Just returned from Spain last night. Spent 5 nights Madrid, 4 nights in Barcelona and a week in Mallorca (in Palma Nova). Thanks to all the posters who gave me tips about places to visit and a special thanks to the poster re: car rental in Mallorca. We had a blast! However, I was pickpocketed in Barcelona exiting the Metro upon arrival from Madrid. I have been traveling since 1972 and consider myself quite savvy. This guy was an artist. He opened my purse which was slung across my chest and removed my wallet. Fortunately only took some euros as the rest of my valuables was resting next to my heart, under layers of clothing. It's a terrible thing to be robbed but I feel it was a lesson for me to be more careful and not have the attitude of &quot;it happens to other people and not to me.&quot; I still will <BR>carry a purse but it will contain a small map and some Kleenex as well as a lipstick or chapstick. Let the pickpocket do all this work for nothing. I must add that I am fluent in Spanish though I don't look Spanish.<BR><BR><BR>Still, I loved Barcelona and would return in a heartbeat. <BR><BR>If anyone has questions about my recommendations re: hotels, etc. I'll be happy to answer your questions.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Tess, I am also fluent in Spanish (Castilian). How difficult was it for you to understand and be understood?<BR>Also, where did you stay and would you recommend any places to eat?<BR>I am concerned about the level of theft in Barcelona. Should I keep my nice *expensive* camera at home? And I will certainly keep your experience in mind and will also keep nonvaluables in my purse!

Tess,<BR><BR>That is horrible that you were pickpocketed...I too am pretty savvy and am starting to get concerned about this. Please let me know anything you think we should do --or NOT DO---we are there for 4 nights, staying at the hotel Gaudi in Madrid<BR><BR>thanks and feel free to email me directly<BR><BR>Jen

Tess<BR>I am interested in knowing about the hotels you stayed in Madrid. We are planning a trip in december. Which are the must see spots in your opinion? Thank you.

We are taking our two children to Barcelona in 2 weeks and I've got to say that the pickpocket situation worries me, I'm hoping that if we are careful and don't carry any valuables<BR>we might be o.k. That aside what was the weather like and did you do any day trips out of Barcelona?

Please share your experiences in Mallorca. Our german cousins vacation there often and speak highly of it. Thanks

I just want to mention that I never carry a purse when traveling, but that's because my husband carries all our money in his moneybelt. If I go out alone, I still don't carry a purse, but keep my money (and credit card) well hidden (either under garments or in my shoe).

Julie: My Spanish was not a problem. I am quite fluent because I went to school in Peru, many, many moons ago. I was surprised how many of the locals spoke English and truly enjoyed practicing the language. I was not offended if I spoke Spanish and they replied in English.<BR>We had a condo in Mallorca and wanted an apartment in Madrid and Barcelona. The main reason is that though I enjoy eating out, the smokers in Europe are very annoying. I can't stand to eat and have cigarette smoke floating about. Thus we went to El Corte Ingles, to their excellent supermarket and purchased most of our meals. Fixed our own breakfast and dinner and for lunch grabbed a sandwich, a juice, fruit or ice cream. So I can't recommend any restaurants to you. We ate out a couple of times but sat at an outside table. As far as an expensive camera, no, I would not bring it with me. Point and shoot are quite satisfactory.<BR><BR>Jen and Minni: What to do depends on your tastes. I love museums, churches, buildings, especially old architecture. Madrid and Barcelona are such vibrant cities, there's so much energy everywhere that it gives you a natural high. Also love hiking and exploring. We went to Toledo (too touristy). Segovia was wonderful. <BR><BR>Jo: The weather in Barcelona was much warmer than I expected. I brought mostly warm stuff and ended up wearing the same pair of shorts for a week while in Mallorca. I foolishly brought a cashmere sweater and skirt -- never wore it.<BR><BR>We did go to Monserrat. I had a personal religious mission to fulfill, light a candle for my son who died last year... It was a beautiful day and we hiked for several hours.<BR><BR>Hard Water: Mallorca is a delight. Yes, the land has been raped by developers, but it's still beautiful. The scenery is incredible. Loved the Serra de Tramuntana, Valldemosa (I'm a Chopin aficionada). Bought George Sand's &quot;Winter in Mallorca&quot; and plan to read it shortly. Loved Formentor, Alcudia, Soller, Cal D'Or. Palma is a charming city and much, much larger than I expected. Very few Americans...<BR><BR>I'm still suffering from jet lag but we're already planning our next trip...<BR><BR>Best to all....<BR><BR> <BR><BR>

Can I ask you Tess how you got from Madrid to Barcleona - by car?

JParis: We took the train (Talgo) from Chamartin station to Barcelona Sants Station. Seven hours, great scenery... I much prefer trains. You can watch the scenery, read, nap and relax.