Great--you combine humor with helpful. Loving it. We liked Barcelona, too, and I'm looking forward to your stories of Madrid (and area) as we will be there in October.

Maitaitom,
Like you, we fell in love with Spain. After our recent trip, it amazed us that it took so long to get there (caveat: we did visit Barcelona 10 years ago), as it was such a fabulous place to visit!

Looking forward to reading your report now!

cafegoddess - go to Spain! Highly recommend!! We, too, love France and have gone several times, but had the most amazing time in Spain. I think you'll be surprised by what a special place it is to visit.

Wonderful to see your TR, and one with no foreboding (as in Paris)! DH and I saw Barcelona and I solo'ed in Madrid but agree completely with your “The Spanish people we encountered virtually everywhere along the journey were some of the most friendly and helpful folks we have met on any trip.”

Semi-Colon indeed! Aria rugs? You’re killing me. More please soon!

I too am following you through Barcelona.

Enjoying the journey !

I need to settle in and read your informative, amusing, and beautiful trip report in more detail, and take notes as I read!! We are doing a similar trip next April, and also including San Sebastian and Caceres (and area) for a total of 5 weeks. From what I could tell with a overlook, your report will be invaluable to us in making plans. Looking forward to the rest of the report when you get to it!! I may have overlooked it, but what month did you do this trip?

I feel somewhat better that after 10 trips to Europe, we haven't made it to Spain. I will eventually, I know it!

As always, your TRs are well written and I love the comedic style---I hate to say it but the worse things are for you, the better the TR is for us! ;-)

I feel the upcoming Silencio and Sciatica will be comedy gold.

Just a note on the Barcelona Cathedral--on weekday mornings entry is free; I think you can pay separately to visit the crypt. In the afternoon they ask for a "donation" of 7Euro but the visit is more extensive, including, I think, a climb up one of the towers. I say I think because I never did make it back in the afternoon--a friend had recommended the view of the old city from the roof, but my timing was off. An explanation is at www.catedralbcn.org under Visiting Hours.

I appreciate the nice comments. Getting a little computer upgrade this weekend and out of town at a convention early in the week, but I'l get down to earnest sometime next week as long as my photo transfer of 30,000+ photos works (rather stressful experience...thank God for Spanish GinTonics to get me through this ordeal).

For those on the Visit Spain fence, jump on over. Truthfully, I was feeling kind of worn out after our Paris 2014 experience. This trip rejuvenated me. We are even thinking about Madrid for Christmas in 2016. Gracias!

Maitaitom
Another great start to one of your marvelous trip reports.

After many years of traveling throughout Europe with multiple trips in and around France, I bucket listed Spain and went this past October on a ten day overview tour which included Barcelona, Granada, Ronda, Seville, Cordoba and Madrid. I would love to go back and revisit each of those places plus others at a more leisurely pace. What a pleasure to see it all again through your eyes. Thanks!

Can't wait go hear more of your latest adventure!

TOM, another great report and I will be with you all the way. Been to Spain twice and am anxious to relive it again through your eyes ...

Spain was not at the top of list, but when asked by my dear Spainish speaking friend, to share a fabulous house for a week in the northern part of Spain near Bilbao, how could we say no. We were in Spain for a month and it was wonderful. I am so happy we went and would go again any time. If you are on the fence please go.

Sold! We are going in October, I just have to see the White Villages.
Can't wait to read the rest of your adventure.

Thank you for taking time to write a funny and clever trip report.

Loving your TR.

We too, didn't go to Spain for years, even during the three years we lived in Europe. We also did not get to Provence. They are now two of my very favorite places.

When we finally did go to Spain, we kicked our selves for missing out for so long and for not taking the kids. We have been back twice and would love a fourth trip.

With Provence, it was love at first sight and tears for the short time there. We went back for a longer time. It still was not enough.

Well, I'm not going back to Spain until March, so you have a few months to complete your trip report and continue feeding my addiction.

Spain has not been on our travel radar. It seems that my husband & I haven't had our fill of France & Italy yet, even after umpteen trips! But after reading Chapter One of your TR & seeing your photos, I'd say you have piqued my interest! I look forward to reading more about your trip.

Great TR, semi-colon jokes and all! Looks like you guys had a lot of fun.

Coincidentally we re-watched "Cuckoos Nest" just last week, so it was surprising to see Nurse Ratched's evil face on your report.

Looking forward to the rest of it, as you'll eventually cover areas we'll be in this fall. Thanks!

So glad I stumbled upon your trip report. Looking forward to reading more of your adventures! ;-)

Awesome photo's Tom - and a great narrative also! When can we expect Chapters 2 - ???

I'm doing a happy dance! Another MaiTaiTom trip report! Great start. I'm along for the ride!

"When can we expect Chapters 2 - ???"

Back from the convention...it will be tomorrow afternoon or Friday morning at latest. Kim has sent me some beautiful photos he took to go along with it. Thanks.