Sunday 14 February, Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day Richard!

We are packed and ready to depart for warmer climes. This morning I booked tickets to visit the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famous church, and now nearing completion. We can take a lift up one of its tall towers for a splendid view.

The weather here is rainy and cold. In Barcelona it will be around 14-16 degrees C at least. On our arrival, we may buy a ten-trip transport pass and take the train to the city centre. Our hotel is in the Gran Via so quite central.

Can't wait to meet up with Richard's brother, sister-in-law and mum and find a local place to eat. They dine late in Spain, so we'll be taking a few siestas.

In Barcelona.

We flew with Swiss on a brand new Boeing 777. Richard had a seat next to a babe in arms. The flight arrived on time and we took the airport shuttle bus to Placa de Catalunya and walked from there to Gruphotel Gran Via.

The others had already found a nearby tapas bar, Restaurant Rene. We chose a selection of small dishes and some white Rioja. Good value. Nothing on TV apart from the Bafta results so we read the newspaper until time for an early night.