IntrepidFromDC

Blerk, is that you leaning in, "I'll have another brontosaurus leg, please?"

Whew! I do a lot of research on restaurants and usually any surprises are on the upside, marginally. Tonight I was so conflicted while WOWing at my drink and both dishes. I thought to myself "I have been to Spain 3 times and France 5 times before and France outdid Spain for food by a longshot, how can this be so amazing, doesn't taste like any Spanish food I had before" I was prepared to admit tonight's dinner at RAO was top five meals on this trip, maybe top 3, and maybe my thoughts on pecking order of European foods needs to be reexamined. Then I chatted up the maitre d and noticed he had a French accent. Imagine my surprise when he said the chef is from Lyon! He and the chef are partners and co-owners. AMAZING scallops, you can see how perfectly they are cooked, and octopus heaven. The SAUCES were both sublime and exciting. The scallops were in a sweet potato sauce and I don't even like sweet potatoes but it was magical, I don't know what he added to the sweet potato but it didn't taste like sweet potato at all. I'm running out of superlatives... just get on a jet and eat here! The passion fruit mojito was fresh and boozy like I like'm!

I saw a Taco Bell on Ramblas in Barcelona today. Bon appetit. 😁 🏴‍☠️

Oh wait! I forgot about "I fart in your general direction", that is my favorite! It just comes from out of nowhere in Brian's mother's voice (diff movie I know).

In total, I took 11 train trips in France, the last one just ended in Spain. Their system is efficient and easy to use for a non-French-speaker. One train was 5 minutes late, the others left their stations precisely at the minute on the ticket. Some trains have wifi, some have charging stations, some have usb or 220 volt power for each seat. Some TGV have bars. The train stations are clean and uniform in layout, signage, etc. So after your second train you really get into a rythm. If you've never been to Europe I highly recommend France . After Italy.

Dinner here tonight, walking distance to my hotel which is at Ramblas and Santa Ana, near Placa de Catalunya.

Went to pick up my luggage and the very nice couple who run Will's Hotel offered me complimentary croissant and cappuccino in the lounge, wishing me a pleasant journey. Favorite hotel and cheap.

Last walk around beautiful Narbonne, the canal and today the market was antiques day.

The kitty was not happy. The dog, I swear it "knows it's pretty"

Getaway lunch before my 2pm, 2-hr train to Barcelona, Japanese combo, steal at 18 euros, I thought.

I have solid men's tshirts, a variety of colors, top quality, never seen a Carnival laundry episode, XL. $50, meet me on Lido (you'd look silly at one of the bars shirtless).

Last French dinner in France was SUPERB! Top 3 meals. The langoustine bisque, tuna and amuse bouche were all amazing!

Phenomenal, interesting and informative first post! I'm going to scale back my own thread after Barcelona and join the party on yours instead. Hoping to meet you on the ship, can I count on you to keep your monkey where I can see it? International man of mystery!

I think that's why they caveat the story about the failed siege, stuffed pig and all, with "legend" which includes a fun tale of how Carcassonne got it's name. But it's easier to digest the historical naming account when considering the Roman name.

Another reason! It's a festivus miracle in May!

Thanks for the edit, it helped! 🙂

At the train station in Carcassonne, French newspapers, candy, magazines, and another David Bowie...

20230526_071817.mp4

I have a rez, day 2.

I hesitate to post this because most of us have seen a canal work before, but probably not one that connects The Atlantic to The Mediterranean through France... 20230526_044014.mp4

Now here this... now here this, just in...

This guy was playing beautiful music on whatever that is. Hoping someone knows. 20230526_072040.mp4

I am suddenly reminded by my daughter that the ferrets are depressed with me gone...