Barcelona & Girona

Spent a few great days in Barcelona and Girona with my girl, Hannah!  Here are a few highlights from our adventure.   

 

Even though we almost froze to death, ran out of gas, and came inches from a crash that would have cost us our security deposit... scooters were definitely the best way to see the city.

     

    

 
Güell, situated on hill of El Carmel in the Gràcia district was one of my favorite places to visit.  Not only was the architecture and design fascinating, but the view all the way to ocean was breathtaking.  We arrived as the sun was starting to set.

 

We definitely had tons of fun people watching along Las Ramblas

 

Beautiful beaches, sunshine, and food!

Walking the old fortress wall in Girona was definitely worth the trouble of taking the Ryan Air flight out of Girona instead of Barcelona proper.  This town is charming and really interesting and worth taking the time to explore.

Christmas Market Adventures - Germany & France

If you are ever afforded the opportunity to visit Germany during the Christmas season, you are fortunate!    I have always wanted to experience the Christmas markets and villages in Germany, and I was able to do so this past December.   It was completely magical and an amazing time!!  Here are some pictures of a few different towns we visited.

  

Cologne

Cologne is located on the Rhine and has 6 different markets, the largest being the Kölner Dom.

 

The market is located in front of the impressive backdrop of Cologne's landmark, the Cathedral

 

 There was an amazing choir that performed on this twinkling stage.

These potato cakes and applesauce became one of my favorite snacks.

Düsseldorf 

Düsseldorf's Christmas Market was nice too and not to far from Cologne.   There is also tons of pubs and restaurants in this area as well.

Cochem 
Reichsburg Cochem/Castle 

The Moselle River

Beilstein
Tiny streets, castle ruins, ancient wine cellars all make this a charming place to stop... to pee.

Bernkastel-Keus

Bernkastel-Kues is well known wine growing region in the Middle Moselle.

Trier

The Trier Christmas Market has the backdrop of the cathedral

Wood-fired goodness!

The Porta Nigra

Saarbrücken

located in historical St. Johanner Market square

 

Strasbourg, France

"The Capital of Noel"