Spain on my brain

We have talked about meeting somewhere in Europe since Marshall began his sojourn to the Middle East, and now it seems we may actually do it.  Spain is on my brain. 

Planning has begun.  First, Marshall will return to Miami as planned for a few days.  Then, we'll board the transatlantic BA flight to London together, and connect into BCN.  I've booked my roundtrip ticket courtesy of Marshall's Executive Club points. His ticket (and possibly Bri's) is still to be purchased, given the inflexibility of airline rules.  I've also reserved 11 nights in a cute little apartment on Passeig de Gracia in the Eixample bari, (the heart of the Gaudi district); and an economy car from National.  Now it's time to research the logistics. 

I am using the following resources to guide me:  New York Times.com suggests three days in BCN (Barcelona), plus 1-day trips each to Monsterrat, Girona, Tossa de Mar (Costa Brava) and Sitges/Tarragona.  Rick Steves suggests adding Figueres and Cadagues to see the Dali Museum and Dali's house.  I've yet to figure out if these are truly day-trip experiences, and we can easily return to our apartment in BCN to maximize our full-week rate, or whether to make arrangements to stay at local B&Bs.  And, while there is good public transportation to/from these areas, is it more economical to rent the car for these trips, yet worry about parking it in the city? 

Tripadvisor.com provided the vacation rental information, contrasted with barcelona30.com, which also had ample listings.  My primary criteria for choosing accommodations: air conditioning, followed by neighborhood, kitchen and laundry facilities, cleanliness and chicness and/or charm.  This after rejecting chicandbasic.com for it's inferior user experience, and nn-hotels.com despite its convenience and brand reputation.  CarRentals.com provided the best selection of cars and did not require advance payment as did economybookings.com. 
I purchased Rick Steve's Spain 2010 at Barnes & Noble, along with Barcelona & Catalonia by DK Eyewitness Travel, both recommended by Tripadvisor.com. 

Now I need to figure out how to best experience the Basque region, namely Bilbao and San Sebastian, and perhaps La Rioja for some wine tours.  Again, train transportation is available, but something tells me we will benefit from the flexibility of having our own car, especially if we are three traveling together.  We may even have time to cross into France before returning to Barcelona for our respective returns to the U.S. and Qatar.

While I am mindful of budget constraints, I also long to extend my stay beyond the time Marshall has allotted.  Spain is a big country, and there are so many other areas I'd like to explore.  I have already foregone my trip to Pamplona for the San Fermin Festival which coincide with my original flight plans.  Since I can remember, I have always fantasized about running with the bulls, or at least being a part of the experience.  If Brianna comes along, will she be adept at traveling to Seville and Madrid, Toledo?  Or will she resist these opportunities and lament her friendships at home?  At 14, there is much to learn on a trip like this, if only she'll allow it. 

Lunch aboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner

While I usually pass on ship inspections, I thought it would be a good idea to become acquainted with other luxury cruise lines.  I've sailed on Seabourn, Sea Dream (formerly Seabourn), Cunard, Crystal and NCL, so there are still several more on my list to see.  Regent has been offering some outstanding deals, so I braved the rain and went onboard for a sales presentation/tour/luncheon hosted by the local Regent sales reps.

The Mariner hosts 700 guests, yet still retains the small-ship intimacy I prefer.  All cabins are balcony suites and range from 301 sq. ft to Master's suite 2,002 sq. ft.  The appointments are elegant and understated, but frankly I thought parts of the ship to be "drab".  The standard suites were spacious enough to feature walk-in closets and marble tubs or showers and double sinks. Each has a seating area which overlooks the balcony.  There are flat-screened TVs, but I didn't see iPod docking stations until we reached the higher category "named" suites.  Comfortable for two people, not-so-much for three. 

Once aboard, everything is included--soft drinks, beer, bottled water, wine and premium liquors.  Open seating is the rule of thumb with no reservations required in the main dining room.  Guests may make one reservation per cruise for the specialty restaurants in advance, and thereafter request seating with the maitre d'.  Gratuities, port charges, taxes and unlimited basic shore excursions are also included in the cruise fare.  While this appears to drive the cost up, daily rates are comparable on many sailings to Celebrity, Holland America and Princess Cruises when you factor all these additional costs in.

Coupled with 2-for-1 fares on many voyages (must be booked by 3/31), free coach airfare (upgrade to business for $999 each way), free wireless internet access, no additional charge for dining in specialty restaurants,and free fitness classes offered in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Regent is a great value.

These inspections are a great way to "taste" the onboard experience.  Greeted with mimosas or champagne, followed by a four-course lunch with wine, the feeling onboard was refined and relaxed.  This was also an opportunity to see first-hand the demographic of the guests boarding for the transatlantic journey to Europe from Fort Lauderdale.  "Mature". 

I left the ship feeling nostalgic for past voyages, and intent on once again getting onboard for more than a few hours.  Given the right itinerary, and the right company, Regent would be a good choice.  Anyone want to join us?

The Athenaeum, an award-winning luxury property located in Mayfair, has partnered with the Royal Academy of Arts to provide a special Arts and Culture Weekend package to coincide with the Academy's latest major exhibition, The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters.

Highly anticipated as one of the major cultural events of the season, The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters, runs until April 18^th in the main gallery at the Royal Academy of Arts, a short walking distance from the hotel. More than 35 original letters are on display, paired with 65 paintings and 30 drawings that illustrate the correspondence.

The first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for more than 40 years, The Real Van Gogh offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the mind of the famed Dutch painter.

Priced at $281 per-night, The Athenaeum's Arts and Culture Weekend includes:

	Tastefully appointed accommodations
	Complimentary Wi-Fi
	Two tickets to the exhibit

There's no need to stand in line at the Academy because you can pick up your tickets when you arrive at the hotel.

This promotion is valid for booking now through April 18, 2010. Stays must include Friday and Saturday night. Rates are based on two people sharing accommodations and do not include tax.

Known as Mayfair's Discreet Retreat, The Athenaeum recently took top honors at the 2009 Visit London Awards as the #1 independent property in the city. The Athenaeum enjoys an unsurpassed London location directly opposite Green Park, within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, and close to many of the city's main cultural attractions.

Call or e-mail me for more information or to book
this special offer at The Athenaeum in London.

Call or e-mail me for more information or to book
this special offer at The Athenaeum in London.