Christmas and New Years in Southern Europe

Merry Christmas! This year we decided to spend time with our children along with a new friend Anne Williams from QSI Albania. It was wonderful to have all of them with us for nearly three weeks. We wanted to do something relaxing but also see new and wondrous places. The Norwegian Cruise Line had a trip perfect for our dreams. We met in Barcelona, Spain two days prior to our boarding. The streets of Barcelona, the 16th most visited city in the world, were brilliant and festive. Christmas markets stood thick among the strolling streets. I especially enjoyed the lights strung between the buildings. Of the cities we've visited so far, we find each has had their own unique Christmas light design. They were striking against the night sky.

Norwegian Cruise Line welcomed us with a grand Christmas tree in the main lobby. The crew was hospitable and kind. Our first task was to check out what the ship had to offer. Pools for adults and kids, a workout room, spa, numerous eating venues, shops, and stage. Terry and Kenton were fond of The Blue Lagoon where hamburgers, fish and chips, and chicken wings were cooked 24 hours a day!

Our first port was Casablanca, Morocco. One of Kenton's Crossfit connections met us and took us all over the city. We had a fantastic tour viewing all aspects of the city.

Next we stopped on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The tour
took us to the top of the stunning mountains and cavernous valleys. Early nuns from these canyons are said to have never seen the ocean just miles away. The steepness prohibited them from traveling to the scenic waters. 

Christmas in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, was full of color, music, and activity. Every year the city chooses a theme for Christmas time. this year had a "mushroom theme." Why? I'm not sure. The colors were magical and entertaining.

A mass of volcanoes was our next seaport. Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands. With hardly a green sprig in sight we traveled along the landscape of jagged scoria. The island was dotted with numerous volcanic openings. Lanzaote's National Park road wound around volcanic cinder cones, lava tubes, and lifeless basins. One highlight was our trek through part of the park on camels.

We stopped at the National Park's main building. Here we observed three demonstrations put on by the park department. The first demonstration took place alongside a deep hole in the Earth. The ranger took a large clump of dried weeds (from where I'm not sure), and placed them inside the hole. Within seconds the heat from the earth below ignited the weeds. 

During the second demonstration, the ranger took a shovel full of gravel from a few feet below the surface. He went around those of us encircling the area and gave us a few pieces to hold. We couldn't do it. The bits were over 400'.

The last demonstration included pipes buried into the hot volcanic surface. The ranger took a small bucket of water and poured it into the pipe. In seconds the tube expelled a geyser of water 20 feet into the air. 

The restaurant at the site cooked all their meals over an open pit inside the structure.

Probably one of the most amazing aspects of the island was their agriculture. Yes, agriculture on a volcano. The farmers discovered they could dig deep pits into the volcanic soil, plant a grape vine, and surrounded the pit with large rocks to protect the plant from the ocean breezes. These pits are called lapilli. The area was covered with miles and miles of circular forms nestling a grape stalk.

Christmas was a little rough on the ship. The Atlantic decided to kick up a few waves. But we enjoyed it none the less. Terry purchased a necklace for me from Lanzarote. The necklace is made of crystal mineral Olivine. It's hard to imagine something so beautiful coming from a place so bleak and black.

Our final port was Malaga, Spain. This beautiful city was home to Castillo de Gibralfaro. We walked up a steep sidewalk, forever, to a splendid view of the city.

The cruise was wonderful. Restful, scenic, and tasty! We made new friends, laughed, talked, and loved.

We spent the final week of the our trip back in Barcelona, Spain. What an amazing city. Intricate architecture, Gaudi art everywhere, streets for strolling, and intersections.

New Years was crowded, dramatic, and dynamic. The fountain was the backdrop for acrobats on a human skeletal structure. The men climbed inside to fill the frame...several in red created the beating heart. We're not sure what it was all about but it was impressive!

All of us agreed the Sangrada Familia was our favorite Cathedral. The famous artist Antoni Gaudi began building the structure in 1883 and continued to oversee the project until his death 43 years later.

Next on our list to visit, was a Benedictine Abbey, a monastery an hour north east of Barcelona. We took a train and tram up the steep mountainside to a monastery built in Montserrat mountain part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range.  The structure hangs from the sides of the mountain with views of the Pyrenees Mountains and miles of Spanish countryside.

One hour to the south of Barcelona lies a city along the sea, Tarragona. Tarragona is another splendid city with ancient Roman ruins, cobblestone alleys, and sidewalks. This is definitely a place we would like to live!

"Three King's Day" was fast approaching. Here they're trying to bring the gifts to the household.

 I thank the Lord everyday for the life we are living. He is allowing us to do what we love as well as see His wondrous creation. We saw so much this time that my comments are brief...come and see it all yourself! To God be the glory, great things He has done.