Our first visit to Europe

In October, Doug and I took our first trip to Europe.  I planned a weekend in Barcelona, and 4 days in a little town south of there, Vilanova y il Geltru. After that, a week in Nuremberg.  Our son, Russell, lives in Germany and he was the main reason for the trip.  We hadn't seen him in a year, and I decided it was time to go over there and visit.  Now you have to realize that Doug has never been off of the continent.  I've been to Asia a couple of times, so I was pretty well prepared for overseas travel.

Why Barcelona?  I learned about a 3 day weaving retreat with Tim Johnson, Monica    and Mai,
just 1/2 hour train ride south of Barcelona.  It's called "Weaving by the Sea."  Participants sign up to take a workshop with one instructor, at a really nice place, just a few blocks from the sea, Hotel Cesar.

Russell arrived in Barcelona on the same day we did, and being the frugal travelers, we stayed at a  hostel on the north side of town.  It was a very clean place, and the owner was quite friendly and helpful.  She and her son ran the hostel.  They both spoke English, and told us a lot about Barcelona.  If you are looking for  an inexpensive place that is very close to all of the public transportation, then try https://www.expedia.com/Barcelona-Hotels-Barcelona-Nice-Cozy-Guest-House.h7738585.Hotel-Information?langid=1033&

Our first night in Spain!

From our hostel, we walked to Parc del Laberint d'Horta.  This park is a neoclassical design, starting in 1791.  It was opened to the public in 1971.  The labyrinth is just one portion of the park.

 We went on a 'free' walking tour of downtown Barelona, which I highly recommend.  The tour was in English, and we learned so much history and background of the sights we visited.  (Of course, you end up tipping the guide, and then maybe signing up for tours of other areas of Barcelona.)
My favorite part of the tour was seeing and hearing the story behind this Picasso frieze, which is a closeup of the whole thing:

After 2 days of sightseeing, we took the train south to the town of Vilanova i la Geltru

for the weaving workshop, "Weaving by the Sea."  We stayed at the Hotel Cesar, which is a lovely place, just a few blocks from the water.