Fresas y Fanta Naranja

We just returned from a much enjoyed and much needed vacation in Spain! The grey days of winter were really getting to us, so we soaked up as much sun as we possibly could and appreciated every ounce of vitamin D. I had been talking to the boys in Spanish in preparation for the trip, trying to get them to want to learn a bit along the way...but the two phrases they embraced were 'Fresas' and 'Fanta Naranja'. Basically, a gummy strawberry candy and orange soda. Nice.

Findin 'fresas' in the candy store!

We started the trip with a few days in Barcelona touring the beautiful city. Our flat was steps away from the Boqueria, which, when you ask the boys, is always in the top 3 from the trip. It is an amazing market full of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, nuts and pastries. We rambled through it every morning to find our breakfasts. Yum, yum, yum.

Breakfast! 

A few other highlights from Barcelona include all the amazing architecture...those lovely Gaudi buildings, the many beautiful designer shops and strolling through many parks. In the Parc de la Ciutadella we put the boys to work, having them row us around the lake while we basked in the sun.

Walking La Rambla

La Familia Sagrada

After seeing beautiful Barcelona, our aim was to be poolside so we rented a car and headed toward Estepona on the SE coast. We broke up the drive with a night in Valencia to visit the Ciudad de Las Artes y Las Ciencias. We admired the stunning architecture once again, while taking in the aquarium and science museum. This was another highlight for the boys for sure. The aquarium was particularly amazing, while I couldn't get over how ascetically pleasing the science center was. I realized I am quite fond of modern Spanish design. Quite fond!

After a night in Valencia and a day exploring, we got on the road at 4pm for an 8 hour drive down to Estepona. I'm exhausted thinking about that one...so will save that for another day! :)