A Fall Long Weekend in Barcelona

Despite a wee bit of last minute scrambling we managed to get away from the long weekend break last weekend, and boy am I glad we did!  Knowing that our traveling days are numbered and limited, especially with a new one coming in just a few months, it felt good to take advantage of our relative freedom having just Liam to worry about. 

We were invited to spend the weekend with my clients and friends of ours who have a gorgeous, newly fixed up house in Sitges, just 40 mins train from downtown Barcelona.  The house sits on a cliff overlooking the gorgeous blue sea, and has an almost completely glass front to take advantage of the views.  There is also a lovely infinity pool in front looking over the same view.  We ended up coordinating travel with our friends so that we could travel to and from airports with them, which certainly made our lives easy.  Even with a 3 hour delay on the flight's departure (which meant that we arrived around 10:30pm instead of 7:30pm) we still weren't stressed out or tired out by the trip.  Liam somehow always rallies through those late nights.  In fact everyone on the plane was amazed by how cheerful and good-natured and chatty he remained throughout the delay and flight.  He only got a bit overtired and cried when we finally got to the house and tried to put him in a new bed, but even then he settled relatively quickly.

View of the main floor from 2nd floor

Living area

James and Liam watch an intense foosball game - Alessandra and Johannes against their friends (Mar and Lara)

Our ensuite bedroom came along with 3 giant bears - Liam called all of them "Mr Bear"

Despite it being October it was warm enough to take a dip - though not quite warm enough for me to go all the way in!

Liam being a ham

We were really spoiled rotten without having to lift a finger cleaning, cooking, planning meals, making beds, arranging cars etc.  It was so relaxing to just hang out at the house that we actually spent most of our time there, talking, playing ping pong and Foosball, hanging out by the pool and such, that we only went into Barcelona for part of Saturday.  The rest of the time was just at their house.  I managed to have a pedicure at the house as they have a lady come and do everyone, and we had some lovely dinner parties with a few family members and friends of theirs as well.  Liam was spoiled by the attention of so many people and all the fabulous car toys that the son Johannes had.  Not only that, but they also bought him a couple of matchbox cars and a larger remote controlled bull-dozer.  You can imagine his excitement. 

Our day trip into Barcelona

James and Liam watching the pigeons

Pigeon chasing in the main square

After a brief nap in the stroller Liam was eager to get out!

I indulged in a truly decadent waffle with gelato and chocolate sauce

Back at their house - Liam having fun by the pool

Sunset reflected in the front of the house

Liam getting ready for dinner, and a really great dinner being prepared in the background for the rest of us!

We arrived home after a painless travel experience, even though it was 10pm by the time we got in.  Everything was smooth and easy and made it possible to start the week off ok.