I write from Barcelona, one of the pretty cities in Europe. I suppose it is mostly known for its Spanish-French fusion culture called "Catalonian" hereabouts. That and the architecture by Gaudi, which is often gaudy. His Cathedral of the Sacred Family is amazing. Barcelona has wide streets, buildings with a sense of place, and it sits right on the Mediterranean coast with a harbor full of cruise ships. Like many Mediterranean places, it feels somewhat like California.
London was freezing (literally) as we flew through there early this morning. By the time we got to Barcelona in early afternoon it was quite comfortable, our cab driver didn't have a jacket on. Perhaps cruising on the Med at this time of year won't be too cold after all. Tomorrow we board the Norwegian Jade and sail off for Italy, more about that later.
