not always been easy to post and it's even more challenging to get the photos in here. You should know that the silent partner, Geoff, really keeps the blogging going when technical obstacles slow me down, so I owe him much gratitude. I am also thankful for all the commments, for new readers, and for old friends too. It has been wonderful sharing points of view, getting tips, hearing encouragement... the interaction in blogging is a favorite aspect. Thank you.

Where does the rain go? Here in the very old gothic barrio all is walls and ancient paved alleys, and I wonder where all the water will flow. To the Mediterranean, I suppose. We should go there. We should go to Parc Guell and... where does the time go? Rain and time, dropping and slipping away, pattering on the stones. It is good to have this time to reflect and be thankful. To remember where we have been and to ponder what comes next.

9 comments:

mtnchild said...

You have done a wonderful job with your posting!

I'm sure there are lots and lots of your readers that have enjoyed all the pictures and stories that you have posted along the way. I, for one, am grateful that I was able to follow along as you experienced new and exciting places.

Thank you for being you!!

Yvette

Gjo said...

Hi Natalie. Happy anniversary! I think I'm a day or two late, but I've been thinking of y'all this week. 20 years, right?? Don't you just LOVE Barcelona? Have fun!

Gretchen

Lesley said...

I have loved sharing your holiday with you.

Your brilliantly descriptive writing brought places I've been to before, and a few I haven't, come alive.

Have a safe journey home.


Ps I keep chickens too!

Anna Banana said...

Safe travels, chickens. C U soon.

Star said...

I've come in at the end of this I think. Seems like you're at the end of a wonderful holiday and about to go back home to California? Have a good trip back. I am in London at the moment as you are passing through. Hope you take back some great memories of Europe and please come back again.
Blessings, Star

Priscilla said...

Wishing you a good flight back! I continue to enjoy your updates!

Silliyak said...

I have to guess that "Anonymous'" name is Francis so that I can say "Lighten up Francis!"

Tiglizzyclone said...

Hope you and your family come home safely!

Jennifer said...

Your writing brings me along, takes me on a journey, too. Thank you my friend!