Gaudilona aka [Barcelona]- Part I

Dear pipsqueaks,

I’ve been thinking for a couple of days now, and I haven’t figured how to recap our trip in Barcelona. Should I do a more structured set up or a journal-like walk through? Then, I decided that I shall approach this city with how Gaudi does: with a flow.

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The next morning was a lazy one. Even with full acknowledgement that we are running a bit late, we still took our showers enjoyably and made the most out of what they called “breakfast”. I think we all came to the agreement the only thing that tasted like anything was the toast, so we squeezed in a second serving. Not before long, we were on street side trying to flag down a taxi as their bus network didn’t operate this early (eh hm, 9am) on a Sunday. Minutes passed and panic began to surface on our faces as we didn’t expect to take this long to hop on a taxi. Finally, a daring fellow in the yellow zoomed by on the other side of the road, did a quick u-turn, and stopped swiftly before us.

“Where to?”
“Airport, please. How fast can you get us there?”
“Don’t worry. We’ll get there in time.”

(Goodbye...FOREVER! Just kidding~)

He wasn’t kidding when he said he’d get us there on time. We arrived with enough time to avoid running like headless chickens to check-in and through security. Actually, at that point, I still had no clue where we were flying to, and I had wanted to keep it that way. Except, the security officer saw us in a rush and made a comment, “Heading to Barcelona? You better hurry!” So, we’re zipping to SPAIN?! Wicked~ I think I skipped all the way in.

Wandering around the [UK]: Edinburgh Castle to Glasgow

Dear pipsqueaks,

This morning was yet another rushed one as we were informed by Ivy the approximate schedule: in order to return the car at the designated shop in time, we would have to leave within the hour. First thought, “so much for getting to enjoy the castle a bit”. A light walk around to the lake, and sing on the top of our lungs for no one can hear us. Maybe even dance a little to our own tunes. That would have been perfect. But, sadly, the dream bubble ‘poofed’ into non-existence above my head. Well, hopefully there will be a next time at some beautiful castle somewhere in the world.

(one last picture with Glengarry Castle before we go)

Having driven like madmen, we still couldn’t make it to the closing time at the designated shop. Then, with a few phone calls, we found out that instead we could return the car at the airport- which was closer to where we were- without the limitations of time. That meant we could’ve stayed a little while longer at the castle to enjoy the view! But of course, those thought were all too late. We were already near. After a quick return paperwork, we hopped on the next bus back into town. No trouble at all.

Wandering around the [UK]: Trains & Castles

Dear pipsqueaks,

Today was my birthday, and really, I had no plans in particular to celebrate this day that marked the milestone of 25 years. But then again, this whole trip was in highlight of that already, so there was no reason to over-do it all. Then, what did we do this day?

The thought of taking it slowly and just enjoy the day was quickly waved off by le sister entering the dorm room, hurrying us along. Suppose we had to leave right away in order to make it on time to something. “If you don’t wanna know, then don’t ask. Just hurry up.” In no time, we were speed-walking from the hostel to our car- which Ivy decided to care less and parked in the opposite direction of the street.

With the best formation possible- Ivy on wheels and me on map- we were zooming smoothly to our destination. Except this time, I couldn’t even guess what we were actually doing until we neared a train. Why were we at a train station anyway? Yes, we arrived at Fort William, where every Harry Potter fan would know, is the platform to board The Jacobite should one wish to see the famous HP Viaduct. Remember that iconic scene of the Hogwarts Express making its way to Hogwarts? That’s the one. So you can imagine how excited the whole train was when we were first informed of us nearing the viaduct. In sheer panic to grab my camera and phone, I didn’t have one decent picture to my name. But, the best part about traveling in a group? Someone’s bound to have succeeded in taking a picture worth sharing. A 2-hour train ride for a 2-minute photo session, which by the way would only have been worth it if you brought a multi-capture camera, was seriously too hot to bear. At a short stop, Ivy geniusly bought some ice-cream, which was EXACTLY what we needed. Yum, I could still taste that rich chocolatiness. 

(waiting for the 2-minute window for pictures!!)