The Rain in Spain stays mainly on the Plain

so the long awaited trip has finally come to be. We met up with my granddaughter at the Atlanta airport, got our boarding passes and headed for the Delta Sky Lounge to await our next flight. So many new experiences for both of the "kids" - it's fun to watch their eyes with each new unexpected surprise. Especially when they saw the big Airbus 330 we'd be taking across the big pond.

If you're going to fly for 8 + hours over the ocean .. this is the way to go....
Just ask Jeff
or Beka (working hard to become the next "youth in governance leader" - in spite of technical difficulties. Way to go problem solver!!!)

Life isn't without its challenges and so before we could leave Atlanta, we had to wait for the ground crew to paint the plane.. Yes, believe it or not, Barcelona noticed some spots that were chipped along the wing. So after a relatively long delay .. .during which Jeff offered to go to the hardware store and pick up a can of spray paint, we were able to get the go ahead to take off. There were a few moments where our craft was a little shaky along the coast (maybe just the fresh paint "settling in", but it managed to smooth out in time for our evening meal (which I must mention since this is, after all, the food fest). Short ribs for Beka and I, Halibut for Jeff and Pasta for Eric.
Then we snuggled in for a bit of slumber ( 7 hour time difference between Milwaukee and Barcelona, 8 hours between Mountain Time zone and Spain).Not quite long enough but it will have to do ....

Before we knew it, we were awoken for breakfast. (Bagel, cream cheese, fruit, quiche, OJ and coffee). Still full from dinner, we took a few bites and called it quits.

After, no kidding, an hour and a half (at least) standing in line for customs.... we were glad we ate at least a little something beforehand.
They say it rains mainly on the plains in Spain, but today it was pouring on coastal Spain. Nothing could stop the road-weary travelers at this point. So we dropped our bags at the LeMeridien on La Rambla, printed our subway tickets and headed to see the famous Sagrada Familia. Even though Jeff and I have seen it many times, it never ceases to amaze me. Sadly, we stood in the rain to view the exterior but in spite of the weather it will likely be etched in the memories of Eric and Beka for year to come. Even after 150 years under construction, there is nothing else like it in the world - and likely never will be! See for yourself -- (by the way, Eric says he wants to operate the overhead crane.)

To be continued ....