Barcelona Doesn't Suck!

Barcelona at night.

After our 4 day wine-drinking bender in Bordeaux, it was time to bid France adieu and head for Spain. It was a quick flight on Vueling airlines From Bordeaux to Barcelona- an hour or so. We grabbed a cab and were in the city centre in no time.  Our hotel, the Catalonia Port, was in a great location, central to the Barri Gòtic, el born, and, of course, the port.  We were also really close to the legendary ramblas.  After settling in, we decided to go for a walk up these famous streets.  And we hated it! So tacky and touristy... it was like the worst parts of Times Square, but with more pickpockets and costlier food.  Yes, there is a cool, if jam-packed, food market, but the rest of it is just so terrible.  Since we were both so underwhelmed, we didn't walk the whole way, but went back to our hotel to get ready for a late dinner.

By then, I was dreading spending more time in this city.  If that was the highlight, I might as well just grab my Kindle and go sit by the pool.

FNGs in NYC

The Red Rooster, in Harlem.  And no, you don't need to be a girl to be a Friday Night Girl!

How have I not posted anything about my beloved Friday Night Girls before?

The Classy Drunk, Part I: Chateau du Tailhas

Jean-Luc's ancient vines. Merlot grapes,  Paul Giamatti was wrong!!

In the past 8 years, I have visited Champagne, in France (twice), the Chianti/Brunello region of Italy (three times), Napa Valley in California, and most recently,  we went back to France for Bordeaux.  Do you see a pattern here? It looks like I plan my vacations at the LCBO.

Air Canada to Paris

People watching from Les Deux Magots

I am about to make a controversial statement- one that may cause some of you to question my sanity:

I like Air Canada.  I'm sorry, but it's true. I've never had a problem with them that wasn't weather related, and they've never lost my luggage (I check only on the way home).  Yes, the flight attendants are as friendly as diner waitresses working the midnight shift, but as long as they bring me Diet Coke when I need it, I'm cool.  Frankly, I am not one to want to sing Happy Birthday to my fellow travelers anyway (sorry, West Jet). The planes are new, the TVs plentiful, and the food is, well, free.

When we flew to Paris last month, it was on old familiar AC 880, which we've taken several times before.  We got to the airport too early, of course.  No bags to check (truly, you don't need to check luggage.  I've done 2 weeks in Europe no problem, though I suspect traveling to a cold climate would pose problems, but why the hell would anyone want to do that?) All we had to endure was passing through security. I often get an extra pat down, or have my hands checked for explosives.  I think I am the Token White Lady, you know? The last time we were in the Bahamas, I got a pat down (rather, a feel up), from an eager lady that surely should have resulted in a marriage proposal.  She started at the top, worked her way down, then went back to the top! "Oh, we're going again!", I said jokingly, as she patted and squeezed (they're real, honey).  "She got further with you than I did this week", the BF sulked. But I digress...