Sunday, November 24, 2019

Happy to be Back Home from Europe

the view from my window at Hotel Colon in Barcelona


Yesterday afternoon I arrived back to LAX after taking a gorgeous Mediterranean cruise on NCL.  We went to so many incredible ports: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, Rome, Florence, Cannes, and Palma, Mallorca.  It was a magical journey by sea.  Traveling by air now is very different than it used to be.  I found it challenging, but strived to remain positive. I made a concerted effort to focus on the beauty and charm of Europe.

the bedding and wallpaper were exquisite

I had a magnificent room at Hotel Colon.   Imagine my excitement when I pulled open my curtains and saw this view of Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia.  It took my breath away; I spent hours gazing at it and soaking in the majestic energy that it emanates.  What a masterpiece.  I was absolutely thrilled with my good fortune in the positioning of my room.

a carriage in Mallorca, Spain

My flight didn't leave until 6:00 a.m.  To be on the safe side, I had booked an apartment in Barcelona to stay in the night before the cruise, and this luxurious hotel room at Hotel Colon for the night after we got back into port.  I decided to splurge on a boutique hotel, since I love old Europe and the charming buildings and decor.  I was so impressed with the detail, beauty, and impeccable staff there.  It ended up being a highlight of my trip.  I didn't do much outside, since I was exhausted from twelve days of sailing on The Epic and sightseeing.  I did sit on the Hop On Hop Off bus thorough the city.   My room had an espresso maker that was quite impressive.  It was a huge relief to soak in the relaxing bathtub after showering for the last fourteen days.

I will be posting photos and information about the vacation in the next several days.  I had some interesting experiences as a solo traveler.  As always, I was so happy to return home to my affectionate dog, comfortable cottage, and healthy garden.  Today I am making soup, winter tea for a cold that I contacted, and catching up on mail.  I'll also be paying bills online, and catching up on blogs.

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20 comments:

  1. ChyNovember 24, 2019 at 9:58 AM

    Welcome home Stephenie! I'm so glad you had another amazing trip. Hope your cold doesn't last long. Take good care of yourself!

    X Chy

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulNovember 24, 2019 at 10:35 AM

      Hi Chy, Yes, it certainly was. I'm feeling better already, thanks. Lots of fresh garlic in the cooking since arriving home...

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  2. AnonymousNovember 24, 2019 at 10:57 AM

    Welcome home! How wonderful! Now you can bask in your memories! Andrea

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulNovember 24, 2019 at 12:18 PM

      Thanks Andrea. That's true. It's fun to flip through the photos.

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  3. MegNovember 24, 2019 at 12:46 PM

    Oh, Europe! I can't wait to see more photos and read about your travels, Stephanie. How wonderful to have such a view from your room; I would spend hours looking at it too...Welcome home again. MegXx

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulNovember 24, 2019 at 3:04 PM

      Hi Meg, Yes, it was incredible and unexpected. I had hoped for a view of it, but didn't expect it. I was boggled by the immensity of this treasure. It taught me so much about art and artists.

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  4. AnonymousNovember 24, 2019 at 1:14 PM

    Welcome back
    Have missed your blogs immensely
    Mary

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulNovember 24, 2019 at 3:05 PM

      Hi Mary, Thank you for reading and for commenting on my blog. You made my day!

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  5. Pensive PensionerNovember 24, 2019 at 1:43 PM

    Welcome home, Stephenie, I look forward to seeing your lovely photos :)

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulNovember 24, 2019 at 3:05 PM

      Thank you, PP. I have many of them to share with you all...

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  6. Nil @ The Little House by the LakeNovember 24, 2019 at 3:59 PM

    Welcome home, Stephenie.
    I look forward to reading about your trip.

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulNovember 25, 2019 at 5:48 AM

      Thanks Nil. It's fun to write about the adventures overseas.

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  7. BlessNovember 24, 2019 at 8:13 PM

    Welcome back! Glad you had what sounds like a wonderful trip! Looking forward to reading more about it and seeing the pictures. Hope your cold gets better, soon.

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulNovember 25, 2019 at 5:49 AM

      Hi Bless, Thank you. My cold is so much better already; the trip was fantastic. More photos and blog posts are on the way...

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  8. Anita in San DiegoNovember 25, 2019 at 8:32 AM

    Welcome home! Your trip sounds fantastic and I am eager for all the details. I bet sweet Lula was over the moon to see you. Take care of that cold.

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulDecember 24, 2019 at 8:32 AM

      Thanks Anita. It was. Of course I was delighted to see Lula. My dog sitters take excellent care of her, but I missed her while I was gone.

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  9. JulesNovember 26, 2019 at 3:22 AM

    It's so lovely to see you back, Stephenie. I'm thrilled you've enjoyed your travels and what a fantastic view you had from your hotel room. X

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  10. AkashaNovember 26, 2019 at 4:38 PM

    Welcome home. Sounds like fun.

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    1. TheAwakenedSoulDecember 24, 2019 at 8:33 AM

      Thanks Akasha. It was an amazing journey by sea...

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