Update from the Cruise!

Technical issues with the ships internet have prevented my postings. Our blog web site is blocked by the satellite internet provider. Luckily, if you are reading this, we are using a work around with the help of our friend and Scott's coworker Jessica. Thanks!!!

Two days in one posting... The last afternoon in Barcelona... The weather was still a bit rainy in the morning, but we were able to sit on top of the hop on hop off bus. The view was so much better from the top of the bus. We visited La Sagrada Familia. Instead of going inside the church, we found a children's playground across the street and let the boys swing, slide, and run around. We toured the entire blue line. The trolley car and cable car ride to another hill top were closed. This was really disappointing. We decided to have lunch in an older part of town. I think it was called Saria. It was a very nice part of town and less touristy than Las Ramblas. Lunch in a small cafe with a very traditional Spanish owner. Fried hot dogs, fried eggs, and French fries. Very Spanish. Not so great for cholesterol. The owner gave the boys ice cream to go. I had to find a pharmacy; with all the rain the day before, my cold that I had tried to leave behind in the US started to come back. We drove by the Barcelona soccer stadium. It hold 100,000 people. I think they said it was the largest stadium in Europe? Don't hold me to the facts, but I seem to recall them mentioning it on the audio tour. Around noon or 1 PM, the sun finally started to break out from behind the clouds. Por fin.

If you were wondering, Disney would not check our bags at the hotel. They would be happy to sell us the transfer from the hotel to the ship. Not. We had stored our eight bags in the morning. With all the ships docking that morning, the hotel lobby was filled with people disembarking and waiting for rooms. We got our bags and got a taxi to the ship. Yeah. Everyone was excited and bouncing around. The taxi was very inexpensive from the hotel to the ship. Maybe 10 or 12 Euro. We got to the port later than most - around 3 p.m. It was not crowded at all. Our taxi pulled up to the check in area. Porter took the bags; we checked in within 20 minutes. By checking in late, we did not get to see Mickey, but we were happy to miss the check in chaos.

The room was ready and is very large for cruise standards. Josh's comment was, even though the room is small, he still like it. Hmm. I had to explain that this is one of the largest rooms available, on the highest deck, and that it has a deck and patio. I think he got my point. The kids jumped all over the room, played hide and seek, and checked out the balcony. We were able to see the Barcelona cargo area loading and unloading ships.

Muster drill was not too bad. We attended the sail away party on the deck and got to see all of the characters. Our dinner server is from Bulgaria, which fits us well. Most of you know our friend and former nanny is Bulgarian. We were able to easily bond. First dinner was in Animator's Palate. It was a black and white background. The kid's food is great. The boys had fruit, mac n cheese, and veggies. Of course, dessert was ice cream on sticks in the shape of Mickey ears. The evening show was well done and we got a taste of our performers for the week. We have a hilarious ventriloquist from England and a talented, but a bit strange Illusionist from Paris.

Day 2, sea day - This morning we had our character breakfast. Then, the kids went for 1.5 hours to the kids area. They made flubber. We have taken to family games of foosball on the outdoor deck. Today was all about relaxing and getting acquainted with the ship. We had a 2 p.m. meet and greet with our friends from the disboards - the Disney message boards where we have been posting and sharing info before the cruise. We keep joking with the kids trying to get them to believe that the Disney characters are real. Max's funny comment was that he was going to take their heads off to check.

Tonight was formal night. Honestly, I could do without it, but whatever. Since we dress up for work, who wants to dress on vacation? I felt bad having to dress the kids. They did not want to have to wear ties. Josh slept through dinner and only awoke to eat three shrimp. We saw the family version of the ventriloquist's show - so funny. Everyone enjoyed. Then, the evening show was Twice Charmed, a twist on Cinderella. Very well done. I loved Bippidy, Bobbidy, Boo. Today was princess day, but we did not really partake in any princess activities.

Tomorrow is Malta. XXX/OOO