It was Flamenco night. Carolyn and Richard Adkins, a very charming couple we’d met on the cruise, were staying in Hotel Claris too.
Carolyn organised tickets toa flamenco show and made reservations for dinner before the show.
Food was very good at quirkily named 2254 Km, a restaurant they had discovered the day before.
The flamenco at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes was foot-stompingly fun. We were glad we didn’t have front row seats so we could watch everyone else watching the show. Also, we were safely out of reach of the dancers’ flailing feet and flying skirts.
It was a great way to end the World Navigator chapter of our holiday: with new friends.
Tuesday afternoon, September 5.
We had two days left before leaving for Milan.
At Hotel Claris, we regained our land legs. The hotel is artfully appointed, has a good restaurant, and is a short ten-minute walk to Casa Batlló, our main reason for staying in the city.
Lunch in the hotel’s breezy sun-splashed roof top restaurant reminded Stuart and me whywe keep coming back to Spain.
We’re always happy to be here. Climate, food, wine, and friendly natives. What’s not to like?
In the evening, we walked the three short blocks to Casa Batlló for a special tour of the house and a jazz concert on the rooftop.
Tuesday, September 5.
We said our farewells to new-found friends on the World Navigator.
To the lovely people who have made the past three weeks gloriously, unforgettably fabulous.
To Nuno, Michael, April, Mark, and Janelle, who stopped at nothing to make Stuart and me happy campers on land and sea.
To Chef Cassius, Sheena, Dave, Jeff, Antoni, and Daniel, who made every meal on board a uniquely enjoyable dining experience.
To the ship’s star butler Joseph, who spoiled us, anticipating every want and indulging every whim.
To Abdos and William who pampered us in our home away from home.
Monday, September 4.
After a somewhat rocky sea last night, we arrived in Barcelona before lunch.
We joined the late afternoon tour of Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia.
I’m sorry to say this guided tour hasn’t changed my mind about Barcelona’s main tourist draw.
I said it back in 2006 when first I saw it and there were but eight spires sprouted, and I say it again.
I cannot fathom how the genius that created the enchanting Casa Batlló, marvel of art, architecture, and engineering, could also be responsible for something so incredibly unappealing.
Yes, I know: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But, honestly!
Having come back to the ship too hot and too tired, we decided not to join the farewell party table that Karen had organised with Colin, Nancy, Howard, and a few others we’d met on the first leg of our cruise.
We went straight to the Aft 7 Grill for a leisurely dinner, ending the day- and the cruise- on just the right note: intimate and sweet. ❤️
