So---- Here we are at our Son David's home, with Evy his wife and their children Rachel and Eric----all packed and ready to go ---- BUT we are closely monitoring the weather--- Hanna a tropical storm that already was in Florida (and was absolutely -- no threat to us Floridians) was now making it's way up the northeast coast to NYC/NJ area ----our plane is supposed to leave at 4:35pm (Candy and John's plane is supposed to leave at 6:05pm)-- we decide to leave at 1pm just in case the storm starts early and have trouble getting to the airport. It was great spending the week previous to our departure and David and Evy's Home, celebrating their 20th Wedding Anniversary. But now David has volunteered to drive us to JFK and the car is fully loaded and we are off. We leave at 12:50pm and as we cross the George Washington Bridege, David observes "Wow, there is no traffic this Saturday afternoon, at this rate we will be at JFK at 1:15pm!" I, of course, said "No Way!". Needless to say, we arrive precisely at 1:15pm exactly. So it's hugs and kisses, David departs and we begin checkin, waiting on line to check in our monster baggage collection. After paying baggage overweight fees, we proceed to The Air France Business/ First Class lounge. At 1:30pm we celebrate our departure with some Dom Perignon Champagne--- we also enjoy watching The Tennis Open. Our plane is scheduled to leave on time - we relax and notice it is pouring outside - we speak with Candy and John - they are on their way to the airport - here it is - the boarding announcement -- we board - we are in row 3 - bulk head WOW - lots of room - reclining seats - slippers - blind folds - MORE champagne - we are OFF - MORE champagne - dinner - 3 courses - movies - music - a little sleep - very relaxing - 7 hours later we arrive - early 6am in Paris - to catch our connecting flight to Venice - our gate is at the opposite end of the terminal - lots of walking - carrying our carry ons - first stop - to present our passports to customs - OH my - what a very long line - we ask a uniformed person - she said that is the way it is - just wait on line - BUT WE have business class - OH - she said -- go to the head of the line (like Express pass @ Universal) we pass thru without a glitch and proceed to our plane to Venice -- which is on time.

We arrive in Venice @ 8:50 am - a small airport - we go to carousel 3 for our luggage -- our luggage -- comes out first -- now -- we will wait for Candy and John - they arrive @ 9:45am - this was so great -- what great planning - no hitches - I go out to the desk - and make arrangements for a taxi and water taxi - the weather is beautiful - not a cloud in the sky - for 120 euros ($150) we embark - to find our hotel - We told the driver and the dispatcher - Hotel DaBruno -- and the address 5726 Castello - Yes we know exactly where it is -- they let us off and tell us it is right over the bridge- many streets later and a bridge with MANY steps we arrive at our charming hotel -- Guiseppe - greets us - they give us Mango juice - and we get our rooms - we unpack - and start our journey through the streets of Venice -- getting lost and trying to find the San Marco Piazza -- and try to show Candy and John all the sights - that we remember from (1999) - we started to get hungry and find a restaurant - on the canal - about 3pm -- John and I had pasta and clams - Barry had steak - Candy had Gnocchi--- all had wine and salad -- It was great - we are getting very tired - but we have to go on because - we cannot go to sleep yet --- we venture to the Rialto Bridge -- to find a regatta of gondolas --- it was a marvelous day we go back to our hotel - making many wrong turns - have some gelato -- BUT it was still early -- we cannot retire for the evening yet - so we go to the Formosa Church piazza - where Barry can paint -- he wants to paint everyday - we have wine - I have Iced tea _Liptons Peach- It is now 6:30pm --- let's go back --- time to retire for the evening ---we arrive at our hotel @7:30 --- we all all asleep by 8PM --- Tomorrow is another day!

Up @ 9:30 am - WOW -- Candy and John also- breakfast - standard - cereal - great - large prunes - decaf cap - pack and leave - it is much easier - leaving - Guiseppe sent for a water taxi - we arrive @ the port - our ship is here -- it is really very impressive --- what a beautiful ship - and we are ready to board - lots of people - 3,000 to be exact - very orderly - we are very happy - we are in the #18 group - we figure it would take about 1 hour - but it only took - 40 minutes - we go to our state room - we are very impressed - everyone said it would be small - but it is not - plenty of room and a double balcony - of course our luggage is not here yet - but we will walk around and get acquainted with the ship - we are on the right front of the ship C255 & C259 - As we relax - Barry paints the Venice landscape from the ship - Great -I take pictures of Venice as we leave the port --- I feel sorry for the people - who thought we were going to be here longer - we are so happy we took the extra days to see Venice--- again -- Candy and I planned wisely ---- We get dressed for dinner and go for cocktals -- (what else) -We go to the Karoake bar -- Barry and I sing - solos and a duet Steve & Edye -- We got US ---------dinner is good -- there is another couple at our table - David & Delaine from SanDiego (Coronado,Calif) there are 3 empty seats - after dinner we go to the Wagon Wheel -- and dance -- then we go to the casino -- I put $20 in the slots and lost it all in 2 seconds --- then to the Black Jack table -- and lost $80 -- not a good night -- but we still had fun --- Good Night --- Tomorrow night - will be better

Up this morning --leisurely --no plans --- day at sea--- thank God! It gives us time to re-coop---we have many days of excursions ahead. Breakfast-- lunch (all good) Barry paints Venice---our gondolas ride --- Formal night-- we go out @ 7:30 to find pictures are being taken of passengers in the main reception area-- by spiral stairway and at the Crooners (Martini) Bar-- At dinner still no sign of the missing couple--- maybe tomorrow-- now off to the casino-- a GREAT night-- started with $100 and left with $200 at Black Jack table-- now to sleep.

Our first day excursion, Athens, Greece---- up at 7:30am-- breakfast at the buffet bars, it's crowded and hard to find a table for the four of us, but in a short while we are seated. John and Candy are on their own to visit John's Cousin who operates a small restaurant.At 9:00 am we meet with our tour guide, Maria, on a Mercedes bus-- she stays with us for the entire day. Driving thru Athens-- around all the streets-- the Parliment-- We go to the Parthenon, Acropylis, climb to the top, where it was our hottest day. What history, the ancient ruins, columns, Zues, The Porch of the Maidens extending from the Temple. Marble everywhere, and it is so slippery, even on a dry day that one woman slipped and split her lip. She is OK. Our is conducted with individualized earphones so that we can hear the guide even if we are not close by.We then drive to the center square where we will go down to the Plaka, a shopping area of many shops, cafes, lunch and Barry can paint. As we are walking down the street towards the Plaka, I am looking at people as I always do, all of a sudden I see Barry's first cousin Kim Vlastoris, who lives in Manhattan! Can you believe it, being so unbelievable seeing Kim in Athens. We find out that they have been vacationing in Mykonos for the last two weeks and were back today to take the plane back to NYC. Steve's Mother lives in Athens and Steve was with her. Kim looks great, and already had lunch and was on the way to get Steve before going to the airport. We got all caught up and said good bye and we continued on to have our lunch. We had a wonderful Greek Salad, wine and fuit drink, Barry painted at the Cafe Tapina. I went shopping and bought gold earrings and a beautiful Greek plate. We went up toward the bus and stopped into a few 1st class hotels on the square. One had a sign stating "It's all Greek to Me", which we thought was cute! We got back to the ship by 5pm. We found Athens to be very clean, and the people were nice. We had cocktails, of course, dinner and to our surprise the mystery couple are there at our table 11. Although it is not our "Jeff Cohan", but Jeff and Shelly Cohen from Denver, Colorado. He is a CPA and she is the office manager. Dinner was OK, now off to the casino, BUT tonight I lost $100!!! I should have left that dealer's table. Oh well, perhaps tomorrow.

Up early this am-- all four of us a going to the Turkish port town, and the reason is to see the ancient Greek port town of Ephasus. The old town had been buried for centuries as it was deserted since over the millenium, the sea had receded and hence no longer utilized. We are now is Asia, Turkey is near Bulgaria, Greece, Syria, Iran, and not far from Israel. Our guide on the bus is Serbnem, a lovely lady. We travel along the coast, then go inland 10 miles to Ephasus, to find this amazing ruins! At every turn there was another part of this ancient city, first a small amphitheatre, then to the shops along the main street, to homes, a two story library. Then thru a gate and we find this big amphitheatre. Candy proceeds to climb to the top and said that she could hear our voices all the way from there! We were all quite impressed with the amount of detail that had been dug up by the archeaologists. They said that this was only a third of the town! On our way back to the bus, Candy bought 2 belly dancers costumes for her Grand Daughters Zoe and Lizzy. We were looking for a beach bag, but everything was too small. Now we go back to the ship, Serbnem was quite detailed in her decscriptions. She had been raised in Instanbul, which was a great help in explaining the old town. This tour was 1/2 a day, sooo it was time for lunch, salad of course, we try our best. Lots of food, but we are enjoying ourselves. To the pool, Barry paints, 'the old doctors office in Ephasus'. The rest of us spend time at the pool, as there is a movie playing on the giant jumbotron above the 40 foot fish mosaic above the Dolphin Bar. The movie a John Travolta flik with hogs, it was funny! The weather is also wonderful. Tonight dinner is our 8:30 regular dinner table, with all hands on deck. then to the casino, ......oops not after my loss the night before, we are taking it easy, off to bed. Tomorrow is another day.

I can't believe it, a week since we left on 9/6 Sat. This has been such a wonderful trip!! and being with Candy and John has been so perfect. They are so easy to travel with. Today we go to Istanbul, which is located on two continents, Europe and Asia. We never realized that we were going to be in Asia, so our travel has been quite worldly. Up early 8am meeting for excursion. Each excursion meets in a different theathre, lounge, so that departures are organized. Our guide for this tour is Tanzer, born in Istanbul, but has travelled to the states. He lived in NYC for a few months and Pheonix for 3 years, and speaks English beautifully. We tells us that Istanbul is 90% Muslem, and the remaining 10% is split between Christians and Jews. Turkey is the most liberal of all the Moslem countries. Barry can't help feeling a little uncomfortable in the Mosques. We get to the area where the Blue Mosque, very prestigious as it has six prayer calling turrets, and the El Sofia, an old Greek Orthodox Church (now a museum in quite run down condition). The Mosque, though, has beautiful frescas and mosaics on it's ceilings. In order to be appropriately dressed, all must remove their shoes, and women must wear long sleeves, and have the knees covered. Candy has to put on a shawl as her shoulders were showing. Upon leaving the Mosque there is a sign that forbids sitting on the stairs, which I did not obviously see! Then we go to a very nice shopping area, which is opened, just for us tourists on Sunday. We view a carpet presentation, which was a sales pitch. Needless to say we bought two beautiful carpets for our master bath in Delray Beach, FL. The are made with beautiful mercerized cotton, with a wonderful sheen and such a great hand, in beautiful beige and gold tones and other great colors as highlights, WOW!! It took so long to get our Amex card approved, "what a pain in the butt" as Barry told us! So we want to get back on the bus, but we are 'shanghied' into the jewelry department. He wanted to show us diamonds and gold, but "NO" we have had enough and back to the bus we go. Everyone is waiting for us, it is 1:30pm and we and everyone else on the bus is also! When we get back to the ship we have a light lunch, although our stomachs are starting to expand! Later we watch a movie, while Barry paints a 'trypdic' of the peninsula, upon which the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia, and other mosques are located. We thought we were going to eat an early dinner at the 'anytime diningroom', but by the time we got ready, we dined at our regular table. Of course we had cocktails before, and even watched a funny magician. We really did not see alot of shows, mostly the comedians in the lounges. Everyone was in attendance tonight, David and Delaine, Jeff and Shelley, and the four of us. We all told our stories of the day while dining. Then it was casino time and tonight I broke even!! Good night.

Today the ship pulls into Mykonos. Wow, what a quaint little island! All the houses and businesses are white and have the same general architecture. Rectangular with rounded corners. Once again the weather is marvelous. We all go on the same bus, with our tour guide Amaryllis-- she was born in Mykonos, she said that the movie "Mama Mia" was like her life except that she knew her Father and he had married her Mother. She was a lovely girl. Our first stop is at the Aegean Sea, by a little cafe and shops. We wade in the water, although I do have my bathing suit on, but none of the others do. So we go into the water with our jeans rolled up above our knees and the water is warm (not as warm as FL) but definitley warmer then NJ. The water is quite calm, Amaryllis said that it was usually very windy and hot, but today it was comfortable. Then all of a sudden a small wave comes in and we all get wet to our thighs. It was great!! Barry buys new wading shoes at a swim shop, orange ones that he will use as biking shoes in FL. We all take a small rock for a souvenir of the Aegean. Back on the bus, we head to see a Greek Orthodox Church. It is very ornate and dark, decorated with gold and silver around Mary. Then we proceed to tour more of the island and end up at the end of the main downtown port area. The shops and cafes are all hidden in a labrynth of twisting and winding little alley ways. The purpose being, that back in the day, when the port was under attack by vandals or pirates, the townfolk could easily find their way to safety up the hillside, while the intruders got lost in the maze! We view shops, cafes, windmills, churches and a section that is called "the little venice" as the basements of this area is flooded from time to time. As we finish our walk around town we come up the "Giant Pelicans of Mykonos. The are docile, but are known to waddle over to someones table and take whatever food they want. Especially fish. Who is going to stop them. Mykonos is happening place and is hopping, even at the mid afternoon hour. It is really supposed to swing well into the early morning hours, according to my Cousin Kim who spent the last two weeks there. She said it was quite tiring to do dinner until 1:00 am in the morning!! We stay down at the harbor until the last minute, having a Greek salad, grilled octopus (which was strung out to dry at some restaurants) which was very good. We also have an olive spread on great bread, marinated mussels with feta cheese, Greek white wine, and finish the whole lunch off with the greatest baklava, made with pistachio nuts, Great!! Barry paints the harbor and hills, and says that he will do a painting of the Pelicans and the Venice area. Oops! it is 5:30pm and we have to be back at the bus by six to get back to the ship. So we have to hustle, but we make it. What a great day!! We meet a man who lived in Passaic, NJ and Hollywood, FL. Meeting people from our cruise ship all the time. Tonight we seemed to be pooped so we do the jacquzzi, with some tropical drinks and have a real light dinner at the all day and night grill at the pool deck. Off to bed by 9:00pm ---Good night!

Today is another relaxing day. Barry and I have massages at 8:00am and when we finished we met up with Candy and John. Barry loved his massage as his masseuse was a sports therapist and gives him hints about lengthening his tight muscles in his hip and shoulder. Barry's shoulder is tight from painting on a daily basis. My massage was OK. We all hang out at the pool and I have been continuing to read my "Bye Bye Birdie" script--go,go go! Barry paints "Three Dolphins", one for each round at the Dolphin Bar at the pool. It is 'formal night' and Barry and I also have pedicures and manicures...wonderful! I have Janice and Barry has another girl who was very good as they gave us extra attention to our feet...expecially Barry who she says has beautiful feet! Barry and I try all during the evening to get our portraits taken, but NO. Candy and John had portraits taken, again and again! I want a portrait taken, so I will keep on trying. Dinner at 8:30pm with our regular group and we get along very well together. After we go to the Fusion Bar for a karoake and first we dance, all of our friends leave and we proceed to do Mexican Dances with Francisco the Karaoke guy. Then another of the social staff says that there are open karaoke auditions for the 'top Karaoke singer on the Princess. Barry and I sing, Barry tries an Elvis song he never sang and it didn't go that good. I on the other hand did well enough to make the finals to be held another evening. I sang the Bette Midler song "The Rose". And so to bed.

We have an early tour, as we have been in Naples before on our Via Italy Tour 5 years ago. So we decide to just do a bus drive around tour, and Candy and John head for Pompeii. The bus goes thru the streets with our guide Valeria. As I remembered, the car and cycle drivers are crazy! They even go down the wrong way on a street, and park parallel perpendicular to the curb! We stop for gelato and a high point above the bay. Barry has none and we sit on a big swing seat. I have one, caffe flavor in a cone...Grrreat!! Upon returning to the dock we have to take the Princess's tenders back to the ship as the harbor spot we disembarked had to be left clear for other ships and therefore "The Princess" was anchored alittle off shore. We have a great view of Capri, Mt. Vesuvius. We have lunch and relax. Barry paints a skyline view of the "Naples Harbor with Many Cruise Boats" The painting is very good, as usual. Another beautiful day. This evening we hear all about John and Candy's trip to Pompeii, which they found very interesting. We dine at our regular table #11 in the Boticelli Dining Room. Tonight we meet a new couple from another table nearby, Joe and Candy. Then early to bed, good night at 10:30pm.

A one and a half hour drive to Rome - it is going to be a very full day - we are on our way and we stop at a rest stop on the Blue Highway (last time we were here - we were on the Sun highway) after 20 minutes - we all board the bus - UH -OH - something iw wrong with the bus - we have to get a new bus -- our guide Laura (pronounced Lowra) said - we have engine problems -but a bus will come in 3 minutes - well 5 minutes later a bus does arrive - we lost about 1/2 hour no biggy--- we get to Rome - and traffic is at a stand still - no one is moving - they are having a political demonstration - and Air Italia - is on strike - so they are picketing -- JUST OUR LUCK -- we finally get to our spot and is is 11 am - we are one hour behind -- so Laura extends the tour so we can cover everything we want to see --- we walk to the Trevi Fountain - It is beautiful -- we all toss our coins into the fountain (so we will return to Rome) when Candy - does her toss -- she acts non-chalant -- she doesn't particularly care if she returns ----we get back on the bus - and we go to the colosseum -- on the way we pass the large parliament bldg - where the demonstration is -- the very large bldg with statues and all white marble -- very impressive --- we continue on the colosseum - (this is a sampler -so we do not enter any bldgs) at the Colosseum - we take pictures with Roman garb on - and swords --- - funny - at this point - we decide to leave the tour - and take a taxi - to the Spanish steps --- we get there very fast - no traffic - It is such a spectacular day - we walk up the steps and take many pictures - then John decides to Look for a Hotel he stayed in many years ago --- we then search around for all the shops ---( last time - we purchased many beautifule European/Italian outfits -in this area - this time way too expensive ) --- we find a tratorria in a small via and have lunch - pasta with oil for me and a Mediterranean salad for Barry - with a bottle of Pino Noir - Delicious --- as we are eating --(outside) many Rols Royces - Mercedes/ BMWs drive by this area of Rome - is for the elite---- we find a taxi and go to the Vatican --- we try to convince Candy and John to go inside the Cathedral --- but they are content to just walk around the outside --- too bad they can't see the Pieta--- Barry paints and we have gelatto--- we meet our bus and off we go - back to the ship -- a very full day - After having such a wonderful - big lunch -- we all said we would eat LITE tonight ---- but at dinner - they served Crab Legs ---- it was the best dinner so far -- so we all ate --- Barry had lamb - and he agreed - tonight we meet Candy and Joe (from Calif) very nice - we exchanged phone #'s we will see if we meet up again -- early to bed --- It was a very long day.

A one and one half hour drive to Florence, but it is a light rain and a little cool, with temps around 65 degrees. Candy and John have 2 umbrellas (thank God) and we use them both. Our tour guide is Loretta and we meet up woth Anna Lisa, the Florence Specialist, who is carrying a beige umbrella as her 'guide locator). Although today it wasn't that great of a locator as everyone had umbrellas! It was hard to find her amongst the throngs in Florence. We arrive in Florence with no hitches, a smooth ride. We park a few blocks from the Duomo Cathedral and have to walk to the square. I forgot how beautiful the church is, all marble clad in colors of green, white, and pink marble, with the large dome at the top in brick slate. Like our roof in Florida, but in a flatter shape. It is a lite sprinkle, but, no problem. We walk to the Pontivecchio and see the copy of "The David", and also pass by The Academie where the original "David" is on display. Too bad we can't see it again, it is so beautiful! We end up at Santa Croce, the church with the blue Jewish Star. The architect was Jewish so he put in the star. We then go shopping and buy 3 leather bags for Caryn, Evy and Rachel and a soccer shirt for Eric. We are given a recommendation for a good cafe for lunch by the owner of the sporting goods store. It is called 'Terra Terra' and is decorated with a mural and artifacts from Sardinia. (We have friends in FL with family there) We share a meat and cheese antipasto and then separate dishes: Lenore; Mediterranean salad, John and Barry; Boar meat salad(which they loved), Candy; ravioli. After lunch we are off back to Santa Croce to meet the tour group and go back to the ship. We all take a nap on the bus while Barry paints a picture of the David. It came out great! Now let's get ready for dinner. We still have to take formal pictures, Candy and John have at least 20+!! Barry doesn't want to wait on the long lines at each of the photography areas, 2 or 3 couples. It is formal evening again and that means lobster tails. Another great meal. We go to the casino and I actually won again, $40, now we are only down a few. Great! Good night.

What a great opportunity - now we are in France -- from country to country - all different languages - and cultures - Now I can finally use my French - tres bien - we have bkfst - UH OH - Candy doesn't feel well - we end up going to AIX - Au Provence - without her - we take a bus ride (45minutes) thru lots of fog - I hope it will be a nice day - Our guide today is Miriam - an elderly lady that has a British acccent , she was born and raised in French speaking countries. - she doesn't tell us what coutries - we arrive in Aix and OH how marvelous - already , we like it and we just got off the bus - BOY , Candy would really like it here - Miriam takes us up the hills and through the narrow streets - we see an old church and bldgs - with an old wall from the mid-evil times - we enter one home that has a trump-loy - a fresca that seems to come out at you - it gives us the feeling of dimension - 3D - this home looks like it could be quite beautiful inside - most of the homes are part of old estates from the churches - we go down the street and there is a flower market and food/fruit market - many women are walking around with large straw baskets - with all their market shopping and wares inside (Barry wants to buy one - but it would be very hard to carry back - and fold up-- it is way too big - it would get ruined) we pass many Boulangers and Patisseries - I would love to stop and get a bagette or a croissant - but no time - finally I mention it so so many times that John and Barry - Had enough and give in to me - I wait on a long line and buy a few things to take back to the ship - and the guys buy a Bourdeaux (for dinner) what a lovely day -- quite unexpected -- TOO bad Candy was not here -- this was a 1/2 day trip - when we arrive back to the ship Candy was up and feeling better --- We had salads and Meats - with the wonderful bagette and croissant we brought back - we all go to the pool - relax and watch a movie ( I forgot - the name) -The Princess hosts an "Arts Connissuers" cruises six times a year. We were on one such cruise. On board were Bill Mack, bas sculptor and Micheal Goddard, famed member of Motley Crew. Each gives presentations of their current works and their works are presented in an auction. We purchaced one work from each. Tonight is the final Karoake contest --- so I get a manicure and pedicure - - get dressed and go down early for rehearsals -- there are six of us - 3 women and 3 men - I meet Barry before dinner to finally take our formal pictures (in informal poses & casual attire) - it was painless - we have cocktails and dinner - I leave early to have a champagne toast with the other contestants --- and get ready --- I will sing "The Rose" - Bette Midler - the contest starts @ 10:30pm -- and I am the first singer ---- there are 3 judges - all paid entertainers from the ship - they said I looked good and put my heart into the song --- but in the end I came in second - First was - Tamara - from Canada - a 25 year old Professional singer - she travels with a band thru Canada - the contestants - were a man from Scotland - a man from England - a woman from the US and a woman from Austrailia -- it was an experience -- I got a Princess travel bag --- let's go to the casino -- this is the last night and I come out even -- I am tired - and my throat hurts- tomorrow we dock in Barcelona -- Good Night -- We are to be packed and have our bags outside the door by 10pm --- It was done---

We get up and have brkfst and remain on the boat until 9:30am --- and enjoy our last stroll on this marvelous ship -----but our trip is not over ---- we disembark and wait for our van (which we reserved) --- the van arrives @ 10am --- It is a woman -- she is very pleaswant and speaks english -- and gives us a tour of the city as we drive to our hotel --- the city looks clean - cosmopolitan and european at the same time - we arrive at our hotel The Contes de Barcelona - there are two sides to this hotel - across the street from each other --- it looks great --- we go to our rooms -- on the 7th floor (the are only 8 floors - the 8th is the restaurant bar) on our floor is the swimming pool and sauna -- How lucky are we --- we go to our rooms -- they are fantastic -- Very contemporary - the architecture of the hotel is old - but the rooms are modern -- they are also very large - with wood - glass and state floors -- we are all very happy - we settle in and get comfy - to walk around the city - it is a beautiful day - our hotel is situated in a great area - across from the Gaudi Musuem - This is like Fifth Ave. --- with all the high end shops -- Candy and I really did a great job -- we are also grateful - today is Sunday and all the shops are closed. we walk all over - and it is not crowded - we go to the Segrada Church ( that Gaudi built in 1882 - and it is still under construction today - with 25 more years to go) It is like a tremendous sand castle WOW - we head back to the hotel and relax for a while -- Candy- John & Barry go to the pool and Sauna -- My throat is a little sore and now my nose is running - so I will lie down and take Robotussin (TG John has some) We have cocktails on the 8th Fl. of our hotel - what a great view of the city - we have dinner downstairs to a typical Tapas restaurant - we order Paella for 4 - the meal is great - my cold is worse - I will have tea - and go to sleep - another great day!!

Up for brkfst - in the hotel - a buffet --- it was good - Barry goes across the street @ 9am to get a pass for all the museums --- after brkfst - we go acorss to the Gaudi Musuem - what a place - we climb to the top - take lots of pixs - the tour was - an apartment - and how this museum was built - it almost resembled - star wars - the city of sand-- when we are finished we decide to see the Jean Miro Museum next - it is far away - so we take a taxi - it is raining now - pretty hard - we finally get to the museum and leave the taxi -- we get to the entrance - and see it is closed - we are stranded - OMG -- what to do --- we try to get a bus - and finally find the right one to get to the main shopping area - which is very congested - the area is called - Las Ramblas - we have pizza and continue to walk to find the Contemporary Museum - we didn't love it - it was very controversial - but we stayed dry - inside - (whoops - I am getting the chills) we have to finish our present buying - so we find a dept. store - we are crazy - we buy the appropriate gifts and take a taxi back to the hotel - glad to be back -- OH did I mention this this shower is the BEST - an overhead shower - very strong and hot -- (I can't wait) tonight we are going to the best seafood restaurant in Barcelona- Bostemonte (I think) It was great and expensive - but worth it - the waiter - was so good - a great sense of humor and he knew his stuff - they gave us cordials and candy- it was a great last meal - we take a taxi back - and it finally stops raining - a good night sleep is needed - we have to get up @ 6:15am and head on out------

We are picked up on time and get to the airport - no problem - check in all 4 of us - Business class - go to the lounge (Air France) - not exactly like USA - but it is OK - we have danish - coffee - juice - they announce our flight - and we board - Candy and John - are a row in front of us row 2 we are row 3 they are left side and we are right -- We all do alot of sleeping - (needed) we arrive in JFK on time - thru customs and continue to Jet Blue -- we get a hand truck and take our bags thru the terminal - on a tram --- say good bye to Candy and John -- and find our way to the Jet Blue Terminal ----- we are not looking forward to a 7 hour lay over - we check into Jet Blue in time to catch the 3pm flight how lucky are we - and they only charge us $20 for extra bags and $20 for the change in flight -- & extra for the overweight ( a small price to pay for a MARVELOUS TRIP) - we take off only a few minutes late -- which is great - BUT - 2 hours into the flight a man gets sick and we have to land in Raleigh, NC - we stay 1/2 hour and then we take off - within minutes - we only lost 1 hour - we arrive in PBI - @ 7pm - great to be home - very warm weather - this was a fantastic trip. It was a dream come true --- OOPS -- Barry doesn't feel good - I guess he got my cold --- Well - we will have to plan our next trip - TO......?????????