Hi, This will not be a fascinating travelogue, but it will a long time before I have free use of the internet again, so feel free to skip! I will start with the most recent info.

We are in beautiful Barcelona,our third time here so we don't feel the need to rush to see everything. Barcelona is part of Catalonia; the people here feel they are not true Spaniards,and most would like to be separated from Spain. Last night we had dinner with a friend of mine, who is a native of Barcelona. She married for the first time 6 years ago to an amazing, brilliant man. I thought they'd take us to a Catalan restaurant, but it was more Italian!

The highlight of today was a visit to the Palau de musica catalan (Palau is Catalan for palace).

It is a large performance venue built by a famous choir around the turn of the last century. If I understood correctly, it is a residence as well. They have many types of musicians, dancers, operas there. It was amazing--rather art nouveau with beautiful stain glass windows, pillars made from colorful ceramic mosaics, magnificent sculptures of horses and women, a tiffany type chandelier. We also visited one of the oldest synagogues, discovered and renovated within the last 20 years or so. It is called La sinagogua mayor, but it is very pequeno (small) but interesting.

Next part is just a personal update of our flight:

Interesting people on our flight from NY to Madrid: 10 Orthodox Jews davening (praying)

and an old rock band called the Twisted Sisters.

Sad part: Dan's luggage arrived, but mine has not. I think it's lost forever, and I"m on a 4 week trip. Believe it or not, I'm not excited at all about shopping. I liked the clothes I bought at home for fraction of the price I'd pay here. OK--everyone, feel very, very sorry for me.

Otherwise, having a great time, speaking almost only in Spanish (except to Dan). I have to brag to say I've had complements on my Spanish! I mentioned that I'd send an e-mail when I updated my blog, but internet may cost $1000 a second on the ship, so it's up to you to check every few days if you like. Hope all of you and yours are well. Shirley