Airport Day

The day started with a beautiful sunrise.

Ruth was a little sad to leave her balcony where she “could see the whole world”.

We headed to the airport for our 11:20 flight to Torino. We waited and heard a message saying we would leave at 1:00. Then another that we would leave at 2:00. No word on why. We still had not heard anything at 4:00. Thankfully there was coffee and jamon. 

The long delay didn’t seem to phase our amazing little traveler. She napped, she ate cookies, and she read Rapunzel with Zia for the 80th time. 

Checking the Ryan Air website it looked like we were leaving at 6:30, but around 5:00 we were told we would board in ten minutes. Forty five minutes later we boarded. 

It was nice to finally see the Italian seaside!

We arrived back to Chiara’s grandmother’s flat to drop our bags before having dinner with Chiara and her mom. We arrived to a fridge full of monster, milk, juice, water, and coke!   Nonna had a desk set up with pencils and books for Ruth to color with. We are so spoiled!

We walked to a restaurant down the street and Ruth got an up close view of her pizza cooking. It was a very nice way to end a long travel day. 

Cala Treumal and Canet de Mar

Justin researches and found a snorkeling beach so we headed out early to make sure we could beat the crowds. The beach was definitely worth waking up early for (early here means to the beach by 9:30). 

Justin snorkeled around the rocky coast while Ruth, Chiara, and I enjoyed the water and playing in the sand. 

This little cove was small and provided for an amazing view. 

We had a great lunch on the beach. Mussels, torta, and strawberries with whip cream. 

We drove to the next town north, Canet de Mar, for dinner. The town was adorable! 

We had dinner at a restaurant where we sat at a cute interior courtyard. The coco bread, duck cannoli, and melted cheese were great!  Ruth received a complimentary gelato to finish her meal!

A great last night on the coast of Spain. It has been wonderful to explore the coastal beaches and towns and spend time with our dear friend Chiara. We have really enjoyed our time here!

Calella and Paella

Keeping with tradition Chiara, Ruth, and I had pastries and coffee for breakfast.

We strolled around Arenys de Mar and found the church whose bells we hear every 15 minutes. The beauty inside Santa Maria d’Arenys de Mar is amazing. 

There is beautiful detail around every corner here.

We found a store open (difficult on Sunday) and Ruth insisted on paying for her peach and banana by herself.

We took the train to Calella to enjoy the beach for the day. The weather was perfect and Ruth even got a quick nap in. 

Justin took Ruth out in the sea to try and find some fish, but no luck. Look for the pink inter tube out by the yellow buoys. 

The inter tube was definitely a good purchase!

We enjoyed sandwiches on the beach for lunch before heading back for a quick nap before dinner. 

We weren’t sure which restaurant would be open so we walked around town to check it out.

We are often asked why we take our child with us on trips she won’t remember and my response is she may not remember the trip, but we will remember the memories.  She will also learn about herself as she is pushed to do new things. It isn't always easy to travel witha  child, but we are very lucky she is happy and agreeable more than she is not.  Watching her run out into the square we had dinner on and make a new friend who did not speak the same language is heart warming.

Her new avocado ring from Zia fit perfectly with her guacamole dinner.

We had our first paella and it did not disappoint. Looking forward to more!

Beach day in Arenys de Mar

Ruth, Chiara, and I started our day at the weekly market.  Not to be confused with the market we went to yesterday which is every day inside a hall. Today’s market was along the main Street in town and has everything from leather wallets to night shirts and from olives to pineapples.

Ruth was happy one of the bars had smoothies as the market did not have any which really threw her off.

We headed to the pharmacy to get some ibuprofen for Ruth who has come down with a cold which I can’t say is unusual after a long plane right. True to form she is powering through like a champ and enjoyed some beach time. 

The water was a lot calmer today so everyone enjoyed more time in it!

We picked up some bread to go with our hummus (industrial size this time) and I can’t get over how cheap it is and how FRESH!  We did pass onthe jamon Chips although I am a bit curious.

Justin and Ruth stayed behind tonight while Chiara and I took the train north to Blanes. Justin was happy to find his One Love ice cream at the bodega on our street  and a frozen pizza at the store so he was happy with a night in. 

Blanes was a pretty town with a large promenade full of restaurants and stalls selling jewelry and other items.  From the promenade you can see the castle which sits atop a hill outside of town. 

While walking around we noticed signs for a 700 year anniversary of a church. 

We walked up the street to find a mass in progress at the medeviel Santa Marie De Blanes. 

Dinner was amazing. We had tapas or asparagus, mussels, salad, and fish/potato croquet.