tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956478726103494172024-03-13T05:15:38.709+01:00Life In CatalunyaBits and Pieces of My Life in Granollers, CataloniaTiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.comBlogger867125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-3713771337250909272018-02-01T21:02:00.003+01:002018-02-01T21:02:58.312+01:00Catalonia, everything tinged by history. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>(Personal opinion piece, and let me state, not everyone agrees with what I'm going to write)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When I
first talked about God to my Catalan partner, I was shocked by the
negative and close minded reaction he displayed. As a yoga
practitioner and someone who prays daily, I couldn't grasp the reason
behind his derision towards God and his inability to see the Catholic
church outside of its architectural worth. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBnGkTl8MP8/UeTkJl0TZKI/AAAAAAAAMiA/dKInlyZgkA4VIv7avZ4YBK1s85j4iRibgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/2013-07-15_11-31-59_621-710017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="704" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBnGkTl8MP8/UeTkJl0TZKI/AAAAAAAAMiA/dKInlyZgkA4VIv7avZ4YBK1s85j4iRibgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/2013-07-15_11-31-59_621-710017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Donkey's represent Catalonia. You can guess why.<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Time has
taught me that to understand the Catalan people's beliefs, you have
to read history books.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
Catholic church, to many people, even to this day, <a href="http://www.spainthenandnow.com/spanish-history/franco-and-the-catholic-church/default_180.aspx">represents
Franco-ism.</a></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now,
there are many little seemingly innocent aspects of life here in
Catalonia that are resonate with the history of the people. It's easy
to blunder into cultural no man's land or even inadvertently to put
yourself on the other's team. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Like
many countries, there is a healthy dislike of nearby lands occupied
by 'others'. For example, Australians are quite happy to deride New
Zealanders. Swedes laugh at their Norwegian neighbours. It's
something you find all over the globe in varying degrees of
seriousness. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMdKwiRx9D0/WnNx2Iv5mwI/AAAAAAAANPk/71HQpAOLx9MxXoMdaUx2IwhWODHYPLOPgCKgBGAs/s1600/image-upload-74-753469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMdKwiRx9D0/WnNx2Iv5mwI/AAAAAAAANPk/71HQpAOLx9MxXoMdaUx2IwhWODHYPLOPgCKgBGAs/s320/image-upload-74-753469.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Catalan's
poke fun at Spanish.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You can
find lots of articles and you tube videos describing the main
differences between the two. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now,
being open and friendly is associated with people outside of
Catalonia. Open and friendly, at best, equals 'from the south', and
at worst, means shallow.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">God
represents Catholic and at worst, Franco. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Dressing
up and a high level of grooming is seen as pretentious, and at worse,
pro traditional values of the ruling party of Spain. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nothing
simply 'is'. It's all about identity with who the Catalans are.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How they
see themselves is often displayed in what they are not. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As an
Australian, with no close neighbouring country, I didn't grow up with
a strong sense of national pride. However, we can relate, because we
were 'not' British. We had developed anti authoritarian views because
of our history of British rule in a penal system. I wonder what
country you are from, and what 'not' you are? </span>
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-19672376267074761022017-10-22T13:51:00.001+02:002017-10-22T13:51:25.378+02:00Children Should be Seen and Not Heard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my dad said 'It's my way or the highway',</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Sit down and shut up'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Children should be seen and not heard.'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my teachers said </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the correct answer is X</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I wanted to discuss why.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And on and on until, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learnt to censor myself. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now, deeply, from deep down, like a rising from the earth,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm called to raise my voice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to join those who have been singing a chorus </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of injustice, of repression, of invalidation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, the Catalan defence of the right to self determination </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">has triggered an avalanche in my personal history. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For all those times I held my tongue, I bit my tongue, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">choked back words, clenched my teeth, fought back tears</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did not speak up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did not speak up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, the pieces of the past are falling together</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gathering to form a solid foundation </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">under my feet, where </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">standing my ground, where</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my voice rising</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">becomes the final piece of the picture.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It marks the end of my childhood,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">now at age 46,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when I once said 'it's someone else's problem'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'they' will fix it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a beginning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where I rise my voice to join the chorus</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of all those before me, to speak out,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to speak up,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to speak.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And one voice does make a difference.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I know you can hear me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know you are listening.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And one day, I will join other pieces </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of the puzzle of your life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I will be there as one of many</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who come before us, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as you too rise and speak.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speak for your heart</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">your justice,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for your need, your right, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to be heard.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a beginning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-79334525824747025642017-10-06T15:56:00.001+02:002017-10-06T15:56:40.931+02:00Tiffany in Catalonia - 6th of October 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6<sup>th</sup>
of October 2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hit my
wall today. I’ve been holding up pretty well, and suddenly today I feel like
it's all a bit much and I’m not managing my personal health (mental,
emotional and physical) very well. I’m in a coffee shop in Mataro beside the
sea and I’ve just eaten what can only be described as comfort food.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I’m
dedicating Fridays for research and writing and today and for the next month or
so, I will be looking at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Spain-Travels-Through-Silent/dp/0802716741" target="_blank">Ghosts of Spain</a> by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/gilestremlett" target="_blank">Giles Tremlett</a>. I’ll be using his book as a means to get a sense of
history of what’s going on for Spain and Catalonia. If you are interested,
obviously I recommend you just buy the book. But for those of you that want a quick summary of the relevant ideas, this is where you’ll find it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can
identify well with Tremlett because he has a family in Spain, and as he writes
concerning his children ‘Spain’s future
matters to me. It maybe theirs.’ It’s
this, that has begun this deep rooted feeling here in Granollers Catalonia. My
son is Catalan by heart, and my daughter by birth. This is their country and I
am here to defend their right to be heard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Spain is
different’ – If I happen to question something about the culture here, or ask,
in honest confusion about historic matters that don’t add up to my simple mind,
Catalans here often laugh dryly with knowing eyes ‘Spain is different’. It’s a
blanket approach to the myriad points that foreigners don’t grasp and it’s a
psychological full stop – perhaps even a survival phrase- that stops their own
spiral into injustice and repression and despair. I’ve often thought that if
some of the things that have happened here, happened in Australia, we’d have
taken to the streets in violent
screaming. Australians are not so well known for holding their temper.
And it’s my opinion that this shrugging acceptance of corruption and injustice
in Spain by the Catalan people rises out of survival. Let’s remember that
during the civil war Catalans who stood up for their rights were quite
literally put up against a wall and shot. Or perhaps taken out onto a hill and
shot. Or just butchered in their homes. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of the revolutionaries, the ones with courage and
conviction died, the Catalans who survived were the other sort. The ones that
fled, or the ones that shut up. Now, we have survivors. The Catalans who are
with us today developed survival skills, survival psychology of adapt or die.
And they have survived by developing a black sense of humour, of speaking
quietly (much quieter than the typical Spanish), of saying ‘ba!’ to anything they
don’t care about and shrugging it all off. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, again,
it’s my humble opinion that there has been enough time since the civil war for
another generation of rebels, of courageous fighters, of people with conviction
and courage to take up where their forefathers left off. To remind everyone
that they are still here. To remind people that they really do have a voice and
that they will have their say.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, in a
country that deems it illegal to talk about breaking from the sovereign unity
of Spain, I think, reckless as it is, this threat of announcing the Independence of Catalonia from Spain is a well thought out plan that does not
have the immediate Independence of Catalonia on it’s agenda. It’s a way to force the Catalan problem into
the spotlight. It’s a way to get people like me to start writing to people like
you. It’s a way to get Europe involved in and aware of the overwhelming
injustices of the Catalan people. It’s a way, for the Catalans, finally, after
years of shutting up, to shout at the top of their lungs ‘we are here, and we
have a voice, and we will be heard’. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might
think the action extreme. But once you become aware of the history of Catalonia
you’ll wonder how they have held their peace for so long. I personally, burn
with indignation for them. I burn with indignation when I see the leader of
Spain treat them like unruly children who need a firm hand. The Catalans are
not undisciplined children, and Spain is not the heavy handed old fashioned
father from the days of old when
children were seen and not heard. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All
institutions are there for the service of humanity. All laws are there to help
us, protect us, serve us. When the law is upheld beyond it’s expiry date as sovereign
, to the detriment of millions, we see deeply the treacherous hold power has
over these leaders. Let us remember, it’s not human kind we must be afraid of,
it’s the institutions that become like gods held high as untouchable and
inviolable. People say no one is above the law, and I say, there is not one law
that is above a human right. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-8177635670518695752017-05-11T20:21:00.001+02:002017-05-11T20:21:28.416+02:00Parking in Granollers <p dir="ltr">My dears, don't do it! <br>
Not for a minute. <br>
The tow trucks circle every area of Granollers. They really are out to get you. Don't park illegally. Don't leave your car somewhere for five minutes. You'll be fined. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zNEZTVYLiuE/WRSrpx4IbiI/AAAAAAAAMfA/gqptPYsj07sX8nRxebWtFzlW_SOTToaVwCHM/s1600/P70511-201740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zNEZTVYLiuE/WRSrpx4IbiI/AAAAAAAAMfA/gqptPYsj07sX8nRxebWtFzlW_SOTToaVwCHM/s640/P70511-201740.jpg"> </a> </div>Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-82914916923047497332016-09-02T14:06:00.001+02:002016-09-02T14:06:11.582+02:00Sharpening Knives at the Beach <p dir="ltr">There's an old man who drives up on his scooter and he sets up his knife sharpening machine from the back of the bike. <br>
He's doing the knives from the local restaurant, here at Cala Canyelles. <br>
Lots of people taking photos of him. They're stopping on their way to and from the beach. <br>
He's quite a character, posing with the knife. <br>
The machine is making continuous noise. <br>
Lydia sleeps on. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBiHBxvoEFg/V8lrMLz4uLI/AAAAAAAAMVg/RLz7peMR_jY/s1600/P60902-135027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBiHBxvoEFg/V8lrMLz4uLI/AAAAAAAAMVg/RLz7peMR_jY/s640/P60902-135027.jpg"> </a> </div>Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-51215813201554756762016-09-01T10:50:00.001+02:002016-09-01T10:50:46.043+02:00Parking at Cala Canyelles <p dir="ltr">There is a resident parking officer tracking the cars. She walks around frequently checking the tickets. <br>
Please don't leave your car here without a ticket. You will be fined. <br>
I hear arguments everyday. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34CEQ5HjCOs/V8fr5EYH5xI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/5WkrKnoxOPw/s1600/P60901-103226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34CEQ5HjCOs/V8fr5EYH5xI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/5WkrKnoxOPw/s640/P60901-103226.jpg"> </a> </div>Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-15974911545070678142016-06-01T21:27:00.001+02:002016-06-01T21:27:51.512+02:00I Make Jewelry <p dir="ltr">I haven't written in ages.  <br>
I'm so busy with my little girl and my new hobby that's turned into a small business.  <br>
I've started <a href="http://www.patheya.com/jewels/shop/">making jewelry</a>, holding jewelry parties and heading off to <a href="http://www.klzevents.com">KLZ </a>conventions. Busy me!  It's an exciting time.  <br>
I'm hoping to get back into blogging too.  I've just started a break from facebook. That should free up some time.  </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XKuhj3f4VyA/V083NjZ5edI/AAAAAAAAMMU/IjqCaYHwLNo/s1600/P60522-171744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XKuhj3f4VyA/V083NjZ5edI/AAAAAAAAMMU/IjqCaYHwLNo/s640/P60522-171744.jpg"> </a> </div>Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-59285138796364520742013-08-30T20:01:00.001+02:002013-08-30T20:01:25.348+02:00Busy in the Festa Major<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbEYFKl1eFw/UiDd9aoIbSI/AAAAAAAALZs/Uedzout1Mx8/s1600/2013-08-30_19-46-31_530-785348.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbEYFKl1eFw/UiDd9aoIbSI/AAAAAAAALZs/Uedzout1Mx8/s320/2013-08-30_19-46-31_530-785348.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5917973957554236706" /></a></p><p>Everyone is after all the free seats in Corona Plaza. <br> These two women were squeezed onto one seat. I'm happy the young teenage boys were comfortable though. <br> </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-15619220026249374352013-07-16T08:11:00.001+02:002013-07-16T08:11:40.046+02:00The Basque Country, July 22013<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku0GiGhHpDM/UeTkHNaVSiI/AAAAAAAALWk/Yi5mlHMrB_w/s1600/2013-07-07_21-16-05_739-700046.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku0GiGhHpDM/UeTkHNaVSiI/AAAAAAAALWk/Yi5mlHMrB_w/s320/2013-07-07_21-16-05_739-700046.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901092224272517666" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5wqx6QY9Ds/UeTkHtIxVNI/AAAAAAAALWs/lJNtW5emTds/s1600/2013-07-08_19-28-35_30-702163.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5wqx6QY9Ds/UeTkHtIxVNI/AAAAAAAALWs/lJNtW5emTds/s320/2013-07-08_19-28-35_30-702163.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901092232788792530" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_aLubJRMxk/UeTkILHhCCI/AAAAAAAALW4/7ht8e8uTyLQ/s1600/2013-07-11_07-26-32_773-704235.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_aLubJRMxk/UeTkILHhCCI/AAAAAAAALW4/7ht8e8uTyLQ/s320/2013-07-11_07-26-32_773-704235.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901092240836593698" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cspih3ArC3E/UeTkIvvA0DI/AAAAAAAALXE/jcXYB8M5yLI/s1600/2013-07-13_15-24-34_8-706045.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cspih3ArC3E/UeTkIvvA0DI/AAAAAAAALXE/jcXYB8M5yLI/s320/2013-07-13_15-24-34_8-706045.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901092250665930802" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoBDu1a6FNI/UeTkJM0WdOI/AAAAAAAALXQ/ZoyuJMV6wxg/s1600/2013-07-15_11-16-13_738_KPT-707962.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoBDu1a6FNI/UeTkJM0WdOI/AAAAAAAALXQ/ZoyuJMV6wxg/s320/2013-07-15_11-16-13_738_KPT-707962.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901092258472948962" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBnGkTl8MP8/UeTkJl0TZKI/AAAAAAAALXc/6q-oMUB3C9E/s1600/2013-07-15_11-31-59_621-710017.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBnGkTl8MP8/UeTkJl0TZKI/AAAAAAAALXc/6q-oMUB3C9E/s320/2013-07-15_11-31-59_621-710017.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901092265183634594" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPKCG_dzZ58/UeTkJ9qeGHI/AAAAAAAALXs/bSxYagvaQYY/s1600/2013-07-15_19-04-06_61_KPT-711659.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPKCG_dzZ58/UeTkJ9qeGHI/AAAAAAAALXs/bSxYagvaQYY/s320/2013-07-15_19-04-06_61_KPT-711659.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901092271584843890" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgBCzPM6tyM/UeTkKUG8UdI/AAAAAAAALX0/RVhOHz7OsDw/s1600/2013-07-15_21-23-43_357-713684.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgBCzPM6tyM/UeTkKUG8UdI/AAAAAAAALX0/RVhOHz7OsDw/s320/2013-07-15_21-23-43_357-713684.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5901092277609845202" /></a></p><p>We've spent the last 9 days on a driving holiday around Aragon and part of the Basque area of Spain. <br> We camped for the first 7 days and are currently recovering in a rural house called Pikua just outside the town of Mutriku.<br> We were very lucky with the weather. It only rained twice. Once when we were in the tent, and very lightly, and once at the BBK festival. We recovered quite quickly. <br> We went to the BBK festival held in Bilbao. Saw Depeche Mode, Biffy Clyro, The Editors, Kings of Leon, Fat Boy Slim and many other bands. <br> We leave tomorrow morning for Madrid, to pick up our new family members from our sisters. And we begin a new phase in our life.<br> The first photo is of Albert pitching our tent in a place called Fiscal at the base of the Pyrenese. We used Fiscal as a base to explore the area.<br> The second photo is of a village being reconstructed after being forcibly evacuated in Franco times to build a dam (that was never finished) <br> The third photo is of the camping area for the music festival. We seen learnt we'd chosen a rather unfortunate spot. It was close to a bright light, the toilets, the bar, the main cross roads of the camp and a picnic table that acted as a meeting place for loud drunken British any time after 3am. Luckily we were so tired at the end of the night we could sleep through most of it. <br> The fourth photo emphasises the delight in small comforts. My Prince Albert bringing me the essentiial and restoritive cup of tea and a lovely big dish of rice pudding. We'd found a bar at the top of the hill hosting the bands and could recharge our phones (hence avoiding the 3 euro surcharge from a little Catalan Truck parked outside of the camping offering to charge mobile phones), eat delicious and large country portions of rice pudding and feel completely civilized for the moment. Happy moments. <br> The fifth photo is of our rural house called Pikua. A lovely haven of hot showers, hearty breakfasts, bunnies, chickens and ponies, a view of the Atlantic, a remote control, and neighbours that i have taken a photo of in the 6th photo. <br> The 7th photo shows the Basilica dedicated to Saint Ignacio of Layola. We visited the area yesterday and were lucky enough to hear a choir singing. A beautiful place.<br> The final photo is of the sunset over the Atlantic last night. We drove along the coast on the way home and watched the slow descent of a red sun into the waters. Gorgeous area. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-4820483685672722332013-06-29T23:11:00.001+02:002013-06-29T23:11:34.292+02:00Topkapi Palace, Byzantine Cisterns and the Blue Mosque, Istanbul<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wuAh_xNiOnE/Uc9NhgXuU-I/AAAAAAAALVs/WTruRXZ6BGk/s1600/2013-06-29_14-37-49_506-794292.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wuAh_xNiOnE/Uc9NhgXuU-I/AAAAAAAALVs/WTruRXZ6BGk/s320/2013-06-29_14-37-49_506-794292.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5895015675271730146" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcO-7sXbexo/Uc9NiK23qdI/AAAAAAAALV0/5RGfhEzQ5LE/s1600/2013-06-29_14-13-29_100-796185.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcO-7sXbexo/Uc9NiK23qdI/AAAAAAAALV0/5RGfhEzQ5LE/s320/2013-06-29_14-13-29_100-796185.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5895015686676654546" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0AQo049B6M/Uc9NinYC2jI/AAAAAAAALWA/Ad17xscJUSs/s1600/2013-06-29_09-19-25_671-798028.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0AQo049B6M/Uc9NinYC2jI/AAAAAAAALWA/Ad17xscJUSs/s320/2013-06-29_09-19-25_671-798028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5895015694331992626" /></a></p><p>Well today was another full day. We hardly leave the Sultanahmet area. Too much to see. <br> I have to admit I was tired today so I didn't rush about too much. The treasury from the Palace and the relics were pretty amazing. Bos loads of people everywhere. <br> Perhaps the loveliest place was the cistern. just outside the palace walls and boasting Medusa heads. Beautiful and atmospheric. <br> We popped into the Blue Mosque too. Beautiful, spacious, ornate and peaceful. <br> A full day.</p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-92039261877560719612013-06-28T22:46:00.001+02:002013-06-28T22:46:58.259+02:00The Porte and the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZmi6FZF6Nw/Uc32QojzD-I/AAAAAAAALVE/r8pWMxAGnDc/s1600/2013-06-27_20-40-07_382-718259.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZmi6FZF6Nw/Uc32QojzD-I/AAAAAAAALVE/r8pWMxAGnDc/s320/2013-06-27_20-40-07_382-718259.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5894638252923752418" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vj4J9vNYEA0/Uc32RNQID0I/AAAAAAAALVM/TjvUlcZo9Tg/s1600/2013-06-27_21-56-33_374-720590.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vj4J9vNYEA0/Uc32RNQID0I/AAAAAAAALVM/TjvUlcZo9Tg/s320/2013-06-27_21-56-33_374-720590.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5894638262773354306" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4d06vihUJU/Uc32RpTKtzI/AAAAAAAALVY/-JyfgiAJfZo/s1600/2013-06-28_21-50-03_407-722394.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4d06vihUJU/Uc32RpTKtzI/AAAAAAAALVY/-JyfgiAJfZo/s320/2013-06-28_21-50-03_407-722394.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5894638270302304050" /></a></p><p>The guide said we would need about three hours to do some serious shopping in the grand bazaar. How about 8? Albert and I were totally bamboozled by the stalls, the merchants, the wares, the alleys. It took us about two and a half hours of walking and staring before we were ready to start actually buying.<br> We knew we'd come to buy some things in the bazaar, and felt that we were prepared. We had to get used to the haggling and the 'where are you from's' from all corners but all in all we had a successful day. We even bought a little cushion for our new kittens. <br> Yesterday evening we went down to the Galata Bridge for the recommended stroll along the harbour. People everywhere. Boat rides offered along side fish sandwiches, fishermen, a few child beggars and a mass of tourists from everywhere. <br> We ate a cob of corn and took some photos of the setting sun. <br> Tomorrow we're heading off to the Palace. <br> We've had a great selection of vegetarian food. All yummy and all cheaper than back home. What else to ask for on holiday? </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-5909925433239479432013-06-27T17:16:00.001+02:002013-06-27T17:16:55.760+02:00Visiting the Sultanahmet, Istanbul<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qan27m5MN8U/UcxXaP6YuKI/AAAAAAAALUE/PkQa3d5ivAQ/s1600/2013-06-27_15-57-58_710-715760.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qan27m5MN8U/UcxXaP6YuKI/AAAAAAAALUE/PkQa3d5ivAQ/s320/2013-06-27_15-57-58_710-715760.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5894182120780773538" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kiawrazshuk/UcxXahusSkI/AAAAAAAALUM/nXZqEaNDqHs/s1600/2013-06-27_13-07-56_858-717981.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kiawrazshuk/UcxXahusSkI/AAAAAAAALUM/nXZqEaNDqHs/s320/2013-06-27_13-07-56_858-717981.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5894182125563562562" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duRID1cjtuA/UcxXbEuRbgI/AAAAAAAALUY/Eso5t_a7jmY/s1600/2013-06-27_12-12-26_499-719839.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duRID1cjtuA/UcxXbEuRbgI/AAAAAAAALUY/Eso5t_a7jmY/s320/2013-06-27_12-12-26_499-719839.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5894182134957043202" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvlgVdgy7CM/UcxXbR5s-cI/AAAAAAAALUk/qOPpcp7TrlY/s1600/2013-06-27_11-59-36_827-721734.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvlgVdgy7CM/UcxXbR5s-cI/AAAAAAAALUk/qOPpcp7TrlY/s320/2013-06-27_11-59-36_827-721734.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5894182138494646722" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPgYpUaR0sE/UcxXcDiujdI/AAAAAAAALU0/3ViGZ4knXrc/s1600/2013-06-27_09-47-23_179-724418.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPgYpUaR0sE/UcxXcDiujdI/AAAAAAAALU0/3ViGZ4knXrc/s320/2013-06-27_09-47-23_179-724418.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5894182151820053970" /></a></p><p>Here we are resting in our cute hotel on our first full day in Istanbul.<br> It's hotter than Granollers! We're breaking a sweat. Had a cool shower this afternoon to freshen up. <br> Eating fresh salads and soft delicious breads. Oh, and Turkish Delight! <br> We spend the morning in Haghia Sophia, one of the most spectacular churches I have been to. I loved it. I love the recently uncovered mosaics! I just love them!<br> We're off to the porte this evening for an ice cream and one of the pieces of corn they sell for a lire. (30 cents)<br> This morning we ate breakfast on the hotel roof terrace with a pregnant cat under my chair. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-73130679799691067792013-04-28T11:40:00.001+02:002013-04-28T11:40:30.268+02:00Half Marathon of L'Escala, 2013<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkgV5_O7eQo/UXzujthzpRI/AAAAAAAALPg/SzTAOz6Z-fw/s1600/2013-04-28_08-36-58_751_KPT-730269.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkgV5_O7eQo/UXzujthzpRI/AAAAAAAALPg/SzTAOz6Z-fw/s320/2013-04-28_08-36-58_751_KPT-730269.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5871830311468508434" /></a></p><p>Today Albert participated in the Half Marathon. Cold, windy and rainy day. <br> The runners were marched to the starting line by Roman Soldiers through the ruins of Empúries. <br> It's a lovely seaside town. I could live here. Has a great view over the sea to the Pyrenees. Yesterday the tops were covered in snow. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-82043741737568751602013-02-03T13:29:00.001+01:002013-02-03T13:29:35.629+01:00Granollers Half Marathon 2013<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1mCMnk-EZg/UQ5YMJWDWFI/AAAAAAAALOE/klz9GRPBUgY/s1600/2013-02-03_13-12-36_906-775629.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1mCMnk-EZg/UQ5YMJWDWFI/AAAAAAAALOE/klz9GRPBUgY/s320/2013-02-03_13-12-36_906-775629.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5840702732436199506" /></a></p><p>Albert was very pleased with himself, doing his second best time. <br> Jett ran the quarter in 25.50.<br> Everyone happy! </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-39174322324414661052013-01-13T17:14:00.001+01:002013-01-13T17:14:34.033+01:00World Championships of Men's Handball, 2013<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYY6069261c/UPLdaok_RTI/AAAAAAAALNw/do8jPaqNkIg/s1600/2013-01-13_17-13-01_345-774034.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYY6069261c/UPLdaok_RTI/AAAAAAAALNw/do8jPaqNkIg/s320/2013-01-13_17-13-01_345-774034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5832967917037110578" /></a></p><p>We're in Granollers sports hall supporting the handball. <br> Three games today. Right now it's Germany and Tunisia. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-90318774461456140812012-12-27T17:17:00.001+01:002012-12-27T17:17:42.096+01:0027th December 2012<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9Ai2M27pTI/UNx0pvLmxQI/AAAAAAAALMc/9E1CDLzGfrI/s1600/2012-12-27_15-41-51_762-762096.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9Ai2M27pTI/UNx0pvLmxQI/AAAAAAAALMc/9E1CDLzGfrI/s320/2012-12-27_15-41-51_762-762096.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826660278299182338" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ex4jJRVmzQk/UNx0p1n9uaI/AAAAAAAALMo/qP2b54xkytw/s1600/2012-12-27_15-41-46_842-763759.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ex4jJRVmzQk/UNx0p1n9uaI/AAAAAAAALMo/qP2b54xkytw/s320/2012-12-27_15-41-46_842-763759.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826660280028740002" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxoDiCREiVs/UNx0qgo_CcI/AAAAAAAALM0/9Q9KaPFEoDo/s1600/2012-12-27_15-21-26_523-765871.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxoDiCREiVs/UNx0qgo_CcI/AAAAAAAALM0/9Q9KaPFEoDo/s320/2012-12-27_15-21-26_523-765871.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826660291575744962" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfkH8Q4w4pM/UNx0rNdC22I/AAAAAAAALNA/jFB03y3-EB8/s1600/2012-12-27_10-57-22_492_KPT-768301.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfkH8Q4w4pM/UNx0rNdC22I/AAAAAAAALNA/jFB03y3-EB8/s320/2012-12-27_10-57-22_492_KPT-768301.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826660303605259106" /></a></p><p>So today our Spanish and Catalan visitors went to Oslo for the day.<br> I stayed in Hamar and caught up with two beautiful friends and had a lovely pita bread in Aller Tiders. <br> I walked home to drink in some of the light and it was icy on the bridge. It's minus 15 in Hamar now, and dropping. <br> Finally our visitors have some weather worth bragging about. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-7033039948919885172012-12-26T23:21:00.001+01:002012-12-26T23:21:24.775+01:00Saint Steven 2012<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFC4T7M3HLM/UNt4Ze4K62I/AAAAAAAALLw/BeH_ZbK0AgQ/s1600/2012-12-26_14-00-55_929-784776.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFC4T7M3HLM/UNt4Ze4K62I/AAAAAAAALLw/BeH_ZbK0AgQ/s320/2012-12-26_14-00-55_929-784776.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826382922114591586" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhoq0OzgNUI/UNt4ZwlD2FI/AAAAAAAALL8/FvjN_X97p2c/s1600/2012-12-26_14-00-39_241-786664.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhoq0OzgNUI/UNt4ZwlD2FI/AAAAAAAALL8/FvjN_X97p2c/s320/2012-12-26_14-00-39_241-786664.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826382926866274386" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XN7lHG0gPww/UNt4aWupyVI/AAAAAAAALMI/J4wzTEZo8OA/s1600/2012-12-26_11-44-47_421-789387.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XN7lHG0gPww/UNt4aWupyVI/AAAAAAAALMI/J4wzTEZo8OA/s320/2012-12-26_11-44-47_421-789387.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826382937107056978" /></a></p><p>Today went by in a flash. <br> The weather has been mild and no snow. <br> We were lucky enough to meet lovely friends at Pepe's Pizza before we went to an impromtu lunch with Farmor. <br> Later we all went to see The Hobbit. <br> This evening we've been relaxing in front of the TV, being entertained by the latest Alice in Wonderland.<br> Tomorrow I will see my friend S for lunch and everyone else will go for a day trip to Oslo. Perfect. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-53977370037298274992012-12-26T09:42:00.001+01:002012-12-26T09:42:38.849+01:00Christmas Day 2012<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xE2zxJngQMk/UNq4f74X01I/AAAAAAAALLE/t8AqPHFzlAs/s1600/2012-12-25_15-28-41_307_KPT-758850.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xE2zxJngQMk/UNq4f74X01I/AAAAAAAALLE/t8AqPHFzlAs/s320/2012-12-25_15-28-41_307_KPT-758850.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826171926746747730" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeP8bnjjMPs/UNq4gftuuQI/AAAAAAAALLQ/atr1aatMxFo/s1600/2012-12-25_15-27-48_501-760893.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeP8bnjjMPs/UNq4gftuuQI/AAAAAAAALLQ/atr1aatMxFo/s320/2012-12-25_15-27-48_501-760893.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826171936365787394" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WuZW0yz1XwI/UNq4g7aOKqI/AAAAAAAALLc/LCLJIcctFSY/s1600/2012-12-25_11-41-50_710_KPT-763627.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WuZW0yz1XwI/UNq4g7aOKqI/AAAAAAAALLc/LCLJIcctFSY/s320/2012-12-25_11-41-50_710_KPT-763627.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5826171943800154786" /></a></p><p>Merry Christmas everyone!<br> We had another lovely day yesterday. <br> Everyone tried the 'spark' in perfect weather conditions; lots of snow and about minus 5. <br> We met with family for lunch and toasted with champagne.<br> Later we dined in abundance with friends. <br> It was a full day of friends and family and perfect generosity and Christmas spirits. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-22514597968974475782012-12-24T15:04:00.001+01:002012-12-24T15:04:40.594+01:00Christmas Eve 2012<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glCsa2TUWfA/UNhg-fk9SHI/AAAAAAAALKM/WxF2jyeZNHA/s1600/2012-12-24_14-01-55_176-780594.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glCsa2TUWfA/UNhg-fk9SHI/AAAAAAAALKM/WxF2jyeZNHA/s320/2012-12-24_14-01-55_176-780594.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5825512744748402802" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzAepUPaVkE/UNhg-xbJ9QI/AAAAAAAALKY/ASJ_wu7yyI8/s1600/2012-12-24_11-07-29_967_KPT-783155.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzAepUPaVkE/UNhg-xbJ9QI/AAAAAAAALKY/ASJ_wu7yyI8/s320/2012-12-24_11-07-29_967_KPT-783155.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5825512749539128578" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_px3ihw914/UNhg_5lq8eI/AAAAAAAALKk/vU4PcUFZoWM/s1600/2012-12-24_10-26-18_208_KPT-787674.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_px3ihw914/UNhg_5lq8eI/AAAAAAAALKk/vU4PcUFZoWM/s320/2012-12-24_10-26-18_208_KPT-787674.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5825512768910586338" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnO-Pm1Cwxo/UNhhAwJKeXI/AAAAAAAALKw/oz1U0f93mbI/s1600/2012-12-24_10-10-24_436_KPT-791390.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnO-Pm1Cwxo/UNhhAwJKeXI/AAAAAAAALKw/oz1U0f93mbI/s320/2012-12-24_10-10-24_436_KPT-791390.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5825512783554967922" /></a></p><p>So here we are! Our first full day in Norway! <br> Everything is prepared and we'll have our dinner in front of us and the opening of the presents.<br> We woke early and went for a walk into town. We looked through some of the shops.<br> On the way home we stopped into the church and were lucky enough to catch a concert! <br> All perfect!<br> A special thank you to the Vikingship Motel in Hamar for an excellent room! </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-8586074966944923632012-12-23T21:12:00.001+01:002012-12-23T21:12:02.550+01:00Arrived in Norway to Snow and Silence<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIF3Lhol7CA/UNdlk0RrBwI/AAAAAAAALJ4/iM5FOqdcBU0/s1600/2012-12-23_18-19-12_890-722551.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIF3Lhol7CA/UNdlk0RrBwI/AAAAAAAALJ4/iM5FOqdcBU0/s320/2012-12-23_18-19-12_890-722551.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5825236326209488642" /></a></p><p>We arrived safe and sound and jumper on the train to Hamar. We were talking merrily away until the train conductor came by. It seems we'd hopped on to the silent carriage! What a quick way to introduced into Norwegianness. <br> Super happy to be here. Bring on the gløgg. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-4420694488822684422012-12-22T19:00:00.001+01:002012-12-22T19:00:55.826+01:00Merry Shopping!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1EWVzaKaaE/UNX1WF3i6II/AAAAAAAALJg/Rf8Pzu3Aqd0/s1600/2012-12-22_18-59-12_483-755827.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1EWVzaKaaE/UNX1WF3i6II/AAAAAAAALJg/Rf8Pzu3Aqd0/s320/2012-12-22_18-59-12_483-755827.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5824831452954683522" /></a></p><p>The final count down to Christmas shopping and the people are shoving one another in joyous Christmas spirit.<br> Joy to the world!</p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-67944144531835835532012-12-09T13:32:00.001+01:002012-12-09T13:32:52.764+01:00Sant Pere de Rodes<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6ExjBSBky0/UMSE9eOhglI/AAAAAAAALJI/1yPrwzFDeGc/s1600/2012-12-09_12-56-51_272_KPT-772765.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6ExjBSBky0/UMSE9eOhglI/AAAAAAAALJI/1yPrwzFDeGc/s320/2012-12-09_12-56-51_272_KPT-772765.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5819922810090390098" /></a></p><p>Beautifully situated over the port de la Selva! </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-70048569162198000212012-12-09T10:13:00.001+01:002012-12-09T10:13:35.845+01:00Morning Jog in Castello d'Empuries<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4uxKcvwMclU/UMRWQD39D9I/AAAAAAAALI0/WfWrWXmDvAg/s1600/2012-12-09_08-24-36_966-715845.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4uxKcvwMclU/UMRWQD39D9I/AAAAAAAALI0/WfWrWXmDvAg/s320/2012-12-09_08-24-36_966-715845.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5819871452387413970" /></a></p><p>It wasn't too cold. Fresh. We could see the Pyreenes covered in snow. We were passed by a couple of groups of cyclists. <br> Now breakfast time. We'll be exploring the cape today. </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-49520573107863977982012-12-08T17:04:00.001+01:002012-12-08T17:04:33.611+01:00Sunset at Roses<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igAfDxZIDHM/UMNlERrIKFI/AAAAAAAALIg/wltZJ5TikXc/s1600/2012-12-08_17-03-22_561-773612.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igAfDxZIDHM/UMNlERrIKFI/AAAAAAAALIg/wltZJ5TikXc/s320/2012-12-08_17-03-22_561-773612.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5819606267630987346" /></a></p><p>And we're off to France for dinner. :D</p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3695647872610349417.post-72015911619686869792012-12-08T13:14:00.001+01:002012-12-08T13:14:54.526+01:00Off to Castello d'Empuries<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GM7a9L_s-mw/UMMvPzeszZI/AAAAAAAALIM/XBRT1p0Z_LQ/s1600/2012-12-08_12-09-56_257-794527.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GM7a9L_s-mw/UMMvPzeszZI/AAAAAAAALIM/XBRT1p0Z_LQ/s320/2012-12-08_12-09-56_257-794527.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5819547092056329618" /></a></p><p>Last year, for Christmas, Albert bought us a 'rural house' experience. Finally we are going! Gorgeous weather. Have a great weekend! </p> Tiffany at Patheyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17730314322737054299noreply@blogger.com0