Quick update

Life has been carrying on at a sedate pace. It's now getting to be quite hot most days and the beach and the blue Med beckon most days. Mike jumps in then quickly out again - but once he is used to the temp he swims quite a way out . 
We've visited Mont Juic Castle - an old Barcelona fortification - with magnificent views over the city.  On Sunday we actually ventured out of the port with Dan and Luna and anchored off on Badalona beach where the lads jumped overboard!!! Monday was Alison's birthday - the day started with a champagne breakfast and ended with cocktails in the city.
Tomorrow we are evacuating from Port Forum as the Prima Vera Musica - pop festival - is taking place right next door.  The 'music' starts at 4.00pm and ends at 6.00am.  Far too late for oldies like us.  We'll go along the coast for a few days then back to stock up before the trip at last starts on the 6th.

We have noticed that the blog is read all over the world - thanks, danker, merci, gracias to all our readers - it would be good to hear from some of you.

Not sure when we will be able to update after leaving Barcelona so take care all.

Just another Sunday

We had a quiet Sunday as one of us had a hangover to get over although Mike did go for a long jog in the morning.  In the early evening sunshine we took the tram to the end of the line which took us to the next port along the coast.  We then walked the two miles back along the beach and of course stopped for an ice cream - a Magnum is E2.8 (£2.50)!!!!!

We did get into the mountains on Friday and had a great day.  The scenery was magnificent and changed around every corner.  We drove to over 1700m and up and down inclines of up to 10% with terrifying drops but also through lovely mountain pastures with alpine flowers of pink, yellow, cream and bright blue.  We saw the local choughs and the brightest yellow bird (that we can't identify) that is imaginable.

The villages were all built of local stone, inbetween chalet and townhouses in design.  Even the remotest were being modernised and had holiday homes amongst them but they were very attractive.

We had videos so you could hear the cuckoos and the cows with their noisy bells but for some season they won't upload - but you probably get the idea!!!

Saturday 14 May 2011

A great day for Manchester - whatever colour you are.  The reds have pulled off the premiership and the best team in the world, Manchester City, have begun their comeback winning the FA Cup. 
Mike has learned that football is not just a game when you come from a footballing town - its family history and pride. 
We watched the game in a bar in central Barcelona where we have watched many United games but this time it was full of blues - Alisons accent came back as she chatted with fellow Mancunians about football and the best night clubs of the 70s!!!  It was very emotional when the cup was lifted - its been a long time coming - well done lads

The fireworks have started

It seems there is always a Festival somewhere.  Last week it was the Feria de Abril (April Festival) and now it's the Festes de Maig (May Festival).  Last night we took the tram and train - all public transport runs to time, every 10 mins, immaculatley clean, one system connects with the next - and joined the 1000s of locals on the beach to watch an amazing firework display before a gigantic effegy of the devil was burned.

As we have to take public transport wherever we go we always have to allow extra time for travelling but it has become part of the adventure to see how many forms we can take.  Getting to church on Sundays takes a couple of hours so we use that as an excuse to visit lots of cafes on the way back.  We have found a lovely little English Church - St Georges! - with a very uplifting atmosphere.

Mike has been busy painting again today - the old girl (Phoenix!!!) - is beginning to look quite posh.

We have spent this evening planning a trip - hopefully Friday - into the mountains.  We are hiring a car and heading for a National Park in the Pyranees.  We've also had to readvertise for crew as we have been let down by a couple of people.

Spanish style

We went to a Spanish music and food festival last night.  It was fantastic - amazing food and wonderful dancing and dresses.
Here is a taste of the dancing - you'll have to take our word for the food!!!

 

2011 tour begins

After marrying on 16 April, Mr & Mrs Foulkes left the UK on 20 April for the start of Phoenix on Tour 2011.

We were both extremely tired when we first arrived in Barcelona after the rigours of marriage preparations as well as getting the house ready for summer visitors and packing for six months away from home. But Phoenix is now almost ship shape and we have even managed a weekend away in the mountains near Murcia with friends Debra and Bill.
We watched the other wedding with them on Spanish tv and though a good effort we know which one we enjoyed most!