Day 8: Barcelona

Despite us all having slept pretty well last night and actually getting up at the right time (before 9:30!), we still had a slow start.

There was homework to be done

And breakfasts to be eaten

And then the plan was to go on one those double-decker tourist buses. Because Caleb has always wanted to go on one after seeing them around San Francisco and I told him we could once we were in a new city. But first we got a little distracted getting to the bus stop (see breakfast photos above).

And then we hopped on the bus!

And then we hopped off just so I could see Mies an der Rohe's Barcelona Pavillion

But the pavilion was right by the Plaça de les Cascades with its many fountains and hidden escalators that were impossible to resist.

And once we were at the top we might as well walk through the Jardins de Laribal (and what a lovely fountain-filled walk it was!).

And then we arrived at the Joan Miro Foundation where we were greeted by a Calder sculpture (they were really good friends, I now know) and Zoe explained to us that is was okay to touch the Miro sculpture's penis, because it isn't real (that's what she's leaning against).

The museum doesn't allowed interior photographs but we had an amazing visit. We walked through and all took turns interpreting what we saw in his paintings and sculptures; describing the symbols that he created in his work; and talking about how his work changed as he grew older and survived wars and made new friends. It was amazing how much Caleb picked up. Then they went to the library while I finished the collections and Luke brought back a photo he took of a drawing Caleb had made in the library that was covered in Miro's stars and had a beautiful shape in the middle. It brought tears to my eyes.

Then off we went, back on the bus to finish the tour through the port and along the waterfront and back to our neighborhood.

On the way to dinner, the kids were losing steam and Luke and I noticed a little store front called Happy Pills, which made us do a double take. In we all filed to fill up medicine bottles with all sorts of candy. They don't allow pictures inside either but I'll post photos of the bottle tomorrow. The kids left with a bounce in their step and inspiration to finish their dinner. Every where we go, the kids are treated to smiles, pinched cheeks, jokes, candies and gifts. It is amazing to see how friendly and welcoming everyone is to them, even across the language divide.

Buenas noches!