We arrived in Barcelona: transition from Tourist to Local -- June 8th-15th

We arrived in Barcelona on June 8th -- after an uneventful flight from Brussels.  We left Liege at 5:30 am, so it was an early departure -- it was sad to say goodbye to Julie and her family, but we hope to keep in touch and see them again soon.

Ashler and Julie in Brussels

Avery and Julie studying English on the train to Brussels

We decided to just take a taxi from the Barcelona airport as we had all of our luggage and had not yet figured out the public transportation -- it was probably a little over 40 euros for the trip. NOTE: we have since learned that the train to the airport is fairly easy to navigate and certainly much cheaper.  

The cab driver was not super friendly, but every once in a while he would "grunt" and point at some landmark -- the old bull fighting arena; an old church and then La Rambla -- the Barcelona tourist mecca.  Our flat is located on Port Vell and we could tell we were getting close as we headed towards the Mediterranean Sea.   We arrived at our flat near the port and a stone's throw from the Columbus statue that looks over the port and marks the beginning of La Rambla -- a pedestrian friendly open market area that goes for blocks -- more about that later.

We ran into our friend Mr. Quixote the first day there!

Our friends from Just Landed! BCN met us at the flat and helped us finish our negotiations and get our bearings.  We did a little exploring of the neighborhood the first night, but after a long day of travel, we were ready for a quiet night.

The rest of the week, we tried to find a new routine -- get our bearings; figure out the public transportation (amazing); figure out where to buy local goods and produce (fresh markets everywhere) and start regular pilgrimages to the beaches of Barcelona.  We had fun starting each day with a walk or run in a new direction and get a feel for the neighborhood.

We tried to make the transition from being a tourist -- meaning not taking photos of the historical sites, but trying to find our way around the City.  After the first week, a few words to describe Barcelona: the City that feels; vibrant; youthful; lot's of texture; city with Character; and welcoming to all cultures. It is hard not to be overwhelmed with excitement to enjoy this City.

Each of us seem to be gravitating towards different areas we want to explore -- for example, Ashler read the book "Card Turner" by Louis Sachar (you may have noticed him reading this book in our last blog-post).  The book was about a high school student who learned to play bridge when he was caring for his uncle.  The book explains a lot about how the game works and as a result Ashler decided that we all need to learn how to play. Well, at least three nights a week, we are playing bridge at the Benda flat in Barcelona.

Avery -- she wants to live at the beach and gets us there as much as possible -- who can argue with a daily swim in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea:)

Ashler chill'n at the Beach

Avery and Heather in the Sea

Matt and Heather -- we just want to start the process of recuperating our mind and spirit and open our minds to other ideas on how to live our lives.  We ended the week on Father's day -- went to church at an amazing Cathedral and enjoyed a picnic in the park with the family.  Timing was perfect as a storm moved in and we found a movie theater to watch the original (english) version of Maleficent.  Nice touch to a great week.  We are hoping to continue to make the transition from a crazy tourist to more of a local -- at least temporarily.

View from our Flat during the day

What a sunrise!

                                                                                               

Gold Lady at the La Rambla

The Market! Amazing place to shop for produce

Avery loves her fruit -- strawberries, cherry's......

More beach time

Avery watching the locals play volleyball -- without using their hands -- WHAT!!!

Spanish Jungle Gym.

The kids at the flat!

Picnic at the park! Perfect Father's day

Happy Father's day!!

Liege & Brussels Belgium: June 3-8

Avery with Julie eating "Belgium Fries" - the best!!

Avery is a little excited for her sweet and sour 
chicken at Julie's family restaurant.  Yummy!

Julie, Julie's sister She-She, Julie's mother Yin-Yin and
the birthday girl!

A view of the Xia's Chinese Restaurant from outside.           Julie and her family surprised Avery with
                                                                                         Happy Birthday music and TWO birthday cakes!!

Our exchange daughter, Julie, with us in
her family restaurant in Belgium.

Yin-Yin and Avery making Belgium Chocolate.  We used the
balloons to make bowls to hold all of the candy we made.

Ashler showing his finished product - speculoos white chocolate - the specialty in this chocolate shop.

The finished products!  All turned out great thanks to our expert teacher - Florence.

In Liege, Ashler reading before we climb the flower-covered stairs.

View at the top of the stairs!

The view after more climbing - Wow!

June 3rd was Avery's tenth birthday.  At her request, we had breakfast in Paris and then took a train to Liege, Belguim to spend a few day with her sister, Julie.  Wow, did they spoil us with good food and a great time.  Thanks so much to the Xia family.

Avery in her new birthday dress
snapping some photos.

Our First Stop: Paris from May 31 - June 3

The kids in front of our hotel in Paris.

Avery in front of Notre Dame.

Notre Dame from another angle.

Ashler at Notre Dame - feeding the birds...

Avery hit a growth spurt as shown 
next to The Eiffel Tower.

The kids walking toward The Eiffel Tower.  Matt climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower.  
Over 700+ stairs and still smiling!

First landing - yep those tiny specs are people
and food stands!  Photo on the right: Ashler and Avery at the top...

Matt and the kids at The Louvre.

Heather's 1st glass of wine in Paris!

Avery doing the splits at The Louvre.

Heather and Avery strolling through 
Luxembourg Gardens.

Avery showing her handstand skills.

Random market in Paris.

Luxor Obelisk.

View of The Eiffel Tower from our boat ride.

Mom & Avery selfie with a sleeping photo bomber...
He is so impressive with his power naps. 

The Birthday Girl on her last morning in Paris.
2 hour train ride at noon and we arrive in Liege, Belgium  

Our family began our 2014 summer adventure Friday, May 30th leaving Minneapolis on a direct flight to our first stop - Paris!  Our flight was the typical overnight flight so our plan was to sleep as much as we could to help avoid jet lag in Paris.  Unfortunately, we had a medical emergency for an Arabic lady on our flight who was having problems breathing so just before heading out over the Atlantic Ocean we were diverted to Labrador which is on the very eastern coast of Canada.  Due to the shorter run-way it was a landing which caused the plane brakes to overheat so we had to wait an extra hour for the brakes to cool before we could take off again.  So much for the direct flight but it only added about 3 hours and we were happy the lady was able to get the medical attention she needed.  We landed in Paris Saturday, May 31st about 11am grabbed our luggage, hailed a cab and sped off to check into The Michelet Odeon Hotel.  Odeon is opera in french so we were right next door to an Opera Hall and could actually hear the singing from time to time.

As you can see by the photos above, we were able to take in many of the sights in Paris and loved every moment!  We were there for 3 nights and truthfully I think we all agreed we could have stayed longer.  Ashler and Avery each got to choose one city/country to go to during our trip and Paris was Avery's choice.  What made it even more special was that she turned double digits - 10 - on our last day in Paris!!!  Oooh La La, C'est Cher!  Next stop Liege, Belgium via train...

The Seeds of an Idea!

October 9, 2011 -- That was the date that we first articulated the concept of taking a family sabbatical or in our terms a "practice retirement."  That was the day the seeds of our adventure were planted.

Prior to that date, the idea of taking a family sabbatical was just an obscure concept bouncing around in our heads. Neither of us had this firmly on our bucket list.  Yet, we knew we needed to find a way to slow down and think about how we wanted to live our lives and make the most of our time together.

Over the years, we slowly put together our "seeds of life" and eventually we had a very nice collection.  "Now" we decided was the time to throw these seeds in the ground and hopefully a garden will grow.

We always thought we invented the concept of "work hard/play hard."  Of course, we now realize this motto is followed by many of our close friends, family members and role models.  We have both learned that we are much better spouses, parents and professionals when we make time for our minds to clear the clutter.

Originally, travel and social outlets were our nectar of choice. A weekend of pampering or non-stop laughing certainly provides wonderful physical and mental rejuvenating benefits.  Yet, like many American traditions, these quickie get-a-ways provide only short-term gratification, but not long-term benefits.  Like a good meal that you plan, buy the ingredients, pair the right wine and then spend the evening sharing with others is much more enjoyable than a 1/2 hour meal that you gorge yourself in the name of some holiday.

We are also driven by the idea that you need to "learn" how to retire if you want to enjoy it.  If we continue to burn the candle at both ends in the name of achieving some level of professional or financial success, will we actually be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor?  Perhaps -- but we didn't want to take the chance. Instead, we wanted to spend time together as a family practicing what it would be like to be "retired".  We couldn't do it at home, so why not in a far-away destination that offers, excitement, history and vibrant city life -- Barcelona.

After 2 1/2 years of carefully tending the seeds that we sowed, our adventure has now sprouted -- the last day of May, 2014 we arrived in Paris and spent a few days exploring the City; then on to Liege, Belguim to visit our exchange daughter, Julie.  We are now in Barcelona for the beginning of a five week attempt to slow down, enjoy what life offers and continue our search for balance.

We appreciate the tremendous support we have received in helping our small seedlings grow and flourish. Through this blog, we hope to share cuttings of our experience with you. Watch for posts and photos from the entire family as we continue to practice how to retire and SLOW DOWN. Please share your thoughts and stories from home as we also hope to keep one foot in America.

The morning of our departure Friday, May 30th.