ocean – The UnCaged Traveler

Barcelona

July 24, 2019

Coming into Barcelona, we noticed the humidity went up quite a bit. Being that it is next to the ocean would cause that.

Our time in Barcelona, we tried the tour bus where you sit on the top of the bus and listen to the audio guide tell you about the buildings and the various areas.

Gaudi is very well known in the area as he built several buildings. The most noted building is the Sagrada La Famillia church. It is a church like no other. And it’s actually still in construction until 2026. That is the deadline they have to finish it. The one side of the church represents the birth of Jesus while the other side represents the death and the rising of Jesus. The details of the church are just amazing that you really need to see with your own eyes. The gentleman that put the stained glass in, studied the light of the church for one year before putting the glass in. And he captured the light perfect through color. It truly is something to see while here.

The ocean in Barcelona reminds us of the oceans of America. However, the beaches are a little different. There was a section of beach that if you didn’t bring a bathing suit, no problem, Just wear your birthday suit! 🙂 Several men and women were completely butt naked sitting in the sand, showering, and running into the ocean. Not something you see while in America.

The other thing while here is to try the food. Paella is great here. Sausages are different but wonderful. Salami’s have a little different spin to them but delectable.

Although it was nice to see the church, coming here wasn’t anything special. And being that we are not into architecture that much, we probably won’t be back.

Daytona Beach, FL

March 31, 2017

Came into Daytona Shores Beach to a cute 1 bedroom hotel room right on the ocean. So after checking in, we walked on the beach to finally get the sand in between our toes. The water felt nice but cool.

After walking around for a little bit, we went to get something to eat and relax for the evening.

The next morning we walked 3 miles to the boardwalk, which most everything was closed. Ate at the Ocean Deck, then walked the 3 miles back to our hotel on the sand, letting the ocean hit our feet.

Once we freshened up, then walked 3 miles the other way to Crabby Joe’s, which is a restaurant out on a pier. Had some shrimp and started our 3 mile trek back to the hotel.

This was the most we have ever walked. 12 miles total. We were alittle tired but felt good overall.

The Beginning…

March 8, 2017

As the days grew closer to us leaving and starting out journey, we got more excited. We put plywood down on the back of the expedition so we won’t feel the grooves from taking out the back seat. Then on top of that foam to make it more comfortable. Next, just standard bedding. So now, we just had to pack and we would be ready.

Our first stop was Solvang as had a free night to stay at the Chumash. So why not start our vacation off right. Before making it to the hotel, we stopped at Figueroa Mtn Brewery to try one of their beers. While sitting there, the vacation started setting in and we prayed thanking God of blessing us with this trip.

Before leaving Solvang, we stopped to have an Abeleskiver, which is a Danish pancake topped with raspberry jam and sprinkled with powered sugar.

Solvang Restaurant Home of Arne’s Aebleskiver

The next day we headed to San Diego. This was my first trip there and we truly enjoyed ourselves. We visited Balboa Park. The beauty and serenity was breathtaking and offered a little something for everyone.

Then we came back closer to our hotel, finally found parking and started walking to the waterfront park to walk around by the ocean. It was beautiful. We ended up having an appetizer and drink overlooking the ocean.

After walking around by the ocean, we headed toward the ever popular GasLamp District. On the way, we met Alex aka “Popi Express” who gave us a ride in his pedicab. If you haven’t taken a pedicab, you should as it’s a lot of fun.

Walking through the GasLamp District was both entertaining and fun. There were all kinds of walks of life, which made the walk back to our hotel very interesting meeting new people. One stop, we met a waitress that was from MN and came out here with her roommate to get away from the cold. She was for sure Mid-West friendly and a great lady.

But before going back, we stumbled upon a Mediterranean restaurant that satisfied our hunger but still felt like a light meal.

All in all, we loved San Diego and will probably come back to see more of this great city.

Now, we are headed to Tucson, AZ…