Jazzbo

Almost time to board! This is a random sign we passed while walking. It tickled my funny bone!

We had 2:00 reservations for a Sunday lunch at Carballeira, which has great reviews. We started with chipirones fritas (fried baby squid). They were amazing! We finally had a seafood paella and it was so disappointing. It had been partially prepared in advance (it came too fast to have been freshly prepared), and the seafood was dry and overcooked. What a shame. We’re so excited to be boarding Reflection tomorrow!!!

Today (Sunday), we strolled down La Rambla and along the water. It was a beautiful day. We stopped for cafe con leche, and for a cold beer later on. I couldn’t resist ordering the fried anchovies — they were amazing!

We went to a little place called Bodega la Palma near Plaça San Jaume. We had the wonderful ibérico ham again, manchego made with raw sheep’s milk, and delicious hot and crispy croquetas de jamón. (No photos — we were hungry.) We ordered a special — whole squid with local mushrooms and a light basil sauce. We did get a photo of that. Walked through an interesting part of old Barcelona, and finished off the evening with carajillos and turrón (almond nougat) near our apartment.

Saturday evening we walked to a little place called Bodega la Palma. On the way we encountered a large march/demonstration supporting freedom for women in Iran. IMG_0408.MOV

We slept in this morning, and then walked to the Boqueria market. Sensory overload, but a must see. I want to go back! We snacked on tapas, which ended up being our lunch. I called the Fit-to-fly clinic and was able to move us our covid tests to this afternoon. Negative!!! We were close to Sagrada Familia, so took a walk there, before we headed back to the apartment. Still figuring out what to do for dinner.

Our apartment is basic, but clean and the bed is comfortable. It is on a non-traffic passage a few steps from the Placa Reial. Last night we went to Bar Canete on Carrer de la Unio, close to the Liceu, without a reservation (don’t do that). It was 7-ish, and we were thinking we could drop in for tapas. It was packed. We said we would wait with a drink (45 minutes), and more people kept coming in, while the hostess told them they were full, but some made a reservation for 9:00 that night. We sat sipping our cava, and the maitre’d must have taken a liking to (or felt sorry for) us. Within 15 minutes we were led to the back of the restaurant, through the kitchen, and into a dining room to a table for 2. Most of the patrons in that room were tourists, but the food was authentic. Right behind out table was a red curtain, which turned out to be the back of the street side window display! We had boquerones (white anchovies cured in sherry vinegar and garlic), the amazing jamon de bellota (raised on acorns) for tapas. Then we shared a delicious sea bass with roasted vegetables, and finally, a roast suckling pig dish — slices and pieces of the pork were pressed like a terrine with a heavenly glaze and sauce. We had Albariño white wine with the meal. Delicious!

@tartana, those look delicious! We are at the Delta Sky Club, fortunately in a quiet, not crowded area. They have stopped admitting people until other people leave. When I left to buy a converter (I left ours at home because I knew I didn’t need it onboard, but I forgot about needing it in Barcelona for blow dryer and other hair tools), they gave me a red card to allow me back in. When I came back, there was a very long line!

Thank you, Jim! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed tagging along with you and Iain on your live reports.

We’ll be there tomorrow!

Larry and I are sitting in Delta Sky Club at FLL. It’s starting to fill up, but is comfortable and can still distance. From here, we connect with another Delta flight at JFK to Barcelona.

This is my first time doing a live review, but I have enjoyed so many other live reviews, I decided to give it a go. This is the final lift & shift (starting in 2020, of course). Larry (DH) and I (Vivien) drove to Ft. Lauderdale from Orlando yesterday. We stayed at the new Tru by Hilton in Dania Beach. It’s one of those hotels with minimal services (no bar or restaurant, free breakfast. Free valet parking with Hilton Honors. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. All-in-all, a great place to stay for a night, and great value. Our room was $125 (plus tax) for the night.

Belated happy anniversary! I have thoroughly enjoyed your review and photos. Thank you for taking the time to share your journey.

We (Vivien & Larry) will be joining you on this one! (FYI, just updated the table for the Roll Call)

I’ve just caught up on this thread and I’m thoroughly enjoying following along with you, Norwaylady! Thank you for talking us along with you. 🙂

Stunning sunset photos!!!

@IsItTimeToCruiseYet? I enjoy reading your comments, but the font makes them difficult to read on a phone. Any chance you might change the font to one that’s easier to read? It is a pretty script, though.

I discovered this weekend (after being on hold for an hour) that if your booking is with a TA, your TA has to do it.

Thanks for the fabulous photos! Between you and @Jim_Iain, I’m convinced I need to add this to my bucket list. 😊

I had never considered a cruise that includes Greenland, but your breathtakingly beautiful photos have changed my mind. Thanks so much for sharing the spectacular scenery!

Another Jim—Iain live! I love your live reviews. I’m looking forward to all 3 legs. 😀

Whoops — missed that on Celebrity’s stellar website.🤷‍♀️

Reflection ends its Italy, Croatia & Montenegro on October 12th in Rome. The next cruise is the Transatlantic from Barcelona on October 31st. There is a dry dock, but doubtful that’s long enough to complétele “Revolutionize” the ship.

I just discovered a few chips from a Celebrity cruise in a small handbag. No idea which one.🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m guessing they’re useless now.