Monday, September 25, 2017

Utah!

Park City & Arches National Park. Driving from one to the other, we had four hours full of the earth's dramatic landscape and a wide array of elements. The views were stunning throughout. The scale of this land... the mountains, the valleys, the rocks, the trees, the clouds - all unexpected. The earth connects with the sky as clouds wrap around the mountains, blurring the tops so the land disappears in the air. The eroded land of the deserts throws perspective off balance.Whatever I expected from Utah, I got more. Thrilled we had the chance to go, and extra happy I had the opportunity to visit an an old friend.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Barcelona


We traveled further than usual this summer, boarding a plane and heading to Barcelona, Spain! The city was as beautiful as I expected, and offered so much more than I imagined. Gorgeous Modernista architecture, preserved Gothic neighborhoods, mysterious Mid-evil roads, long golden beaches, and some of the best street art I've ever seen. We walked around this city, up hills, through neighborhoods, across parks, and over the water. We returned with pounding heels to our hotel, where the kids found relief swimming on the rooftop. Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia was more than I ever imagined, and even quieted our tired kiddos. Tibidabo gave the kids a magical night. Padron pimientos, tortilla espanola, cava sangria, bravas, and hamburguesa con huevo, we enjoyed exploring and always felt welcome.


Our trip coincided with the terror attack on August 17th, on Las Ramblas in Barcelona that killed and maimed so many. This was our first day in the city, and we walked the street maybe an hour and a half earlier. We were fortunate to have not been in that area at that time, and we were fortunate to witness a city express so much love in response to an act of hate. On each day we were reminded of the act in various ways, including this memorial. Our hearts are with those who lost so much.