Azamara Quest - Mediterranean Cities, October 28-November 4 2021

[Bimmer09]

IN A WHITE ROOM

(2021)

 

 

 

 

Christmas decorations on the balcony railing but not turned on this early in November

 

[vagporto]

3 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

I have enjoyed looking at your blog and encourage others to click your link.

My God... I did not even remember that blog existed! A marvelous daughter happened in feb 2017 and a dreadful virus in feb 2020, and what was planned as an active travel blog is now collecting informatic dust... 

[MJSailors]

Hello Norris

     Instead of dealing with “Black Friday” shopping, I chose to catch up with some CC reading. It is a much more relaxing activity !

Very pleased to find your posts and photos of your stay in Barcelona !

     I am wondering if the Gaudi designed hospital has his decorative touches in the interior of it. If so, it must give patients something interesting to look at during their stays there.

      You were very savvy to hire a private tour with car and driver to visit the heavily tourist sites in Barcelona.Having pre- purchased tickets, finding side entrances to avoid crowds and getting to the sites rather easily is priceless. A good tip for future travelers !

        I can well understand why the Hotel Majestic is your favorite hotel. It looks like a lovely place with rooms that have balconies that offer city views. It was a pity that the rooftop bar area was closed during your stay. It is merely a sign that you will return to Barcelona in the near future during a warmer month.

       I hope that you and Carol had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. 

Wishing you both a good weekend.

MJ🙋🏻

[Bimmer09]

While Carol set about Cloroxing the room I went down to the street and walked the 20 yards to my go-to coffee shop.

 

I don't go in as with most restaurants/coffee bars they have outdoor seating under cover from the sun/rain. There's usually only one server for this area so you have to catch their eye as they hustle back and forth. It was warm enough to sit outside.

 

They do snacks as well as drinks (including beer). Menus on the table.

Their hot "Bikini Sandwich"-a croissant with ham and melted cheese-is a winner

 

Good coffee and I had two of them

 

Good spot for people watching and during the hour I sat there about 1,000 people were watched. Barcelona is busy even in November. I texted Carol to let her know where I was.

 

By 3 o'clock we realized that we hadn't eaten in 8 hours and as it was close and a beautiful relaxing space we decided to get a snack in the Hotel bar. Back to the hotel I went

 

 

 

Carol keeps her mask on until she starts eating or drinking. We have nuts to munch on while perusing the menu. We order some tapas.

 

Octopus, smoked salmon, ham with quail egg, hummus and pita, a chicken croquette and according to Carol's notes "stinky cheese" which is my favorite kind.

 

That did the trick! It was such a nice place to sit and relax with something tasty in our stomachs. We wouldn't eat again until 9 p.m or so. We usually eat at that time in Chicago as Carol works as late as she needs to so we are in tune with Barcelona dining times.

 

I foresaw a luxurious nap in our  immediate future. Bliss.

 

 

[CruiserRob]

3 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

IN A WHITE ROOM

With black curtains near the station

Cream

[Bimmer09]

1 hour ago, MJSailors said:

Hello Norris

     Instead of dealing with “Black Friday” shopping, I chose to catch up with some CC reading. It is a much more relaxing activity !

Very pleased to find your posts and photos of your stay in Barcelona !

     I am wondering if the Gaudi designed hospital has his decorative touches in the interior of it. If so, it must give patients something interesting to look at during their stays there.

      You were very savvy to hire a private tour with car and driver to visit the heavily tourist sites in Barcelona.Having pre- purchased tickets, finding side entrances to avoid crowds and getting to the sites rather easily is priceless. A good tip for future travelers !

        I can well understand why the Hotel Majestic is your favorite hotel. It looks like a lovely place with rooms that have balconies that offer city views. It was a pity that the rooftop bar area was closed during your stay. It is merely a sign that you will return to Barcelona in the near future during a warmer month.

       I hope that you and Carol had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. 

Wishing you both a good weekend.

MJ🙋🏻

MJ I'll address a number of points you raised but first thank you for your continued readership!

 

The Private Tour is a splurge and all in (including tips and admissions) cost about $700 for 4.5 hours. Otherwise it would have been taxi to the hotel, leave the luggage and come back in 4 hours or so (check in time is 3 p.m) but they had our room ready. They kept up a great e mail correspondence with me before the cruise and notified me of a price drop on the room., which considering the size and the luxury including comp wi-fi and a breakfast I can't wait to show you (but will) was a steal. 

Jose-who has published at least one book on Barcelona (Penguin Books) was a font of knowledge on the city, Gaudi and architecture in general as well as being super funny and enthusiastic. We loved our tour!

 

We spoke of "must return to Barcelona" either to join a ship -but we would need at least 4 days as there was so much we missed in 2, or we would return without a cruise being involved.

 

The Gaudi Hospital is a collection of 26 buildings. I showed just the main one. I took a bunch of window photos as we circled the block but wasn't happy with them. I can imagine the interiors being interesting visually but haven't checked Google images.

 

I have no negatives to say about the Majestic. I looked at a lot of BCN hotels on TripAdvisor back in 2015 and chose the Majestic. I'm done looking. It was around when Gaudi was passing by or through to work on Casa Batllo and Casa Mila.

 

Cheers!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

3 minutes ago, CruiserRob said:

With black curtains near the station

Cream

A classic!

Norris (Cream fan back in the day)

[Kauai Kid]

On 11/23/2021 at 9:59 AM, Bimmer09 said:

 

That was an "amuse bouche" to start us off. Salmon rolled around some creme fraiche. Looks a bit like a slice of Swiss Roll (for my British readers). Some balsamic glaze and we are off to a good start.

 

Carol's Caesar salad. A steakhouse staple. Chicken or shrimp were offered gratis

 

My potato soup with scallion, Cheddar cheese bacon and herbed sour cream. Yummy!

 

Crab and lobster cakes with pineapple salsa and fennel salad

 

 

Chateaubriand (for 2) with good fries, creamed spinach and leeks and some dodgy focusing

 

a trio of gelato-vanilla, chocolate and coconut. I love coconut, Carol not so much

 

finally-and you'll notice I forgot the cheese cart. Idiot!! 

(Full marks for the Riedel stemware)

 

A fine repast! $30 pp!

 

 

Note: I am wearing black pants and have a black napkin on my lap- I am not that guy who wears his pants up to his chest! Nor am I a guy who wears long black socks with sandals. Gimme credit!

Well done.

 

[Walt fan]

I am enchanted by your pics of the Segrada and Gaudi. I learn so much through your GSJ and pictures. How did Carol come by her knowledge of architect? I would love to start reading some books.

 

Looking forward to more Barcelona. Hope your catered Thanksgiving was delish. We had the usual at my SIL's house. We missed last year due to a certain virus, and it was nice to see everyone again.

 

Anxiously following along!

[Corgi Girl]

On 11/15/2021 at 7:59 AM, Bimmer09 said:

Carol and I have a lot in common-we both like soup. Talking and not talking...

Great line from one of my favorite movies - “Best in Show” 🐩 

[Bimmer09]

TAPAS FOR DINNER

I had chosen a couple of restaurants for dinner but one was down Las Ramblas which Carol wanted to avoid for its reputation for pickpockets, not something that was a concern for me as I take every precaution. So we went to my other choice- a very popular one on TripAdvisor  called Vinitas. I sold this one based on that and the fact that it was only 3 blocks away. Off we went, passing this on the way...

 

We found the restaurant called Vinitus, having passed half a dozen with empty tables waiting outside.

The tables outside at Vinitus were all full and there was about 20 people hanging around outside, hoping to eat. There were glass fire pits on the sidewalk as the temperature was about 60F.

We joined a line.

 

There was a vacant desk at the entrance and eventually a young lady came to it and was pestered- "we've been waiting 40 minutes" said one Brit. Carol went and found we had to put our name down, which she did. She was tired of standing for 15 minutes so squeezed  onto a bench outside with several others. I remained standing. For 35 more minutes.

The great thing about tapas is you can order small plates and chat to your friends and then order some more plates if you haven't reached max payload. The bad thing about tapas is that if you are waiting for a table it could take a while LOL.Tables were turned quite slowly.

Carol's name was eventually called as the table-expecters thinned a few at a time.

 

We were led into the hubbub and found that there was a downstairs and that's where our free table was.

 

There was a tall plexiglass screen separating tables from their neighbors. The empty table next to us was filled within 2 minutes of me taking this photo. Carol continues her trip notes. We had paper menus not QR codes as in the hotel. Drinks orders were taken by an English-capable waiter. Carol's Ginger Ale is shown, my beer  (Estrella) has been poured. Waiters were moving at speed.

 

What we have here is a big plate of Iberico ham (Jamon) and it's sliced really finely and we shall eat every savory morsel and close our eyes and make foodie-faces of ecstasy. The salad is slap-yo-mamma-fresh tomatoes, avocado and anchovies. That disappeared quickly too.

 

Along came a belly-filler. Patatas Bravas (Roast potatoes with spicy aioli) and a plate of tomato bread (lightly toasted baguette with tomato rubbed onto it) Maximum payload was closing in.

 

 We were sitting in a corner, right by the counter where two men were constantly making desserts. There was a bigger kitchen behind them churning out the savories. Orders of churros, deep fried with hot dark melted chocolate kept going by so I had to get some. Carol ordered a Creme Catalan-a Creme Brûlée . Both delicious.

 

more....
 

[Bimmer09]

 

The dessert makers

 

Our waiter cleans a table as we are leaving

 

We head upstairs. There is an elevator should you need one.

 

No line outside and the bench is empty

 

Good tapas and service for a fair price. Beer was 3.15 Euro. The best tapas we enjoy is found in Chicago ( I kid you not) in a restaurant in the Blackstone Hotel within walking distance of us. Called Mercat a la Planxa and  owned by " Iron Chef" Jose Garces. Nothing we've tried in Barcelona comes close for flavor but this was good basic no-frills tapas in a  popular restaurant, so more power to them!

 

We walk along safe streets, on our way back to our hotel. Some graffiti on a security shutter

 

and soon, the beacon in the night

[peyroutous]

Bonne soir Norris,

Steve and I are still enjoying your amusing travelogue. You and Carol lucked out with the weather in Barcelona, much colder here now and snowing in the mountains ski season opening. Barcelona is 3 to 4 hours drive from us but we never tire of going there. We are listening to the Fresh Cream LP (mono) on the Reaction label issued in 1966 …oldie but goodie. Previous lock downs have brought out the G+Ts,  LP collection and a new deck. We have been to see Eric Clapton in concert at the Zenith Toulouse about 20 years ago ..very memorable. Steve is our music buff and plays sax in a local French orchestra.  
cordialement.

[Bimmer09]

I looked at that bill from Vinitus and saw items I didn't recognize us ordering-asparagus and cod to name two. Since then I have checked my cell photos and found our correct bill and a photo showing the tomato bread. So here they are...

 

[Bimmer09]

25 minutes ago, peyroutous said:

Bonne soir Norris,

Steve and I are still enjoying your amusing travelogue. You and Carol lucked out with the weather in Barcelona, much colder here now and snowing in the mountains ski season opening. Barcelona is 3 to 4 hours drive from us but we never tire of going there. We are listening to the Fresh Cream LP (mono) on the Reaction label issued in 1966 …oldie but goodie. Previous lock downs have brought out the G+Ts,  LP collection and a new deck. We have been to see Eric Clapton in concert at the Zenith Toulouse about 20 years ago ..very memorable. Steve is our music buff and plays sax in a local French orchestra.  
cordialement.

 Thanks for reminding me of Fresh Cream. I was a big Cream fan 1996 to 98. Carol still has that vinyl LP she bought in 66. Last played about 6 months ago.

I'm glad we lucked out on the Barcelona weather but won't risk going there that late in the year again. September would be fine.

Thanks for continuing to read as we near the end.

Norris, who enjoyed French Cafe accordion music while we ate our Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday.

She found it on Amazon Music Unlimited on her phone and used AirPlay to route it through our great Hi-fi system

Our meal was elevated by our wine choice

 

A bientôt !

Norris

[Bimmer09]

A lovely morning in Barcelona, November 5th

 

 

BREAKFAST PORN

To save foraging we decided to have breakfast in the hotel @ 25E p.p

Eggs were cooked to order but the rest of the choices were in a buffet. Coffee was poured at the table by the welcoming waiters.

 

 

We were offered seating in the dining room above or in a room looking out on a garden courtyard. We'll take that one!

 

 

Carol orders her Macchiato, I regular coffee. Orange juice for both. Then I hit the buffet while she eats her scrambled eggs while they're hot.

[Bimmer09]

 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

 

 

 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

A very pleasant room to enjoy breakfast  inand we'll come back again tomorrow before we head to the airport. Today's events include a HOHO bus tour and most importantly our 5th Covid test before we can fly to Dublin tomorrow.

 

 

 

another branch of the garden view room

 

the egg man's station as we leave

[Deck Chair Queen]

On 11/20/2021 at 8:06 AM, Bimmer09 said:

There's an old castle up on that ridge-how high a ridge I could not tell

Red, White, and Blaine. 

[lola2013]

6 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

TAPAS FOR DINNER

I had chosen a couple of restaurants for dinner but one was down Las Ramblas which Carol wanted to avoid for its reputation for pickpockets, not something that was a concern for me as I take every precaution. So we went to my other choice- a very popular one on TripAdvisor  called Vinitas. I sold this one based on that and the fact that it was only 3 blocks away. Off we went, passing this on the way...

 

We found the restaurant called Vinitus, having passed half a dozen with empty tables waiting outside.

The tables outside at Vinitus were all full and there was about 20 people hanging around outside, hoping to eat. There were glass fire pits on the sidewalk as the temperature was about 60F.

We joined a line.

 

There was a vacant desk at the entrance and eventually a young lady came to it and was pestered- "we've been waiting 40 minutes" said one Brit. Carol went and found we had to put our name down, which she did. She was tired of standing for 15 minutes so squeezed  onto a bench outside with several others. I remained standing. For 35 more minutes.

The great thing about tapas is you can order small plates and chat to your friends and then order some more plates if you haven't reached max payload. The bad thing about tapas is that if you are waiting for a table it could take a while LOL.Tables were turned quite slowly.

Carol's name was eventually called as the table-expecters thinned a few at a time.

 

We were led into the hubbub and found that there was a downstairs and that's where our free table was.

 

There was a tall plexiglass screen separating tables from their neighbors. The empty table next to us was filled within 2 minutes of me taking this photo. Carol continues her trip notes. We had paper menus not QR codes as in the hotel. Drinks orders were taken by an English-capable waiter. Carol's Ginger Ale is shown, my beer  (Estrella) has been poured. Waiters were moving at speed.

 

What we have here is a big plate of Iberico ham (Jamon) and it's sliced really finely and we shall eat every savory morsel and close our eyes and make foodie-faces of ecstasy. The salad is slap-yo-mamma-fresh tomatoes, avocado and anchovies. That disappeared quickly too.

 

Along came a belly-filler. Patatas Bravas (Roast potatoes with spicy aioli) and a plate of tomato bread (lightly toasted baguette with tomato rubbed onto it) Maximum payload was closing in.

 

 We were sitting in a corner, right by the counter where two men were constantly making desserts. There was a bigger kitchen behind them churning out the savories. Orders of churros, deep fried with hot dark melted chocolate kept going by so I had to get some. Carol ordered a Creme Catalan-a Creme Brûlée . Both delicious.

 

more....
 

I was introduced to churros in Barcelona pre-Equinox cruise in 2013...have never looked back!  I've recently found a great place for churros in Algonquin...so if you head west from downtown Chicago, you just might run into it!

Edited November 27, 2021 by lola2013

[LT Hambone]

2 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

the egg man's station

 

 

Goo goo g'joob !

[Deck Chair Queen]

On 11/23/2021 at 10:52 AM, Bimmer09 said:

When I went to Guest Realations earlier for my Euros I got an account printout and saw that we still had $100 in shipboard credit. Carol found a use for it that evening and treated herself to a hot stone massage in the spa. She can tell you about that when she catches up with this review.

Imagine finding this out at 6pm on the last day! No shops open, no photos to buy. I had never set foot in the spa on this or any other ship. I’m squeamish about germs at the best of times and COVID has just amplified this. But no way was I letting a hundred bucks go to waste. I cleverly chose a service that cost exactly this including a tip, despite their valiant efforts to upsell me. I suppose I was lucky to walk in and get a massage without an appointment but they were not at all busy. It was pleasant and relaxing (after I asked them to turn off that Godawful New Age music) and you may be able to tell in this photo my limbs were like jelly. A good solution if you ever find yourself in this predicament. Durnie from the Philippines was my technician and she was fine. The prices were not outrageous especially if you get multiple services—I did not have the time as dinner was scheduled next. 

[Deck Chair Queen]

On 11/23/2021 at 11:21 AM, Bimmer09 said:

No knife fights in the kitchen  with Beppe accusing Tonio of looking longingly at his wife Lola while chopping the cilantro.

I Pagliacci  with a soupçon of Cavalleria Rusticana. 

[Deck Chair Queen]

On 11/23/2021 at 11:59 AM, Bimmer09 said:

Gimme Credit

Me! This is the name of my bond research publication and firm, still operating after nearly thirty years. 

 

Carol