Mike Comes to Visit

Mike called us the last week in June requesting to come visit.  "When do you want to come?'  "Before July 15."  Ah yeah.  We bought a ticket, planned a week of day trips, and welcomed him to Germany.  Unfortunately, I had to work most of his visit, but I did take one day off to take a cooking class with him.  Mike, an aspiring chef, loved it.  We made conserves, tapenade, and artichokes.

More Palma

On the second morning, we skipped the bus stop and immediately hailed a cab.  I wanted to see the Picasso, Miro, and Dali paintings at the Museu Fundacion Juan March, a 17th-century mansion with around 70 20th-century pieces on display.  The driver dropped us off in the middle of Carrer de Saint Miquel and pointed left.  Forty-five minutes later, and one stop in the flagship Camper store, we stood at a major intersection still completely lost.  "Mommy, you just asked someone.  Why are you stopping another lady?"  Um.  Because I am wandering around in 100 degree weather completely lost with my two little kids in tow."   Luckily, we eventually found the free museum right across form the Disney Store.

After an hour of culture, we wandered down to Forn des Teatre, a pastry shop with "featherless weight" ensaimades.  Everything looked delicious so we feasted on several different desserts before we headed back to our apartment.

We decided to visit Palma Aquarium, touted the best in the Mediterranean and only a five minute walk away.  We loved the shark tank.

We spent a few hours at the beach and then took a few pictures to remember our "Mommy and Kids" trip:

The view from our apartment

Ice cream number two - since the first one did not look as good as Owen's

The beach on which we played

The next morning, we headed home.

Palma

Dave registered for the Rheinblick Open over Fourth of July weekend so I decided to take the kids someplace with water.  Ryan Air advertised cheap tickets to Palma in Mallorca, Spain.  (I also considered Croatia, but navigating the deep bay, the only option at most resorts, with two non-swimmers seemed a bad idea.)  I found a beautiful condo on the beach and planned three nights away.

Flying to another country by myself with the kids challenged my anxiety levels.  When Dave dropped us off, and Owen started crying, I thought, "I know how you feel."

We arrived at our apartment at 8 and quickly discovered a "grocery store" in Palma consisted of liquor, chips, and over ripe fruit.  Dinner of champions.

The next morning, we headed for the bus stop to see the Cathedral and then the Mercat de l'Olivar, a large food market frequented by locals. We ran when we spotted Bus 21 sitting on the street, but quickly discovered a full bus.  The two women in front of us explained this was the third full bus in the last thirty minutes.  I looked at my red faced kids and flagged a cab.

The stunning Cathedral designed by Gaudi and Barcelo exceeded my expectations.   I spent time explaining the fanciful sculpture of Christ and the strange fishes jutting from the wall to my two partners instead of taking pictures - a theme of the trip.  I learned I cannot both take pictures and prevent my kids from inappropriately running and screaming at the same time.

As promised, we stopped for ice cream.

We hopped another cab to the market for bread, meat, cheese, fruit, and vegetables for lunches and dinners.  I preferred to enjoy meals in our second floor apartment with floor to ceiling windows over looking the Mediterranean then in a restaurant.  Less opportunities for stressful moments.  I walked to the first stall and quickly realized Owen's backpack and both kids water bottles remained in the taxi.   I am grateful we took the kindles out before we left in the morning.

We spent the afternoon on the beach - all my attention devoted to lifeguard duty and educator.  Emily asked,"Why don't any of the women have those tops - like yours mommy." Hmm.

Sardinia: Last Two Days

We started our day at Nuraghe di Palmavera, a 3500-year-old nuraghe - a Bronze Age fortification settlement  - located next to the beach.  7000 stone towers scattered throughout the island provide windows into this ancient civilization.

 After a day on the beach, we returned to our favorite restaurant.

The final morning before our afternoon flight we drove to Capo Caccia to capture the white cliffs and blue waters on film.  (This decision occurred after we sprayed the kids with lotion and walked 15 minutes to the beach outside the hotel.  Owen declared, "This beach smells."  "Shh.  We don't say things like that."  Ten minutes later, Dave and I agreed with Owen's assessment and we redirected the day.)

Sardinia: Stintino

Lonely Planet extolled the beauty of the north west beach Spiaggi della Pelosa, an hour drive from Alghero.  We drove winding single lane roads for 45 minutes when Owen turned very green.  I decided the boat trip planned for the next day was off.  We stopped and he walked off his car sickness.

We finally arrived a little later then intended and searched for our little plot of beach.

 

Emily spotted paddle boats with slides for rent.  She insisted quite adamantly that we needed to try one.  15 euro later, Dave and I paddled our way to deeper waters.  I strategically planned to explore the waters before allowing the kids to jump in,  claim chills, and force an early return.  My plan failed.  20 minutes and one ride later they decided the slide scared them.  Despite protests, we paddled out and let Dave enjoy the deeper waters.

We enjoyed a few more hours in the sun.

Italy for the Gourmet Traveler led us to Ristorante La Lepanto for dinner.

And it did not disappoint….