Many Moons

The end of April meant it was time for us to take a little trip! We had so much fun on our last turn around with friends but we wore ourselves slap out, so this time we decided to take it easy. We were blessed to spend a few days in Barcelona, Spain. In Arabic it's pronounced barsha.luna which for some reason reminds me of studying Indians in Kindergarten. Everyone in our class had to chose an "Indian" name... I think I was Many Hearts or something. Anyway the word barsha means many or a lot in Arabic and luna sounds like the word for moon in Spanish. Yes it's a long stretch, so I'm proud if you're still with me. But Barcelona will forever remind me of Many Moons.

We literally accidentally found this place (one of Gaudi's houses or something.) We were walking down the street in the rain and noticed the large line outside and decided it must be something important.

Traditional Paella for lunch!

We did plan a visit to the Sagrada Familia. There was lots of unique architecture and statues carved onto the outside of this cathedral. The line was long so we didn't even go in, but went walking around looking for a Starbucks.

While we were walking along, we found a fish spa. Instead of having a normal pedicure, you can put your feet inside a fish aquarium. The fish eat away the dead skin from your feet. It was something so odd, we decided to do it...just for experience's sake.

Beth giggled ferociously! They tickled her feet.

Definitely just a one time thing for me.

Hanging on tight on the Metro!

One of our favorite activities was walking Las Ramblas, the main drag in Barcelona.

IronMan 3 in English in a real movie theater! We splurged on the popcorn and coke for such an event!

A few Spanish Oddities:

No scissors campaign?

Random people dressed as bananas. 

Now this is the life!

 We had such a great time in Barcelona, even though we didn't do too many touristy things. I never thought I would be "one of those people" that ate at McDonald's, Hard Rock Cafe, and Starbucks for nearly every meal in a foreign country, but those were my favorite things about this trip! It was refreshing to spend time in a culture more like my own, but we're glad to be back along the Med!

Under the Sea

In March, we were invited to join our friends in celebrating a big birthday and graduation. So off we traveled to the Northern coastline, along the Med, for everyone's first experience scuba diving.

The weather was cooler and rougher than we expected...it was even raining! 

Huddled together before we took 'the plunge'!

The waves were rocking so hard, I could barely keep my balance  while putting on the already wet, super tight shoes. Beth had to assist me. haha.

Yay! I'm finally in all the getup and I'm about to go scuba diving! 

The first few minutes in the water were definitely a little scared. It feels so unnatural to be underwater and taking deep breaths at the same time. But my 'guide' was great and it wasn't long before we were in a good rhythm and going deep down under. It's like a whole new world under the sea! Words really aren't adequate.

After my dive and before Beth's turn. We look ridiculous!

I went scuba diving but now I'm really cold and wet! If cameras add ten pounds, then wet suits add 50! haha

The divers! Happy Birthday Randi!

Can't wait to go back and enjoy some more underwater scenery!

Road trip: Carthage

The first weekend in October, we were able to travel to the capital city to explore some of the amazing historical ruins. Some of you may not know just how nerdy I am, so if you're not into history, just enjoy the pictures.

Along the shore line you can also see an important port where ships were brought in for repairs.

Phoenician and Roman ruins in Carthage, present day city in the background.

Carthage was first founded by an Phoenician princess named Alissa or Dido, who was fleeing her homeland in Tyre after her brother killed her uncle and husband. Legend has it that when she arrived to the area the local leadership promised her all the land she could cover with a cow's hide. So Alissa and her servants wove one cow's hide together to encircle this hill called Bardo. It was an obviously desired location that she was later granted. The Phoenician city was conquered several years later by the Romans. So here you can see the original Phoenician structure and the strong, square blocks of the Romans.

Overlooking Carthage

Exploring Carthage with great friends!

Roman sized catapult - imagine that coming through your front door!

The most beautiful flowers growing out of the ancient stones. A reminder to bloom where you're planted. 

Did you know that in ancient times the way to show disrespect to a place was by vandalizing statues? Nearly all of the statues found at Carthage are missing a head or at least a nose, hence they have been de-faced.

Ancient mosaics are a dime a dozen but no less stunning in these parts.

Phoenician writing on a stone tablet dating back to 3 B.C. 

Off the beaten path, mosaic floor tiles.

Ruins of the city of Carthage.

tombstone bearing the symbol of the Caanite warrior goddess, Tanit or Tophet. It is believed that thousands sacrificed their children to this false god in hopes of victory in battle.

Roman coliseum in Carthage. 

The Roman coliseum in Carthage has experienced a great deal of damage due to a recent earthquake, but remembering the events that took place here are equally shaking. Read the touching story of two young women who were martyred in this very place. While we were visiting these ruins, there was a group of locals gathered under the trees who were laughing, grilling out, and carrying on. It nearly made me sick to my stomach to think the place where so many gave their lives was treated with such little respect, but then I guess it's not so different from the Roman roots of coliseum "sports", is it?

Coffee shop along the Med

Hitting the touristy "hot spots"

Beautiful streets with white washed walls, blue doors, and a glistening Med in the distance!