Just Us Kids Traveling

What a lovely place the region of Italy known as Umbria is! We have already decided we will return to the Umbria region for a vacation in the future. We had a lovely tour of the olive mill and wine vineyard. Pictures to follow.

Our ship docked in Naples this morning, about an hour ago. We disembarked a few minutes ago and have 90 minutes until our trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius arrives. Killing some time in Piazza de Plebiscito.  Burger anyone? An anatomically correct statue? On our bus headed to Pompeii! I feel like Bob Euker, "I must be in the front row!" Ana picked great seats! The tour of Vesuvius might be called off. Looks like it's decided to erupt. (Kidding!)

Norwegian Epic here we come! See ya all on the flip side, when we get to Italy!

We're slowly learning the ways of Europe. You don't tip your wait staff, which means they aren't as quick to turn the table (read, bring the check), nor to ask if you want another beer. So you have to be more forward about these things than in the states. Here are some photos from our two days in Barcelona.

We just touched down in Barcelona. Short, short night last night (about four hours of sleep), so we might just go siesta once we get to our apartment. More later! Checked into apartment and now we're "out and about" shopping. Stopped for our first coffee in Barcelona. And here is our first small meal in Barcelona. Little bit of home and a little bit of Spain. A grilled ham and cheese. And Pulpo a La Gallega (octopus).

Here are some photos and videos of a trip I took just minutes ago to a fish market in Spain.

On Monday, we drove into the countryside with Aunt Trini to see where Ana's father was from and grew up. Let's just say, we drove up the side of a mountain! Here are some views of "the old homestead" as well as some pictures of the town closest to where he grew up, where his birth was registered.  A German prison during WWII A mistletoe tree. Protected in Spain. And yes, I did get a kiss from her after this picture! The top of the mountain. This all used to be farmland where Ana's father grew up, but about 30 years ago the slate mining company came in. Then, they simply abandoned everything! Several huge machines and a Petro tank left behind. A fireplace