Calella Palafrugell is about an hour and forty north of Barcelona. We grabbed our rental car in Eixample early Sunday morning, none of us in the best of situations. Things went from bad to worse, real fast. Our rental car guy directed us a different way out of the city than my directions, and while it seemed to be a good idea for the first half hour, it turned into a nightmare. Add to that, me feeling like ralphing and STILL being tired, and it was not fun. Among the highlights:
-EOB and Liza suggesting we pull into a Burger King to eat, and me saying I could wait. Then saying, actually, let’s just eat at the next easy fast food joint we see, and not seeing another one for two hours
-This conversation:
EOB (in back seat): I think we need to go more inland than this
SM: Wait, what are you looking at back there?
EOB: Oh, just a couple maps I found.
SM: You didn’t think those might be helpful up here?
-And this conversation:
Liza: DON’T YOU HAVE DIRECTIONS!? CAN WE PLEASE STOP JUST GUESSING!?
That said, we found our way to our village, and being here is f+++ing awesome. We (again) were a little worried about the quality of the lodging (we were behind our usual regimented schedule in planning this trip), but it is absolute perfection. We must have looked at a hundred hotels and apartments in this village, especially with Liza insisting on a terrace. The guy told us no terrace, but imagine our surprise when we walked in: terrace with partial sea view! Booya!
After the anxiety of the morning, we were about an hour later getting on the beach than any of us would have liked, but we’ve learned that much like California, the days start off cloudy, and turn sunny around 1 or 2. We got a quick bite, and walked down a few steps to the beach just as the sun peaked out. From our purview at lunch, Liza was disappointed not to see many boobies. Once we got down there, we found ourselves surrounded by them, and you know how the saying goes: “When in Calella Palafrugell…” I had not been terribly excited about going topless, but after doing so, it might be hard to ever go back. Did you hear me out there gentleman?
We spent the whole afternoon napping and beaching and playing cards. Then we strolled through the town which is so f+++ing adorable I want to steal a baby. We got some snacks at a cute place, and stayed as long as we liked, just relaxing. The sun stays up so late here, it was 9 pm when we got home, and still as bright as the day. Liza and EOB made a list of their top ten fave things about me (a conversation I would like to have repeated on the regular; and please, submit your additional thoughts in the comments) and then we strolled out for a tasty dinner, and hit the hay early (meaning still well after midnight) as we all were in desperate need of a solid night’s sleep.
If yesterday was champagne, today was Moet. We had an awesometastic breakfast at the hotel (blue cheese on my croissant for breakfast? YES PLEASE), then took an hour hike over to the village one north. Costa Brava is like Cinque Terre, where you can hike between towns along a scenic path. We somehow on whim found ourselves heading to the top of the hill to see some random monument, and though at one point each of us demurely suggested turning back, could not be happier that we made it up. Mind you, the other hikers were in hiking gear and boots, whilst we were in flip flops and swimsuits. At the top, we found a castle and lighthouse which offered 360 degree panoramic views of Costa Brava (is that France over there? Um, yes), and a perfect opportunity for a pyramid. We stayed on the beach at Llefranc, which is bigger and sandier than ours, laid out and swam in clear blue skies (screaming, “THIS IS AWESOME!!”) for about five hours, before heading back to Palafrugell for some wine and more relaxing. Which brings us to this moment…right…now. Tomorrow’s plan involves scooters and kayaks. Can’t wait.
Misc:
-Conversation highlight in the car before we stopped speaking to each other: circumcised penises (sorry mom!)
-Questions we’ve had: Where do all of the internet wires connect to? Or just in general, how does the internet work? Is the plural risk, risks or both? Why do cats and dogs hate each other? And, do we really have to leave here ever?
-In NZed, Liza and I spent a lot of time talking about our future marriages and husbands and such. Today the three of us discussed children, and all the awesome jokes I would play on mine. For example: name the first Montgomery Montgomery, with his brother Dwayne; or a daughter named Erika Withakay; or have them call my parents Mr. & Mrs. Montgomery until they’re 18, at which point I’ll tell little Monty Montgomery that they are his grandparents.
-There are three rules (so far) for topless sunbathing: no pictures, no topless hugs, and no grabbing. Liza has broken one of these rules every day, and says she plans to continue to do so.
-We’ve had potatas bravas at every meal, and don't plan to stop. If you have a problem with that, see your way to another web site.
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