Jamaican Story part 1

Almost a month to the day when I was jetting off to the sunnier climes of Jamaica and it's only now I've remembered to write a blog about my trip. Ah well.

I was invited to the wedding of two special people, Bryan and Alison which I'm still honoured to have been witness to and a very small part of.

The wedding took place in Ochos Rios and the moment I landed and was on my way on the coach with Nat, I knew it would be a good week. Wish we could have stayed longer but I'm still happy I was even there a week!

As you can imagine the weather was just beautiful from the moment we landed until we reluctantly left a week later. We travelled from Montego Bay to Ochie which took two hours going through the country I'd never been to which was beautiful.

The hotel which was also the picturesque setting for the wedding came out from the ground as we approached almost like a move with a beam of sunshine come out of the cloud. Lol. Alison and Bryan came to meet us and from the moment I could see that they were relaxed, I knew we'd look the same pretty soon. After the kerfuffle of checking in and getting settled we had our first of many meals in the buffet area.

Barcelona

This being my second time to Barcelona, I thought that I would not have the wide-eyed look I did the first time I travelled there back pack on with a smile and the freshness of my first day at school.

Despite the extremely early start (flight was a little after 6am GMT) we arrived in Reus 2 hours outside Barcelona and got on out coach. The driver was really cool, greeted us and took us on our merry way into town. The skies were a little grey, but with all that heat we didn't mind.
We arrived at the bus station Sants Estacio to be greeted with torrential rain which made me wonder why we left the UK (lol) but it was still hot so I didn't hot-foot it back on the coach back to the Airport. The Nice coach driver showed us a route to the Hotel and we made our way via Metro.

The Metro I have to say is the cleanest network I've been on. New York's is okay and Norway's system is also alright, but Barcelona's seems to have the edge. It's clean well air conditioned (the trains, not so much the platform but I can hardly talk, The London Underground is a pile of crap in comparison) The countdown clock is actually accurate too.
Anyway, we get to our station Verdageur and come off the train and once the crowd disperse, we were alone with one woman sitting on the seat and now I think back another woman further down.

After ushering lil man up ahead of me so I can see him, I make my way up the stairs after my sister with my suitcase and my Mum just behind me, the lady who was sitting down had offered to help Mum with her suitcase. I hear Mum shout and turn to see the other woman pulling her hand away from Mum's handbag and Mum grabbing her. Yes, the victim (or attempted victim) of a pickpocket.

Luckily Mum was fine, and to be honest, the way she went to work at the women, I think they were more shaken up and frightened than she was. Lesson learnt: Don't mess with my Mum!
Our Hotel was a short walk from the station on Carrer de Mallorca. Very lovely new Hotel, opened for business this year. An old building renovated to a high standard, with lovely modern interior. (Thanks Sis) View there webpage here.

During our 5 day stay, we visited the usual sites:
Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia
Park Guell
Casa Batllo
FC Barcelona (Reen, I have a picture for you - ur name is all over a hockey uniform there - GWAN!)
Ramblas
Cathedral

Also visited many beautiful restaurants/ tapas bars, the food is cheap and really filling. Wonderful service and the food tasted delicious. Can't currently remember where else we went but you can go yourself and find out!

For those of my friends that worry about money do what I always do and book the flights (Ryanair is sufficient, no point spending lots of money on a 2 hour flight) book the hotel I have a few sites I usually use, hit me up and I'll let you know, and then save spending money/use credit card, although I suggest you save and take the card in case you really need it i.e. emergencies.

We only live once, and you shouldn't end it regretting not taking that weekend break on the continent. There are other places outside London and indeed outside the usual going back to the Caribbean/America to visit relatives. Go and experience some culture to tell your children about. (If you already have children, let them experience a different country.)
I do have loads of photos and lots more to say about each of the places we visited, I will have to do those another time.

Until then adios amigo y buenos dias x.