Day 9- Going Home

 This morning we got everyone up and headed for the airport.  We said goodbye to Patrick, then made our way to our gate.  We took off about noon, and landed in Toronto at about 3 in the afternoon. Things got a little crazy at customs and immigration, but that wasn't unexpected.  It was extremely crowded, so the first few people though made their way to the terminal, parked on one end, and regrouped as our people walked in.  We had about three hours to wait.  During that time, our gate changed at least three times, the fire alarm went off, we witnessed some sort of chanting ritual at one of the gates, and there was almost a riot at one of the gates because three flights were supposed to take off at the same time, due to some delays.  And then there were some customer service issues at Starbucks.  Don't ever get between these kids and their Starbucks, lol.  We took off around 7, arrived in Columbus a few hours later, and got back to Waverly around 11:30.  Everyone had a great time, but I think we were all glad to be home.

Day 8- Barcelona

 Today we took the subway to Las Ramblas, the center of Barcelona.  For security reasons, we had to split into smaller groups, but it was one of the least crowded, calmest places on the trip.  I got an empanada for lunch later, but it got soggy.  Then I accidentally threw it at Mr. Peden, which I still feel bad about.  We stopped at the grocery store and got snacks though.  

                                                   

We stopped at a scenic overlook, and the site of the 1992 Olympic Games

The next part of the afternoon was a little free time around the city.  Sagrada Familia is amazing, and it's not done yet.  We didn't go in, but the details on the exterior are incredible.

We spent the afternoon at Guell Park, designed by Gaudi, as part of a housing development that was never built.  It was gorgeous, so many flowers and birds.  

Before dinner, we had more time to explore Barcelona.  It was so hot, and the kids were getting tired, so we ended up at department store.  An air conditioned department store.  

I always find the pastry shops :)

      

Before

After, in the cafe

Dinner was Paella, not my favorite, but the rice was good.  We headed back to the hotel, and got ready for the flight home tomorrow.

Day 7- Nimes to Barcelona

 Today we traveled on the coach to Nimes, and toured the ampitheater.

Our next stop was Collioure, and the kids had a chance to swim again.

In the early evening, we arrived in Barcelona (my 19th country!).  Spain is the first spanish speaking country I've been to, it felt strange to not understand anything.  We had a delicious Tapas dinner, and then headed to our last hotel.

Day 6- Provence

 Today we started in Nice, and traveled through Les Baux de Provence a tiny little village in the South of France.  One of the best parts when asking one of my French students if she recognized where we were, and then seeing the light bulb go on when I played the theme from "Jean de Florette."

Next stop was Pont Du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct in Nimes. Some of the kids went into the water, some of us went up to the top.  I ended up alone, and almost got lost.  Thankfully I was able to get back to the meeting point before a very embarassing call to Patrick.

Next was one of my favorite places in the world, Avignon.

Palais des Papes

After we checked into the hotel, some of the kids wanted to go to McDonalds.  It was fun to see them experience the differences.  We took mostly side streets there, and when we came out, it was almost dark.  We thought it was best to walk along the main road, but that was a problem when the sidewalk stopped and there was nothing between us and cars going 75 mph.  So we cut through a grassy area in front of a Conforama.  I hope the security guards enjoyed watching the security tapes, as our kids dodged the sprinklers. 😂