Life In Catalunya

The First Snow of the Season

2012-01-29T11:23:00.001+01:00

Last night it snowed nearby for the first time this winter.
It's difficult to see in the picture, but there is a light snow across the Montseny. We can see this mountain from our balcony.
Winter is finally here.

Granollers, Beautiful?

2012-01-25T09:42:00.001+01:00

I have talked about this before, but many people complain that Granollers is ugly.
Kate and I were talking about it just last week. But we agreed, it might not strike you with it's magnificence, but it does have it's moments.
Both Kate and I come from places renound for their beauty. Cornwall and Norway, respectively. Our eyes seek out the beautiful. It's second nature. And there is beauty all around us.
This tree struck me today as hauntingly attractive. There was a little fog low on the ground. The sun had just come up. There were a few people already walking.
Another great start to the day.

1.50 Euro for Happiness

2012-01-25T09:34:00.001+01:00

As some of you know I've been walking to the Viena and back three of four times a week. It's a 2 hour walk.
I spend 1.50 for a white coffee and mini croissant. I actually don't like the coffee all that much but it's cold and I love the ritual of the break. I enjoy sitting down and warming up and playing wordfued.
My alternative, and one that doesn't have as much comfort, and costs .25 cents more, is to buy the mini salad.
I know I will migrate to this life style choice soon. It's my evolutionary path. But let me enjoy this moment of pleasure of sweet pastry and inferior but warm coffee.

Two Weeks Until Half Marathon!

2012-01-21T14:30:00.001+01:00

It's a long run today for Albert and 5 k for Jett. Lovely day. I am walking!

Granollers, is that you?

2012-01-20T18:00:00.001+01:00

Bathed in crimson dress as if we were not forgotten.

Catalan Vegetarian Food

2012-01-19T09:56:00.001+01:00

As part of my Catalan studies for this year I have begun to read this book. I found it last year in the book shop. The title is '202 traditional Catalan recipes without meat or fish; and how to be vegetarian without compromising Catalanness.' (Blog author translation)
The language is quite difficult, but at least I am interested. And there are no pictures!

My Chakra Flowers!

2012-01-18T22:02:00.001+01:00

Finally I have finished selecting my flowers for the yoga room. I love them. Photos I took myself around the world.
One dream has become a reality.

New TV

2012-01-17T22:12:00.001+01:00

We've just connected our brand new TV to our computer and we are all very happy.
Thanks to technology.

Good Morning!

2012-01-16T08:38:00.001+01:00

I am Very Lucky

2012-01-16T01:18:00.003+01:00

The other day I came home from shopping and Jett had swept the house, decluttered and tidied the lounge and was doing the dishes.

I Hate Catalonia

2012-01-16T01:18:00.002+01:00

Jett and I were walking home from our training when a man started scraping off the Catalan flags that were placed here and there along the street. While he scratched the stickers off, he muttered to himself in a fearful way.
After following him for some time I finally got this picture.
It was an interesting experience. We were walking close behind him so we were able to observe other people's reaction to him as well. Some people ignored him. Some just laughed. Others were offended.
I just wanted to capture it. I have another photo that is brilliant, but it shows his face.

No Water To Be Found

2012-01-16T01:18:00.001+01:00

Jett was dying of thirst while running by the river today. Another moment when we were faced with taps that don't produce water.
Jett even said he'd write to the newspaper about it. Let's hope he does it and it makes a difference.

My Brave Runners

2012-01-15T15:41:00.000+01:00

Training for the Half Marathon

2012-01-14T15:02:00.001+01:00

Albert and Jett three weeks before their races. Both are in pretty bad shape for various reasons.
I think the goal of the half marathon of Granollers is integral to survive the winters here and get outside. Good luck to everyone!

Sales Assistants

2012-01-13T20:17:00.000+01:00

I guess they've had enough of the sales too.

Creeps Me Out a Bit

2012-01-12T08:55:00.001+01:00

And I love it!

Palau Church Early Morning

2012-01-11T11:34:00.001+01:00

I often walk past this church. It's my turn back point for my one hour walks towards Barcelona along the Congost River.
I know that it isn't a remarkable structure and is quite plain if you want to start comparing it to other buildings.
But I love it.
It's a land mark in these parts. It's bells ring out every 15 minutes. It's surrounded by die hard farm land and refuses to budge to the looming factory buildings of Granollers.
I like that.

Slaughter House

2012-01-11T11:25:00.001+01:00

The other day on my walk I heard some screams. But I couldn't identify what was making the noise. It was high and terrifying but could easily have been some malfunctioning machine.
Finally I saw two truck loads of pigs in front of a building across the river.
They don't scream every day. Today they were quiet as I walked past.

Burning Off

2012-01-11T11:18:00.001+01:00

Yep. They still burn off here.
I am sure it's illegal in Australia to do that.
And look at the colour of that smoke!! It smelt toxic.
Pretty picture though.

Destination Viena

2012-01-11T10:49:00.002+01:00

This is the Viena Montmelo. The one I've been walking to. It takes an hour. Today I jogged a bit too.
The staff are friendly and do their job well.
Their slogan is 'Viena to eat well and fast'. It's a sandwish bar and has some side salads and sweet croissants.

Goodbye Christmas 2011

2012-01-11T10:49:00.001+01:00

They are taking the decorations down! We took ours down on the weekend.
The Christmas period here lasts until Epiphany on the 6th of January.
See you again in December!

Good Morning!

2012-01-10T08:19:00.001+01:00

It's difficult to see but that's the moon and a street light. Very cold this morning! Not a cloud in the sky.
Have a great day!

I Love Sunrises!

2012-01-09T09:14:00.001+01:00

I am a morning person. I love the morning and I love the morning sun.
Today was a really beautiful sunrise. After I walked Jett to school I started my morning walk and the colour was beginning to saturate the sky.
Even the factories look beautiful in the early morning light.
We often walked in the sunrise on the camino de santiago. Listening to the birds. Perhaps a little frost on the grass.
I love the light on the clouds. I love the quick shift of colour as the sun rises and I love when the sun finally breaks over the horizon and starts to light up everything it touches.
It's the second week of the year. Jett started school today. In new shoes that hurt his feet. Might have to take them back at lunch time. Poor Albert came down with a 'flu and is still in bed. I've been lucky so far and missed the germs going around.
Have a great day everyone!

First Full Moon of the Year 2012

2012-01-09T07:32:00.001+01:00

In one hour it's a full moon.
I often can't sleep deeply when there's a full moon coming. But I don't wake tired. I just wake up fully alert.
I went early to the bakery and discovered that they don't open until 7! There were only a few people on the street. The women didn't give me eye contact but the men were friendly. One even smiled. But I think it was for my hat that looks like a barretina. There was a garbage man going through the rubbish beside the bins with a fixed look of surprise on his face.
Happy Full Moon from Granollers!

7th of January, the Beginning of Sales

2012-01-08T22:59:00.001+01:00

Every year, just after the Three Wise Men leave, the shops open their doors to the New Year Sales.
We living in Granollers, a small shopping town outside of Barcelona. There were quite a few people on the streets when I went for my morning walk, but it was nothing to the frenzy that peeked between 7 and 8 in the evening.
The sales will last for the entire month until 'everything must go'.
I bought sensible black boots, some long sleeved tops and a couple of dresses. And satisfied I am, thank you. Did you buy anything?

Epiphany 2012

2012-01-06T17:52:00.001+01:00

January the 6th, 2012.
The celebration of God in human form. And my name day in the Catholic tradition.

Kiddy Crowd Control for the Kings

2012-01-05T16:47:00.001+01:00

Granollers is madly getting ready for the three wise men to visit la porxada. You can see the cue controller being put into place above.
There will be tons of children lining the streets to see the three Magi being drawn by tractor and waving benevolently. Their helpers will bombard the children with sweets supplied by the local bank.
Happy Three Wise Men Eve!

Yellow Light in the Sky

2012-01-05T12:55:00.001+01:00

I'm on the way to pick up Jett from the airport in Barcelona. The sky is remarkably yellow for 12:21.

Guess What Time it is?

2012-01-03T12:48:00.001+01:00

Yes! Catalan time!
Shall I admit that I have not studied at all during 2011? I suffered a total lack of motivation. My honeymoon stage had worn off and I was left wondering what I had got myself into, studying this language.
2012 is the year to pick up the fragments of what I learnt before and begin again.
Jett is doing great. He's even getting an appropriate accent.
Cheers for a great learning year!

A Walk to Viena

2012-01-03T10:28:00.001+01:00

Today I walked to the sandwich bar Viena. It took me 59 minutes from door to door. I saw a baby rabbit chasing a bird. Never seen that before.
Happy New Year everyone.

Hello Kitty Domination

2011-12-03T11:53:00.001+01:00

When I was a child in Australia, Hello Kitty was popular in some circles. I collected Hello Kitty items.
When I went to Japan ten years ago, I realised Hello Kitty was Kitty Chan and was a staple, like rice, in Japanese culture.
And now here, in Spain, Hello Kitty is making a bid to take over the world. She's everywhere. I spotted her this morning peering out of this car window.

Cheeses of Catalonia

2011-11-19T16:49:00.001+01:00

This weekend there is a cheese gathering behind the church.
I have to admit the aroma nearly had me dodging the display. I was grateful that Jett and Sarah weren't there to faint.
Albert tried a cheese spread but my appetite was opressed while in the vacinity of the market.
We'll head back in the evening for a small purchase.

Bank Cue Reform in Granollers

2011-11-19T16:39:00.001+01:00

I went to the bank on Thursday. It's been redecorated and the previous system of 'who is the last one' didn't seem necessary.
Until people started cuing for the ATMs and the cue began to mis with the people waiting for the cashier. Hmmmm.
People standing around asking what the other one was waiting for and what position they were in the line. Scary confusion for something that seems quite easy to manage. Perhaps it's just in the DNA.

Halloween Pumpkin

2011-10-29T23:28:00.001+02:00

We're eating chestnuts and those dry heavy cookies they love so much here. Marina, Adela and Nuria cut out the pumpkin. I've never done it before.
We dressed up. Even, Montse had a long red wig on.
We had to celebrate today because the others are going away for the weekend.
So, happy what ever it is you celebrate and safe holidays.

2:00 am, Madness

2011-10-26T08:54:00.001+02:00

Maybe I should start with the fact that it's a new moon today. These were not just voices in the night, they were screams of a violent and wrathful nature.
Police cars, their lights flickering around the room, screams from a wretched woman laying on the pavement and men trying to wound each other with their fists.
It went on for some time. Australians can get violent like this. I've never seen Norwegians like it. And these people were not kids. They were mature adults in their 40's.
Last night people were on their balconies watching the drama unfold. It was impossible to sleep through, even for Albert.
And this morning, the day clear and bright, there is no reminder of the goings on in the night.

Breakfast Conversation

2011-10-25T16:59:00.002+02:00

Ijust had the strangest experience! Therewere a couple of women talking in the cafe, and they were obviously talkingabout clothing and quite seriously too.

Ididn't realise I was staring, and then suddenly the lady turned to me andsmiled and started talking to me about the same thing. Obviously I didn't catcheverything and I stumbled out my ´no entenc' (I don't understand) but she kepttalking and gesturing at her top and finally it was discovered that shirts werenot comfortable but naturally I assured her it looked nice anyway and the colourwas great.

Thathasn't happened to me before. That total strangers engage me in conversation. Well, it's happened in other countries, but not here. Just yesterday I was saying to Xantal (a friend/student) that I was looking for positive things to love about Catalans. Veryfunny. And just now, as I'm writing, they said goodbye to me... and though they spoke to each otherin Catalan, they spoke to me in Spanish. (Also quite typical from Catalans)

Coffee Treat

2011-10-25T08:45:00.001+02:00

First of all, I am trying to send this via the flip out. It's a trial. I just went and they took 3 vials of blood. I'll know the results next week.
My health is much better. I'm not so tired. I cough, but it's much better than last week. Jett still thinks I'm about to die. I'm afraid he's suffered more than I.
So I'm having a little sweet (canya?) And playing with my phone. I totally understand the phone obsession. As they say, it's much more than a phone.
Good luck to this post.

A Cyber Walk In Granollers

2011-10-20T16:48:00.002+02:00

Today Ithought I´d take you for a quick walk in Granollers to my favourite coffee shop/bakery. Let´s go.

These arethe stairs from our apartment. We´re going down.

At thebottom of our building there are two elevators. Sometimes, if I want to get onelast look at what I look like before I go out into the world, I open the doorsof the elevator and there is a long mirror. Doesn´t show shoes, but I get amore flattering light than the one in my hall. That´s me today. (If you want,you can post me a picture of you today and I´ll add it to the blog too, justfor fun)

Here´s ourentrance. The weather has changed a bit in the last few days. Today it´s sunny but with a few clouds. About23 degrees, but cooler in the shade and breeze. I´m still wearing sandals.

We turnleft and that ´s what we see. Thebuilding beside us is a bank with some surprisingly insensitive and politicallyincorrect advertising considering the ‘occupy` movement going down.

So we walkto the end of the block (15 steps?) and turn left again. Yes, lots of graffitihere.

Our bins!This is still our block! Come on.

It`s marketday! It´s pretty late (1:30), so people are packing up. I haven`t been to the marketfor ages. We have to get across here.Hold on to your bag. Granollers is usually pretty safe, but on market day everyone has a better grip on their possessions.

I usuallycut down here. There a less people. Especially on market day.

We`realmost there. Love this old stone work.A student of mine just walked passed. Smile and wave.

There`s thechurch! We`re sitting there.

Ferrer! Ourcoffee shop/bakery. I think it has one of the best coffees in Granollers. Mysweet tooth has more or less disappeared in the last weeks, but you can orderwhat you like. Today`s on me, so order anything you like.

It waslovely to see you today! Thanks for joining me.

This is thefirst post where I have used my new Toshiba netbook, our lovely fuji camera, mynew Motorola flipout and done everything myself! (ok I did call Albert aboutsome small details, but, I did the actual work!)

I´m evengoing to try to blue tooth this document to my flipout and send it from thiscoffee shop before I leave. Am I nottotally cool and clever, not to mention modern and dexterous?¿ That is my Spanish keyboard for you!

Hugs alland talk to you soon!

(edit - blog publishing disaster actually occurred but hopefully Albert can help me out with tech details. Learnt a lot though!)

My First Class

2011-10-18T22:03:00.001+02:00

I took my first class today after weeks of being home. Well, it was more like meeting old friends for the afternoon. It was tiring though! I'm fully knocked out now. And finally the temperature is dropping. 23 degrees today.

The Australian New Zealander Catalan Society's Blog: Go to the Sydney Opera House without moving from C...

2011-10-18T09:05:00.000+02:00

The Australian New Zealander Catalan Society's Blog: Go to the Sydney Opera House without moving from C...: Do you want to see Giuseppe Verdi's Rigolleto but the Sydney Opera House is too far away? Next Thursday (20th, 20:30pm) you can go to the G...

My Birthday Present

2011-10-17T23:07:00.001+02:00

Thank you Albert! I love it.

It's a Toshiba Mini NB500 series, in burnished gold!

October Fest in Granollers, 2011!

2011-10-16T18:37:00.001+02:00

Sunset Over the Hills

2011-10-16T18:25:00.003+02:00

My Norwegian Calendar for October

2011-10-16T18:25:00.001+02:00

40th Birthday Outing

2011-10-12T14:13:00.001+02:00

So finally we decided to head to Mataro. We've been walking 15 minutes and I'm pretty tired already. But guess what? It's 35 degrees. Mid October and we're experiencing a heat wave. Lots of people about. Some in summer clothes but most of them in jeans and sweat. The boys would like to swim but I'm not up for it. The water is clear and clean. Really gorgeous day. Thanks to all of the birthday wishes every one. Appreciate it.

Thoughts on Turning 40

2011-10-11T17:00:00.000+02:00

From here to there and all that's in between.

Tomorrow's my birthday. 12th of Ocotber, 1971. Mum called me today to check up on my health and reminded me that I was born about 3 in the morning.

In Spain, it's the national holiday, so there's a holiday on my birthday every year. Last year we went to Sardinia.

My birthday is a reminder that I was born into this world. Consciousness resides within me. And it's up to me to decide what to do with that.

After these weeks of sickness, I feel as though I've been cocooned within the walls of my apartment. And when I emerge, it will be with delicate wings of a new life.

I will be a woman of 40. And willingly or not, it does make a difference to me. I find myself feeling stronger and more determined not to lose my way with 'soft addictions'. I feel my priorities have been stripped down to their bare minimum and these, I can handle.

I feel prepared to start this new phase in my life. Once I stop coughing that is.

Thanks to you all for helping to make my life, thus far, enjoyable and meaningful. Take care and love to everyone.

Introducing Montse's New Kitten Jazz

2011-10-09T16:15:00.001+02:00

We're over for my birthday lunch. I'm languishing on the sofa watching Jett play with Jazz. Jett's very happy with him, but it seems to be a game of cat and mouse. Jett being the cat.

On the Way Up

2011-10-08T13:30:00.001+02:00

We went out this morning for a little pastry and coffee. My taste buds are not responding well though. There's a slight chill in the air. I've only coughed a few times. I think I'm on the way up. I went to the doctors yesterday and I need to get a blood test done as well as a lung x-ray. I'll keep you posted.

Albert in Khaki and Cream.

2011-10-08T11:23:00.001+02:00

Design by Albert.

In response to my suggestion that cream might be a nice colour to go with those pants.

Autumn is Here

2011-10-07T12:54:00.000+02:00

Health Update

2011-10-04T12:33:00.001+02:00

Unfortunately poor little Jett had a stomach bug and he's been home with me yesterday and today. We've been feeling sorry for ourselves while watching Jason Momoa, I mean Stargate Atlantis.
Jett seems to be better today. No problems, just tired.
I'm still coughing but the frequency has significantly dropped in the last two days. I have my check up on Friday. Then I'll have finished my meds.
Now, some people have asked for more details, so if you don't want to know, now is the time to stop reading.
Sick Person details to follow:
I have two types of cough. A normal one that helps get the gunk off the chest, and a second one that is the whooping cough. That's the one I dread. It's about 30 seconds or longer of coughing but the throat closes, so it seems impossible to get air in, hence the whoop sound. There is also vomit and lots of body fluids involved in what seems to be a total loss of control of the physical body. The fits of coughing over strained the muscles in my back and chest, so there is pain to deal with there too. I also contracted a typical female reaction to the antibiotics which makes it a little more uncomfortable. So that's basically it. I'm sleeping about 10 or 11 hours most nights. The good news is I do really seem to be gettig better. So, wish me luck and send me your positive prayers/thoughts.

Whooping Cough!

2011-09-28T11:25:00.001+02:00

What? Yes, you heard correctly. I picked it up in Norway and carried it back to Spain with me. I'll be non-contagious in 10 days, just before my 40th birthday. Most of the people here are enjoying an Indian summer. I'm not. But I am reading a lovely book, 'The Hidden Messages in Water'. I think it's time to do those house things I keep putting off. I'm sitting in a coffee shop while I'm writing and guess what!? An older man is giving me the eye! I'm actually flattered considering I feel like a wrung out used and abused tea cloth, including the kitchen stains.

Voices in the Night

2011-09-26T12:05:00.001+02:00

Lately, at about 3 in the morning, I've been waking up to the sound of men speaking loudly, in English! We have quite a lot of native speakers here, what with so many English schools and Catalans bringing spouses back from their trips around the world. Last night I heard the words 'fast and furious' and lots of laughing. Yes, I'm sure I'm not dreaming.

Cheap Drugs in Spain

2011-09-26T11:52:00.001+02:00

I've been to the doctors for my own health twice since being here. Today I finally went for my cough. Do you know that I haven't paid more than 2 euro for prescribed medication? It's so cheap! It's all under the CatSalut card. It's like the medibank card in Australia. But much cheaper.

Organic Carrots

2011-09-25T16:12:00.001+02:00

We buy a box of locally grown organic vegetables every week. Some times there are bugs, spiders, snails, moths and dirt around the vegetables. Today one of the carrots had little gnaw marks in the top of it and I realised I reached my 'eew' limit.

Sick for Two Weeks

2011-09-22T12:48:00.001+02:00

So basically I've been coughing and laying around the house for the last 12 days. I tried a couple of classes but the day after felt much worse.
I've got some sort of 'flu. I don't remember being sick for so long before. I'm hoping this is the end of it now.
It wasn't the best time to get sick with classes starting and Jett beginning school, but life is what it is.
I think my biggest frustration has been the weather. It's so beautiful out. Every day has been gorgeous. The suffocating heat of high summer has gone and its just lovely out there. The clouds are soft and there's a gentle breeze.
I know it will pass.
I also joined Google+. But I'm going to keep it primarily for yoga/meditation/qigong information.

After Lunch Nap

2011-09-18T17:17:00.001+02:00

Milk Cafe with Vegetarian Menu in Granollers!

2011-09-17T20:19:00.001+02:00

At number 4 Girona street there's a new cafe opened up with many vegetarian options. It's in the same place the unlucky Grinsen used to be. The waiters are friendly and fast and tonight we're watching Barça beat Osasuna on the big screen. Good luck Milk Cafe!

Koalas in Granollers

2011-09-15T14:52:00.001+02:00

My brother visited us earlier this month and delivered a cache of sweets from down under. I forgot how much I liked Caramello Koalas. Mmm.

Catalans in Australia?

2011-09-14T20:09:00.004+02:00

I was reading The Australian New Zealand Catalan Society's Blog and came across this very interesting online piece about Catalans in Australia. Take a look!

After the first day of school, teachers and parents gather in front of many town halls to defend the Catalan school model

2011-09-13T13:12:00.000+02:00

After the first day of school, teachers and parents gather in front of many town halls to defend the Catalan school model

The above is link!

Linguistic diversity in Europe: the Catalan case

2011-09-12T16:44:00.000+02:00

Linguistic diversity in Europe: the Catalan case

The above is a link!

Snake Prank

2011-09-12T13:11:00.001+02:00

So I'm stretching in the yoga room after this morning's walk and the buzzer rings. I get up to answer it and there's a snake wrapped around the telephone. Yes yes, it's plastic, but tell my heart that.

Got the Flu

2011-09-11T14:04:00.001+02:00

So finally the 2 months of hectic holidays caught up with me. I'm in bed with a chest cough. Tomorrow Jett starts at ESO and I start work. Good luck.

Anonymous Contributor

2011-09-09T23:29:00.001+02:00

Jett: There's this guy on the internet called Anonymous Contributor, and he's really smart. He answers all of these questions on topics from yahoo questions. Sometimes he's really funny.

Wine and Nestea for Breakfast

2011-09-09T16:18:00.001+02:00

Jaden just left us. Jett and I realised we didn't have breakfast! It's 4.17! Time for tapas then.

Bathroom Third Phase

2011-09-09T14:43:00.001+02:00

The plaster is off, and the new stuff going on. Once Jaden started, it's all a go.

More than one million people have visited the Dalí Museums in the Catalan towns of Figueres, Cadaqués and Púbol this year

2011-09-07T10:58:00.000+02:00

More than one million people have visited the Dalí Museums in the Catalan towns of Figueres, Cadaqués and Púbol this year

Catalan traditions remain a mystery to tourists

2011-09-06T12:39:00.000+02:00

Catalan traditions remain a mystery to tourists

What's Happening to the Bathroom!?

2011-09-05T13:23:00.001+02:00

Why, it's my brother!

My Norwegian Calendar for September

2011-09-05T09:51:00.003+02:00

A Bridge in Girona Designed by Eiffel

2011-09-05T09:51:00.001+02:00

Monkey Pod

2011-09-04T14:23:00.001+02:00

Jaden bought a new flexi tripod.

Day Trip to Girona

2011-09-04T13:14:00.001+02:00

Of course we started off a bit late, but we're soon in Girona. It's overcast and rained quite hard this morning but the afternoon looks promising. We'll head back to Granollers this afternoon.

Tossa at Night

2011-09-03T22:33:00.001+02:00

Pretty Tossa is full of lovely evening corners.

Big Night in Lloret

2011-09-03T18:40:00.001+02:00

We've been in the party paradise. Now we're home and the boys are talking politics. It was still busy in town but not packed like a month ago. Of course we ended up in a metal bar after trolling the streets. Lots of short skirts everywhere. I felt over dressed in jeans. Tomorrow we're off to Girona.

Canyelles Xiringuito's High Prices for Fanta

2011-09-02T14:03:00.001+02:00

3.50 € for Fanta Lemon! How shocking was that! I think the beer was half the price.

Digging Jett

2011-09-02T12:26:00.001+02:00

Jett's always loved to dig in the sand. He is busy when we're at the beach with swimming or digging. He stops every now and then and inquires hopefully after the possibility of an ice cream. Then back to the sand and water. My brother is snorkling over by the rocks. Albert will join us this evening, finally, after a long week of work.

View from Pops, Lloret de Mar

2011-09-01T16:57:00.001+02:00

We've eaten ourselves stupid. Topped up with Sangria and ready for coffees. Looking out over the sea watching the people promenade. Happy Summer afternoon.

Walk to Lloret

2011-09-01T14:15:00.001+02:00

Today we walked to a nearby party paradise for young foreigners. Lloret de Mar. It's only a 35 minute walk from Canyelles. Lots of people everywhere. Jett is digging sand. Jaden is reading and watching the wildlife. Soon back to the shops and the walk home.

Initiation of Soccer Night

2011-08-30T09:37:00.001+02:00

After a massive Festa Major we've moved on to the next best thing here. Barça!

Whites And Blues Tile Making Competition

2011-08-29T00:19:00.001+02:00

It's the first time I've come to see this. This is what the wink story of the Festa Major here in Granollers is about. Who can make tiles the fastest?

Human Castles in Granollers for Festa Major

2011-08-28T13:49:00.002+02:00

It's hot again today. The human towers are going up in front of the Catalan flag for independence. People are out in full force. Soon time for lunch.

Aussie Treats!

2011-08-27T15:34:00.001+02:00

My brother arrived today from Australia. And the great news? Look at those sweeties!

Spectacular Sunset over Granollers

2011-08-27T03:11:00.002+02:00

Footballi in the Corona Plaza

2011-08-26T12:06:00.002+02:00

At the time of writing Whites were winning by two points.

Blues or Whites?

2011-08-26T11:30:00.002+02:00

In the Festa Major of Granollers there are two teams. They were created artificially to bring a fun sense of rivalry to the week's party. At the beginning, some 30 years ago, the two teams started with the seed of a coalition of several groups in the city. The Whites have a church and money background. The Blues have a people of the street feel. The problem with Whites too, is it's the same colour as Real Madrid. Sounds strange, but people here have a blood hatred of white in this way. Granollers colours are blue and white, that's why they were chosen in the first place. Two years ago we were watching the tug of war between the two teams. There was an abundance of blues, so Albert was asked to pull for the Whites. We became Whites for this reason alone. And we also wanted to balance out the teams. As you can see from the picture above, there is a predominance of blues lined up for the footballi. We think the Whites need to reinvent their image and gather the new generations into their fold.

Catastrophy for the White's Dance Off

2011-08-26T02:39:00.002+02:00

We're all ready to dance, blues and whites with a white glove in hand, and there is a sudden power cut! 20 minutes later it's still not resolved. People are leaving, children are starting to cry. But wait! A microphone is working! Good luck Whites!

Tuesday Festa Major Granollers

2011-08-24T02:09:00.002+02:00

So today Jett participated in some card games, some giant board games and entered a tournament. He said he didn't have time to win it.
Afterwards we danced in the Bollywood Master Class and went home for dinner. Later on we watched the Whites with an hour long drum show.
The Blues held a Swing event with a big screen playing old dance routines. Just before we came home there was an African Dance exhibition. The streets are still quite full. No concerts nearby tonight. Jett and I are home preparing ourselves for tomorrow's activities. Visca Whites!

Piou piou in the Library Square

2011-08-23T17:59:00.002+02:00

It's about 30 degrees and we're sitting under a big tent playing card and board games. The boy beside Jett is his friend who lives up stairs.

Monday Night Festa Major

2011-08-22T23:24:00.002+02:00

A fire production from the Blues. The main square had salsa all day. There was a metal concert. Quite a lot of people for a Monday. And 1 € beers, a big favourite. There was a huge area blocked off for Catalan sausage and bread making and Toy Story 3 was playing in the Corona plaza.

Gardemoen, Norwegian Airlines, Sunrise

2011-08-21T06:06:00.002+02:00

We're soon off to Barcelona. It was a beautiful sunrise today. To see the photo better, click it. I tried it out with the panoramic option on my phone.

On the Way to the Airport

2011-08-21T05:48:00.002+02:00

Goodbye Hamar! We're driving to the airport. There's a fine layer of fog. We'll be back in Spain by 10 am, and Albert will arrive later in the day. Unfortunately we've had one bit of bad luck. Last night someone scratched their keys along the side of our car. Of course, with the car on the road for a month throughout Europe, I guess it's not the worst news for us. We've had a great holiday and it's been lovely to see everyone here in Hamar.

Farmor's Hus

2011-08-18T18:16:00.002+02:00

I'm staying mostly with Jett's grandmother. They have built this enclosed terrace and it's beautiful. We can use it even when the summer has been so wet, and it's warm and light with excellent views of the garden. Lots of half naked ladies carrying baskets or buckets too.

Hamar

2011-08-18T17:51:00.002+02:00

Across the lake.

Vikingship Motel

2011-08-18T12:32:00.001+02:00

I'm walking over the bridge towards farmor's. Look at that. Just beautiful.

The Best Coffee Shop in Hamar

2011-08-16T14:25:00.001+02:00

Te & Kaffeboden. I asked my besties for coffee but everyone is working. Ja vel. I've walked through town. Many of my old shops have closed. I looks a bit empty. They say it's not the crisis but that the shops are opening in the malls instead of in the centre. There are some girls sitting outside with their smart phones on facebook. It seems the same as any where we've been. The teenagers doing the same things. It's a bit cool in the air. The temperature has already dropped to 3 degrees one morning. The hills are yellow with signs of autumn. Tonight I have the workshop with Espern and then dinner with my old work mates. Everything is similar, but with a few changes. The newspapers are full of personal stories related to the shooting. Prices are still steep. Time for a late lunch.

Skiblander Stuck

2011-08-15T17:32:00.001+02:00

Yesterday the oldest steam ship in use, the Skiblaner, drove too fast into the port and crashed into some rocks. It's a famous boat here on Mjosa and a familiar sight. It was certainly news here with half the town turning up to see the boat stuck. The newspaper reports that it will be up and running again by tomorrow.

Rainy Mondays

2011-08-15T17:28:00.001+02:00

Here I am with Geirmund and Ingeberg eatin lunch in their beautiful glassed terrace. It was pouring with rain but lovely to be out. Albert left at about midday. Today we're just going to relax for the afternoon. We put all our boxes in the car and finally have Farmor her attic back.

GPS Love

2011-08-12T15:55:00.001+02:00

We've used the GPS for this trip. It's the first time for us. It's brilliant and I love it. Joan, Albert's Dad, gave it to us because he had a spare one. Thanks! By the way, everything is very expensive!