6/18/2025
After a good night’s sleep, I woke up at 7:30. Took it slow at first, just relaxed for a bit and waited for Jackie to wake up. Once we were both up, we had a simple breakfast: coffee and ham and cheese sandwiches—the same ingredients we bought when we arrived (bread, cheese, and ham).
We then caught the train to Amsterdam Centraal Station—the same one we went to yesterday by Metro. Thankfully, the trains were back to running (they had been on strike the day before), and the ride took only five minutes!
Got in touch with Fede and met up at the same spot as yesterday.
It was lovely to see him again. We strolled together towards the Ann Frank Museum. Fede and Toni stopped by a pizza place, and we spent some time with them until it was time for us to depart.
Give him a big hug and a farewell until June 29th that he will pick me up at Barcelona Airport.
We arrived to the Museum, 1.5 hrs visit. So hard to watch!!!!
`We met Jackie’s family in a cozy coffee shop next to the Museum, engaged in a pleasant conversation for a while. Afterward, we decided to take a stroll. At 7 P.M., we embarked on a delightful Canal Tour Ride, which included refreshing drinks and delectable bites to savor.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam, known as the “Venice of the North,” is famous for its stunning canals. These waterways date back to the 17th century and play a crucial role in the city’s charm and history. Many residents live on houseboats, which adds to the unique atmosphere of the waterways.
The canals are surrounded by bike paths, making them easily accessible while cycling through the city.
Amsterdam’s canals offer a blend of history, culture, and beauty, making them an essential part of any visit to the city.
After the Canal Tour, we decided to grab dinner at a cozy little restaurant nearby. The ambiance was warm and inviting, perfect for our tired selves. We shared a tuna sandwich and water 🙂
As we savored our meals, we reminisced about our visit to the Anne Frank Museum. The things we saw and learned lingered in our minds, bringing a sense of reflection and somberness. It was a stark reminder of history and the impact of our past.
Once we finished eating, we took a leisurely stroll along the canals, admiring the twinkling lights reflecting off the water as the evening settled in. The charm of the city was palpable, with the sounds of lively chatter and laughter echoing around us.
We slowly made our way back, enjoying the crisp evening air and the picturesque scenery. We went to Gina and her husband’s hotel to rest for a bit.
Finally, we returned to our accommodation with smiles on our faces, exhausted but content from the day’s adventures. As I lay in bed, I reflected on the experiences we had shared and felt grateful for the moments spent with loved ones in such a beautiful city. Tomorrow promised more exploration and discovery.
6/19
We woke up with our usual ham and cheese sandwich. We then set up our luggage for our Uber, which would pick us up at 11 AM. As a small token of farewell, the hotel gave us a cute keychain with a wooden shoe.
We gave the uber driver our destination. OMG. What a mess that was.He dropped us 0.8 miles away, so we carried two luggages and one Jackie until we reached the right spot where we saw the ship.
No problems there, we met with Jackie’s family for a nice lunch, our room was ready and we got comfortable, sitting at the veranda for a while (the ship would not part until 11:30 PM.)
By 3:30 Pm the ship offer a walking tour in the city, still Amsterdam, we learned a lot about its history and customs. Amsterdam has 35 public urinals for men and 3 toilet for women.
The walk was incredibly interesting, and we learned a lot of history, including about Catholic and Protestant churches and different types of government, up until the present day where there is a kingdom.
6/20/2025
We woke up at 6:30 AM, had breakfast at 7 AM, and prepared for our first excursion: a walking tour of Amsterdam and a Gouda cheese factory in Kinderdijk.
On a funny note, the queen of the Netherlands is from Argentina, so from that moment on, I was referred to as a Queen!
It was amazing to learn about how cheese is made and how long it takes before it’s ready for consumption. The area was absolutely beautiful, with many windmills—some of which are still inhabited by millers. We even visited one, and I climbed all the way to the top!
We returned to the hotel, had a delightful lunch, and then took a refreshing nap. Sitting on our veranda was a beautiful experience. Afterward, we headed to the front of the ship, where the bar was located. We ordered a Negroni and enjoyed the stunning view for a couple of hours.
We’re back at the cabin for a short nap, about 30 minutes, and then it’s time for dinner again! It was a great dinner. We’ll stay at the cabin until tomorrow.
6/21/2025
Happy Birthday Ashley!!! My granddaughter turned 15 today.
Following my cruise vacation
Cologne, Germany
After a light breakfast we got ready for our 10:30 get together with our cruise tour guide Tammy. We walk towards the Cologne Cathedral, passing through a long bridge.
Overview
The “3 arch bridge” in Cologne is the Hohenzollern Bridge, a major railway and pedestrian bridge spanning the Rhine River. It’s known for its three arched sections, each with three arches, and is a prominent landmark of Cologne, often seen with the Cathedral in the background. The bridge is also famous for the thousands of love locks attached to it by couples.
We walked towards the Cathedral, so impressive. The building started in the 13th Century and ended 620 years later, the work on the cathedral was interrupted due to the Reformation and the Thirty Years’ War and was not resumed until the 19th century, when Prussia annexed the Rhineland and the city of Cologne became part of the Prussian state. The break in construction lasted more than 300 years.
It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Here to walking tour with the tour guide ended, and we sat down for a light lunch.
Walking back to our ship we encounter a tall building where we can to to the top and enjoy the view of Cologne.
After arriving at the ship, we rested for a bit and then had dinner with the family. We decided by then to go to the terrace to walk…LOL. But we were to tired after walking 10000 steps one more time. Back to our cabin, we chit chat for a long bit, and went to bed about 11 PM.. Sunsets is 10:30 pm
Our Ship
June 22, 2025
Koblenz, Germany
Just one more day on our cruise. After a very light breakfast, we got ready for our walking tours. We met at 8:30 AM with our tour guide (we’ve had a different guide each day), and took a bus to the city of Koblenz.
We walked through beautiful streets and eventually arrived at a park where we saw remnants of the Berlin Wall. So much history—truly fascinating!
We learned about Charlemagne, crown Roman Emperor by a Pope in return of political protection. He united most of Western and Central Europe.
We got to the German Corner where we saw the statue of William I, where the Mosel river joins the Rhine, first German emperor and it is today a Koblenz landmark.
Near by we saw a statue in bronze depicting a finger (the thumb) evokes association with the thumb gesture of Julius Caesar.
we walk little cute streets we saw a statue of a little prankster that periodically spits on unsuspected tourist.
Came back to the ship for a lite lunch and then we had a scenic tour through the Rhine passing medieval castles, ancient towns and vineyards on a 40 miles stretch from Koblenz to Bingen. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castles in the Rhine
After having another drink 🙂 and rest for a bit, time for dinner again!
We had a nice chat with Jackie’s family, then headed back to our ship cabin, where I spent some time writing this log.
6/23/2025
Speyer, Germany
Today, the ship took us to Speyer, a charming and historic city on the banks of the Rhine. Speyer is one of Germany’s oldest cities, and it’s filled with Romanesque architecture, cobbled streets, and a peaceful atmosphere.
We strolled through the Old Town, where the highlight was the Speyer Cathedral—an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its massive structure and detailed stonework are breathtaking, and it’s incredible to think it was built nearly 1,000 years ago. We also had time to explore the local shops and cafes, soaking in the relaxed rhythm of the city.
On the way back, we got a little lost—we were looking for a mast with lots of flags as our landmark, but couldn’t find it. We took one road, then another, trying to retrace our steps. Just as we started wondering if we’d gone too far… there it was! Our ship, right in front of us. What a relief!
We returned to the ship with beautiful memories of yet another gem along the Rhine.
The emperor and his children, all name Henry
Like always a delightful dinner and back to the cabin .
6/24/2025
Strasbourg, France
The alarm went off at 7:00 AM, and we got ready for another walking tour—this time in the beautiful city of Strasbourg, France. After a light breakfast, we boarded a tour bus that took us straight to the heart of the city.
The city center of Strasbourg is like something out of a fairy tale. We walked along narrow cobblestone streets lined with charming half-timbered houses, colorful flower boxes, and quiet canals that reflect the city’s peaceful charm.
One of the highlights was visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral—a stunning Gothic masterpiece with an incredible astronomical clock inside. The detail in the architecture was breathtaking.
Inside, we saw the famous astronomical clock, one of the largest and most elaborate of its kind in the world. Built in the 16th century, it’s not just a timepiece—it tracks solar and lunar orbits, planetary movements, and even shows the date and zodiac sign.
We were lucky enough to catch the daily procession at 12:30 PM, when the clock comes to life: tiny mechanical figures of the apostles pass before Jesus, who blesses each one as a rooster crows—right on cue. It was fascinating, beautiful, and a bit surreal to watch something so ancient still working with such precision.
We also explored Petite France, one of the most picturesque and iconic parts of the city. With its winding canals, historic buildings, and quaint bridges, it felt like stepping back in time. Every corner was postcard-perfect, and we couldn’t stop taking photos.
Strasbourg is truly a magical mix of French and German culture, full of history, charm, and beauty at every turn.
One thing that really stood out was the mix of languages. Strasbourg sits right on the border between France and Germany, so you hear French and German spoken interchangeably. Even the street signs and menus are often bilingual. Many locals also spoke excellent English, which made getting around really easy. This blend of cultures gives Strasbourg a truly unique and welcoming vibe—it feels both familiar and distinctly European at the same time.
Back to the ship we made a beeline for the bar – because priorities. Music was playing, spirits were high, and we were just starting to swap stories about our day, when, out of nowhere, the chef showed up like a culinary magician. “Who wants to learn how to make German pizza?” He asked. Naturally, I shot my hand up like it was a game show and I actually know the answer. I did not. LOL
Forgot to mention: while in the bar I ordered a Hurricane, a drink that I had with Jackie in New Orleans. Seen in picture
Later in the day, after a generous round of drinks, munchies, and some pizza I made (yes, I actually cooked!), we somehow still managed to head out for dinner. And what a dinner it was—a full German feast. Sausages, German potato salad, sauerkraut, knödel (dumplings), and more. OMG. Way too much food, but absolutely delicious.
Afterward, needing some fresh air and movement, we headed up to the ship’s terrace to enjoy the view and catch the sunset. The ship had stopped for a while, and another riverboat was docked right beside us. A bridge loomed close ahead.
Suddenly, a ship passed between us, and then the ship next to us began steaming toward the bridge. To our surprise, it slipped right through it. Then our ship began moving. I was convinced there was no way we could fit through the bridge alongside the other vessel—it looked impossibly narrow—but somehow, we did. It was amazing, almost like a miracle! We were so close to the other ship that people on both boats could literally reach out and shake hands. It was crazy.
We were now cruising through the Grand Canal d’Alsace, and it already felt like this river journey was going to be full of unforgettable moments.
6/25/2025–
Breisach, Germany
We woke up early to a lot of noise—clanking, humming, and the unmistakable sound of ship activity. When I opened the window, I was startled to see another ship right there, so close we could practically reach out and touch it. We were cruising through another canal of the Rhine, and the tight spacing continued to amaze me.
After shaking off the early wake-up call, we got ready and headed to breakfast. Then we set out for a small walking tour—just the two of us—to explore the charming town of Breisach, Germany. With its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and relaxed atmosphere, it felt like stepping into a storybook.
We made our way uphill to visit the beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral, perched above the town. The walk was steep but worth it—the views from the top were stunning, with sweeping sights over the Rhine and into France on the other side. The church itself was peaceful and full of history, with stained glass windows and old stone walls that carried a quiet sense of reverence.
After our stroll, we headed back to the ship for lunch. It was plentiful yet light, just enough to refuel without weighing us down.
Black Forest, Germany
At 2 p.m., we boarded a bus for a scenic drive into the Black Forest. The views were simply breathtaking—lush, endless shades of green rolling across hills and valleys like something out of a fairytale.
Our first stop was a demonstration of how cuckoo clocks work. It was fascinating to see the inner mechanisms and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Then we watched a glassblowing presentation, where artisans created delicate figures right before our eyes.
To top it all off, there was a fun and delicious show on how the famous Black Forest cake is made. Watching the layers come together—chocolate, cherries, cream—was mouthwatering, and yes, we got to sample some too!
After the 1.5-hour drive back to the ship, we were welcomed with champagne at the crew’s farewell celebration—a lovely gesture and a great way to wind down the day. Dinner followed: a perfectly cooked dorado fish, paired with white wine and a sweet dessert. Meanwhile, the ship quietly moved through yet another canal lock—something that still hasn’t lost its magic.
Now we’re back in our room, chatting about the day, full and content. And here I am, writing this log, trying to capture a little piece of a day that already feels unforgettable.
Tomorrow is the last day of the Rhine river cruise. We will leave our cabin at 9 am and begin a brand new adventure in Basel, Switzerland. It is hard to believe how quick the days have passed.
6/26/2025
Basel, Switzerland
Getting up early because we have to vacate the cabin by 9 AM, have the luggage ready and out of the door by 8am; All that done, so down to breakfast. As usually, very good, today bagel with salmon, cream cheese, red onions and capers.
After spending a bit of time relaxing on the ship, we decided to call an Uber to take us to the hotel. The ride was easy, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable! Once we arrived and got settled in, we had a light sandwich and are now heading out for a little walk to explore the area.
So many stairs to reach the main road—but we made it! On the way, we found a Subway sandwich shop and, right across from it, a market that had everything. We picked up some bread, ham, cheese, coffee, plus a bottle of Baileys and some rum.
Later, Jackie (as always!) prepared a great drink with them—definitely hit the spot!
Now it’s time to relax for the evening and recharge for tomorrow. The days are still so long—it’s not fully dark until around 9:30 or even 10 PM!
6/27/2025
Fall asleep at 8 PM!!!! Now time to organize what to do! Everything was set up for us in this trip, now it is on us…
Jackie got in touch with her sister Gina and decided to go to the zoo. I got a map with instructions from the front desk of the hotel, and marked #17 as the tram that will take us to the ZOO.
We knew what was coming!!!!Stairs and more stairs!!!`
“The Great Basel Zoo Quest”
It all started at the fabled tram stop where Tram #17 was supposed to arrive. That is, if you believed in fairy tales. According to the sign, it was on its way. According to reality — it was three hours away.
That’s when Gina and her husband Neal joined us. Always optimistic, I suggested we “just check inside” the nearby market for help. I stepped in, hopeful. Surely someone behind a register knew something about trams.
Nope. I asked a cashier. She blinked, then resumed scanning cheese with quiet resignation.
Back on the sidewalk, I approached a local — an older woman standing patiently, probably waiting for a tram that actually existed.Excuse me,” I asked. “Which tram do we take to get to the Zoo?”
She looked me dead in the eye and asked:
“Are you monkeys?” I blinked. “Why go to the zoo? Go to a museum!Clearly, she wasn’t Team Zoo.
Eventually, a kind soul came to our rescue. “Take the 6 to Theater,” he said, “then switch to the 10. That’ll get you to the Zoo.”
It sounded simple. I was not.
The 6 arrived — praise the public transport gods — and we jumped on like it was the last ride on Earth. Gina was confidently reading the map upside-down. Neal, bless him, was just along for the ride.
We made it to Theater, disembarked, and scanned the horizon like explorers. A minute passed. Then five. Then fifteen. A local dog seemed to know more about tram transfers than we did.
But finally — the 10 appeared, sleek and silent like a metallic unicorn. We climbed aboard with the grace of jet-lagged penguins. And then… we arrived.
At last — the gates of the Basel Zoo stood before us, majestic, welcoming, full of promise.
We’d made it.
It felt like the end of a quest. A journey worthy of a documentary. We hadn’t just reached the zoo — we’d earned it.
Was it just a 20-minute trip that somehow turned into a full-blown urban odyssey? Maybe. It was ridiculous! But as we stood among flamingos and lions, I realized something: detours are fun!
The penguins were adorable. Waddling around like they had a full agenda and no time for tourists. We strolled past their icy corner and found ourselves face-to-furry-face with the Nutria. Now that’s a familiar face,” I said, proudly..
Gina and Jackie gave me the look — the one that means story time is coming. “In Argentina, Nutria used to be everywhere,” I explained. “Back in the day, women wore Nutria coats. Very elegant. Very furry. Very dead Nutria.” They nodded, half-fascinated, half-horrified. We continued.
The sea lions were next — lounging in their fountain like they owned it. Honestly, they did. Barking, splashing, flipping around like furry synchronized swimmers on a coffee break. We stood nearby, chatting away, caught in the rhythm of the day. Until we turned around and realized….Neal was gone. Mild panic. We scanned the crowds. No baseball cap. No casual Neal stroll. No one online for hotdogs who looked even remotely.
Gina went full search party. She retraced steps, asking people, checking signs, checking benches. Meanwhile, Jackie and I decided to forge ahead — partly because we trusted Gina would find him, and partly because we still had a Zoo to conquer.
Jackie and I kept visiting the Zoo. We passed Rhinos, majestic Buffalo, graceful Giraffe, and yes Monkeys!!!!!!Loud, clever and chaotic. We exchanged a look. Maybe that woman was right,” I said. “We are monkeys.” Eventually our wondering brought us to an exit. Not THE EXIT, just an exit.
PING!!! A message!!! WiFi was back and Gina had found Neal. He was by the elephants.Waiting like nothing had happened.
By then Jackie and I were exhausted. Decided to go back to the city. A bus approached, door open, a driver smiled, Does this go to the city?” I asked, slightly pleading. He nodded: Yes, Last stop .OH YEAH!
We flopped into our seats like we were boarding a magic carpet back to civilization. Basel was out there waiting — croissants, trams, art, comfort, and maybe (hopefully) zero more missing people.
“
The bus purred into Basel like a gentle beast delivering weary adventurers home.
Our bodies were back in the city — but our souls were somewhere near the giraffe enclosure.
We weren’t ready for what awaited us. We knew they were there. Looming. Silent. Evil. The Steps.
Those infamous steps back to the apartment — each one steeper and more judgmental than the last. We weren’t just dreading them; we were actively bargaining with the universe for an elevator. Or maybe a teleportation portal. Or just a friendly mountain goat to carry us.
But then — a sign. Not from the sky, but from the corner of a lovely square.
The Marketplatz: A Minor Miracle. We turned a corner and there it was. A glorious farmer’s market spread across the square like an oasis of color and calories. Cheese stalls, fragrant and beautiful. Green and black olives, plump and glistening. Bread. Berries. People who clearly hadn’t spent the day chasing sea lions and losing spouses.
We didn’t hesitate. Breakfast had been at 9 AM — and it was now a time known only to tired feet and empty stomachs.
We wandered between stalls like we belonged there. Took photos of the Marktplatz, its ornate buildings watching us like elegant old librarians keeping secrets.
For a moment, the exhaustion faded. We were just travelers in a city of stories.
We thought we were done. We really did.
Photos taken. Steps conquered. Home (or hotel) within reach.
But fate — or at least the universe of Swiss indulgence — had one more twist for us. We were crossing the street when we saw it. No warning. No mercy.
A bakery. A chocolatier. A shrine to sugar. Through the window: neat little rows of handmade truffles, chocolate bars with edible gold flakes, and perfectly curled Apfelstrudel dusted with powdered sugar like it was snowing inside.
We froze. We exchanged a look. One of those shared glances that says:
“We’re not even hungry, but… we’re going in, right?” Of course we were.
One Apfelstrudel. One dark chocolate truffle. One small decision to never leave.
The chocolate? A reward for surviving it all.
And now…… facing those steps again!
June 28, 2025
For Gra – On What Would Have Been Her 75th Birthday
Today, my little sister Graciela would have turned 75.
It’s hard to believe how the years pass, and how some people remain as present in our hearts as if we’d spoken to them just yesterday. I still see her smile. I still hear her laugh—sometimes soft and knowing, sometimes bursting out like sunlight after rain. I still remember the way she said my name, or how she’d light up a room just by being in it.
Graciela was never just a sister—she was part of the soundtrack of my life, my childhood playmate, my quiet confidante, my echo through all seasons. I think of the birthdays we celebrated together, the shared secrets, the arguments that faded quickly, and the lifelong bond that never did.
Though I can’t call her or hug her today, I carry her with me—in my memories, in my laughter, in the small things she loved. A favorite song. A certain kind of flower. A look someone gives that reminds me of her warmth.
Graciela, today I celebrate you. You are missed deeply, loved endlessly, and remembered always.
The Day the Borders Met –
Back to my travel log!
Our final morning in Basel began quietly, gently—just as we had hoped. After a peaceful night’s rest, we woke up to our now-familiar routine: a quick coffee, some yogurt, and then the descent—yes, those infamous stairs again—toward the tram stop.
We were headed to catch the “hop-on, hop-off” tour. Though, truth be told, there wasn’t much “hopping” to be done. It was more of a comfortable, two-hour loop through the city. Still, it gave us a chance to sit back and see Basel from a different perspective—its blend of old-world charm and modern rhythm, the neat trams, the quiet river, the rooftops with stories hidden beneath them.
There’s a kind of sweetness in experiencing a city this way on your last day—when everything feels more precious because you know you’ll soon be saying goodbye.
One of the highlights of our last day in Basel was a stop at the meeting point of three countries—Germany, France, and Switzerland. Of course, we had to mark the moment: we snapped a selfie and I took a picture, just to prove we’d been at the crossroads of nations.
Later, as our hop-on, hop-off tour came to an end, we spontaneously jumped on the first tram we saw—no idea where it was going. Anywhere felt like an adventure. And wouldn’t you know it, the very first stop was Marketplatz—our stop! Perfect timing, like Basel had one more wink for us.
We wandered into the COOP supermarket where I picked up a ginger beer to bring back to the hotel. Across the way, we found a sandwich shop selling those long, footlong sandwiches. We split a 30 cm one with ham, cheese, tomato, spinach, and a touch of mayo. Simple, but just what we needed.
Then came those steps—our old friends. But we climbed them like seasoned pros, no complaints. Back at the hotel, I cracked open the ginger beer—cold, crisp, just the right zing—and finished half the sandwich. It was so satisfying. It all was.
The day is over. Tomorrow taking Easyjet fly to Barcelona.
6/29/2025
Farewell Basel – Hello Barcelona
The day started early—4 AM early. Jackie was flying home, and her taxi was scheduled for 4:30. I stayed up to see her off, wishing her a safe trip back. After she left, I tried lying down again, but only lasted about 15 minutes. My day had already begun.
I got up, cleaned up the place, emptied the fridge, and made sure my ride to the airport would be there at 7 AM. Everything in order. I checked out of the hotel and the car came right on time. The ride to the airport was smooth and quick—just 15 minutes.
Check-in went fine. I boarded my EasyJet flight. Not exactly luxury—seats that don’t recline, and not the most comfort—but it got me to Barcelona with no issues.
There were a few hiccups with the WiFi on arrival, but eventually, Fede and his girlfriend Ana found me. It was so, so nice to see him again. A familiar face in a new city—just perfect.
Once we finally connected at the airport, Fede took me straight to the hotel where he’s currently working—and had already reserved a room for me. Such a thoughtful gesture, and very appreciated after the early morning and travel.
Barcelona Heat & Sushi Feast
First things first: a change of clothes. It’s very, very hot here! The kind of heat that demands sandals and light fabrics immediately.
When we arrived at the hotel, Fede introduced me to Dolores, the “aunt” who welcomed him when he first arrived in Spain. Her family has been wonderful to him—giving him a place to stay and a job. Meeting her was truly special. It made me emotional to see how well he’s been embraced here.
I also got to meet Ana, Fede’s girlfriend, in person for the first time. She’s sweet, warm, and clearly cares a lot about him.
Later, Fede and Ana treated me to Sushi—and not just a few rolls. OMG. The amount of food! It was absolutely delicious, and honestly, we might have overdone it a bit, but it was totally worth it. Every bite was perfect.
After our light lunch (yes, I’m giggling too—so much sushi!), we returned to the hotel. Fede gave me a little tour, from the outside courtyard all the way to the kitchen. There, I met the chef, who was full of life and immediately told us where to go for the best vermouth and tapas in town. Everyone seems to know and love Fede—it’s heartwarming to see how friendly and connected he is with everyone.
And yes… time to eat again! We had dinner at the hotel—it was included with my stay, thanks to Fede (he really thinks of everything!). The meal was delicious and felt even more special knowing it came with his kindness.
After dinner… a game of Crapo!!!
And yes—he beat me!!!
I absolutely love when that happens, and he even shouted “ALTO!”
It brings back so many memories. I know not many people know the game Crapo or the meaning of “ALTO,” but for us—it’s a little piece of family magic, a shout that means joy, silliness, and fierce competition.
After chatting for a while and laughing about the day, we suddenly realized it was already 1 AM—time to call it a night!
What a full and wonderful day.
6/30/2025
We woke up around 8:30 AM and started getting our luggage ready, since we had to leave the room by 11. But first—breakfast.
After that, I brought all my bags downstairs… and figured, why not squeeze in another game of Crapo? Well, I lost—badly. 😅
We took a break afterward and had a refreshing vermouth while thinking about what to do next. It was scorching hot outside, so we decided to stay in and cool off for a bit.
That turned into a few rounds of “Escoba del 15”—or “Broom of 15”—a classic Spanish card game where you have to add and strategize to collect cards that sum to fifteen. This time, I won! 🎉
We went to lunch —yeah, food was never an issue!
After lunch, I met Fede’s Uncle Mauro—what a nice person! He hosted Fede when he first arrived in Spain and let him stay for eight months. Their connection goes way back—Mauro was a close friend of Fede’s father, Gabriel. Mauro’s wife, Dolores, works at the hotel too—she’s actually Fede’s manager!
Fede dropped me off to pick up the key for the apartment Mariana leased for a few days, and I made my way there. It was so hot!! First thing I did was turn on the A/C. I looked around the place—beautiful view. Walk to the beach for a little bit and Then… time for bed.
7/1/2025
Welcome July!!
Got up and checked in with Fede—he came over with Ana, and we had lunch at a little place on the corner. Then we waited for Mariana and the kids. Everyone was so happy to finally be on a little vacation in Spain!
The family was totally exhausted from the long trip from L.A., but they managed to stay awake because Fede really wanted to take them to the sushi place he had taken me before. Oh, we had fun—and food. So much food.
After lots of laughs about everything, Fede and Ana headed back to their place, and we went to ours. Time to sleep!
7/2/2025
How much fun!! A trip on a catamaran! All of us jumped into the ocean with our goggles on. I thought I didn’t need a floater to swim out there… but when Mariana and Fede saw me getting in without one—OMG! 😅
They were so right. It was really tiring to swim without it. So I climbed back onto the catamaran (with Fede right behind me), and we both grabbed floaters.
It was such a blast!
We came back home—Fede went off to work—and I took a little nap. Later, we had dinner at a place nearby. There are so many places to choose from, surrounded by beautiful scenery—I took lots of pictures! After that, we headed back to the apartment for another night of nice, peaceful sleep.
7/3/2025
H, the kids, and I went downstairs for some breakfast while Mariana was still sleeping. We told stories—old ones—and laughed a lot.
Once we were done and back at the house, we all (now fully awake and together!) decided to start the day by heading to another beach Fede had recommended. It was a lovely drive, and the beach was just perfect—smooth sand, clear water, and almost no one there.
The whole family loved it and had such a great time in the water!
We definitely did something else that day… but I can’t remember what it was! 😅
7/4/2025
Fede surprised me with an early morning car ride around town while everyone else was still asleep. We had coffee by the beach and the most amazing croissants stuffed with chocolate. Such a special little moment.
We came back home with croissants for everyone—such a treat! Then we pulled together a simple but delicious lunch: Jamón Ibérico, some really good cheese, fresh baguettes, grapes, and cold gazpacho. Perfect for a summer day.
In the afternoon, we headed to another beach—this time to Miami Platja. The water was warm, the sky was clear, and the vibe was just pure fun. We played with a ball in the water, splashed around, and laughed non-stop. Another perfect beach day!
But this one was also bittersweet—it was my last time seeing Fede on this trip. We hugged really hard, holding onto the moment, not wanting it to end. Hopefully next time won’t be too far off… maybe in November, for Mito’s 50th?
After a beautiful day at the beach, we went back to the apartment to rest for a bit, then headed out to Tarragona, in the Catalonia region—an incredible place full of ancient Roman ruins. We saw remnants of the amphitheater, the necropolis, and even an old aqueduct. Such an amazing place to visit!
The streets were so narrow—it was tricky to drive through—but somehow HT managed, Mariana found this little hidden restaurant called Filosofía. The walls were decorated with pictures of Borges, Nietzsche, Descartes… very cool atmosphere, and the food was excellent.
We grabbed some good ice cream while walking around the city, then made our way back to the apartment to wrap up the night.
7/5/2025
Such a short night! I got up at 4:30 AM to get ready and catch the bus that would take me to the Barcelona airport—a 2.5 hour ride. HT was so kind to walk with me to the Bus Station. . Everything went smoothly at the airport, and I boarded the plane that would take me home, with a stop in London. It was a nice flight.
I arrived home at 5:30 PM, and Dottie was there waiting for me at the airport. ❤️
Normi’s blog 