Mom and I had the amazing pleasure of spending a week with the Zia crew at their home in Badalona. We had a marvelous time. Of course the highlight was spending time with our family, but we also got to meet some of their new friends, see the sights and sounds of Badalona and Barcelona, enjoy shopping at Al Campo (the largest grocery/tire/appliances/pet, etc. store you’ve ever been to), see Cassie and Jules’ school, dine sumptuously at Chez Christy’s. Oh, and did I mention getting to know Attack Kitty? You probably know him as Hobie, but his real name, until he grows up a little bit, is Attack Kitty. It was always slightly alarming when you were relaxing while reading a book or chatting away when all of a sudden you felt something like sharp needles surround your calf, back or arm. Actually, he is a sweet kitten and a bundle of joy when he’s asleep! (He couldn’t stay out of mom’s lap; it was his favorite napping spot.)

  

The dining at Chez Christy’s was divine…tacos, "Tortzia" Soup, beef tenderloin, beans, pasta, huevos rancheros Xty style, scalloped potatoes with bacon, red and green chili – we were in heaven. With all the wonderful food Christy prepared my jeans were getting a tad tighter. Luckily Christy is also an excellent running partner. It was great getting up in the morning and running along the Mediterranean and then doing our stretching aboard Zia.

As you all know, the Zia crew have no trouble making friends wherever they go. Their local friends Montse and Jou (pronounced Joe) invited us all over to their home for a fantastic Spanish lunch. Jules and Cassie played with their children, Gina (8) and Guillem (4). One of the Easter traditions in Catalonia is for aunts and uncles to buy their nieces and nephews chocolate called La Mona. They are chocolate Easter figures, mostly eggs, but they can be all types of things. Gina and Guellem’s uncle bought them a La Mona cake which was ravaged by all young and old. (Who is that sweetie pie in the mask?)

The Sagrada Familia, which is a Roman Catholic Church designed by Gaudi and still under construction, was amazing. I think everyone agreed, the fruit at the top of the spires was very inventive. We also visited a large park with fountains in Barcelona that at night time put on a water show with lights and music. Very, very cool.

                                       

                                       

Our last night aboard Zia we celebrated my birthday in style! We had huevos rancheros with red and green chili, beans, birthday cake and lots of love. I got some beautifully hand made birthday cards from Jules and Cassie, a very cute tile box from Barcelona, and a very creatively wrapped package of Kleenex (I think someone was trying to tell me something!)

  

  

Needless to say, we all had a terrific time! It was very hard to say so long, but we know we’ll be seeing the Zia soon again in some exotic port.

Joe, Christy, Cassie and Juliana,

Thank you for such an outstanding week and a beautiful collection of memories.

With all our love,

Juliana and Mom