It
took a little bit longer to come back than I'd thought it would.. but
the Collection has taken over my life in the last few weeks, leaving
little room for anything else. I hope everyone had a good start into the
New Year, and wishing you a happy, peaceful and joyous 2017!
At the end of the holiday season we went on our first family trip with a dog, which made it an adventure for all of us. The challenge was to find places to stay and things to do that could be equally enjoyed by DH and me, our teenage DS and the little Milo! Barcelona seemed an obvious destination since it was easy to reach and the weather forecast promised blue skies.
Our
trip was planned pretty much last minute, and I felt so lucky that we
could still book into the chic and pet-friendly Claris boutique
hotel a block away from the Passeig de Garcia. The Claris's owner also
owns the Egyptian Museum across the road, to which hotel guests have
free access. His son did the hotel's interior design and created a
beautiful atmosphere by mixing modern furniture and fixtures with
antique sculptures, paintings, furniture and decorative objects from his
father's private art collection.
The Passeig de Garcia's plane trees were still clinging onto their autumn leaves, but Gaudi's Casa Battló was decked festively with fun and quirky clusters of snowballs hanging from its windows and balconies.
Milo's first 'sight-smelling' trip!
The Reserva Iberica ham
bar would have clearly been Milo's Barcelona favorite, but he had to
wait outside. It is one of the best places to buy the famous Spanish
Ibérico ham, and you can also enjoy it right there and then... they have
a few tables and bar stools where you can sample the different kinds,
along with a glass of chilled Cava.
The finest of the finest Ibérico ham, the Bellota (acorn in
Spanish). The Bellota producing Ibérico pigs spend their days roaming
happily in family groups under the oak trees and rooting for herbs,
grass and of course bellotas, their favorite food.
The
weather continued mild and warm, and it could just as well have been an
early spring or summers day. We started off at the Port Olympique,
where a row of restaurants along the beach path invite you to have lunch
on their pretty terraces overlooking the sea. We settled down at the Agua, where simple fresh seafood and mediterranean cuisine was brought out in charming and relaxed surroundings.
Hola, little lunch guest!
The Port Olympique's bronze whale. Walk west from there, and you come to the Agua and many other restaurants and cafés. You can continue your walk after lunch towards the One Ocean Port, and find plenty of entertainment and things to do along the way.
Milo's Spanish amigo
Sunset with palm trees.. who could resist taking a pic!
Once you get to One Ocean Port, you are very near to Las Fritas,
one of DS's favorite places in Barcelona. He's tried and tested it on
many occasions, and it has his definite seal of approval. I have to
agree, the hand-made Las Fritas chips are amongst the best I've ever
had.
Winter in Spain
Even
though the Passeig de Gracia has beautiful shops, I did the best
shopping on the way home. After half an hour on the road back to France,
you go past the La Roca Village. This time we stopped.. the night
before I googled the brands on offer.. all of us found something of
interest in this chic outlet village! I came home with some beautiful
Max Mara sweaters, which will keep me cosy and warm throughout the rest
of the winter.
Back home, winter had finally arrived...
Will there be summer ever again?
Claris Hotel: 150 Pau Claris, 08009 Barcelona. Tel: +34 934 876 262
www.hotelclaris.comEgyptian Museum: Calle Valencia 284, 08007 Barcelona. Tel: +34 934 880 188 www.museuegipci.com
Jamon Reserva Ibérica, Rambla de Catalunya, 61, 08007 Barcelona
Online shop: www.reservaiberica.com
Agua Beach Restaurant: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 30, 08003 Barcelona. Tel:
34 932 25 12 72
www.grupotragaluz.com/agua
Las Fritas: Passeig de Joan de Borbó 12, 08003 Barcelona. Tel:
+34 931 79 11 04
La Roca Village: s/n, 08430 Santa Agnès de Malanyanes, Barcelona
www.larocavillage.com
You might also like:
Las Fritas: Passeig de Joan de Borbó 12, 08003 Barcelona. Tel:
+34 931 79 11 04
La Roca Village: s/n, 08430 Santa Agnès de Malanyanes, Barcelona
www.larocavillage.com
You might also like:
I like the natural fur earmuffs on Milo - not for sale, I'm afraid! I think we are happiest when our children visit home from school holidays, it shows dear MT! So glad you had a good time en famille! Emily :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are right, these are the happiest and most precious moments indeed, to be remembered forever. Milo says woof and merci!
DeleteHis earmuffs feel like liquid silk.. <3
What a lovely description of your travels. Milo looks so chic in his sweater. My Border Terrier Monty was very interested to read about the Jamon shop. I explained dogs are not allowed inside but he says he will wear a jacket and hat so he will pass unnoticed..
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever boy your Monty is! Passed the tip onto Milo, who is googling outfits as we speak.. xx
DeleteThanks for all the great pictures and tips from Barcelona. I am planning a trip late spring this year so I think you have giving some new inspiration. By the way, how was it travelling with Milo? When you for instance were in a restaurant, were you worried he would be uncomfortable or that even someone would take him? We love dogs, but don't have one yet, but I am thinking about how we would have to adapt to the dog and small things you have to consider like leaving the dog outside. Thanks! So cute ear muffs, by the way.
ReplyDeleteYou are very right to consider carefully about adding a dog to your life...the changes are huge. Travelling with Milo was no problem, he is very small and quite well behaved :) I would never leave him unattended outside a restaurant, super market etc ...dogs do get snatched, unfortuntely.
DeleteHave a great time in Barcelona, spring is a wonderful time to visit!
Thank-you for a lovely, interesting post. But never, ever do a post without showing us what you're wearing. Please :)
ReplyDeleteWill try! Hope the next post makes up for the lack of outfit pics in this one :)
DeleteDear MaiTai,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely trip! Barcelona is an amazing city. You have such beautiful taste in jewelry and fashion! Your dog is so chic! ❤️
Myrtille & Stefani - LXRY CAPSULE
Thanks so much for the kind comment, Myrtille and Stefani! Have a wonderful week!
DeleteI laughed when I noticed that Milo's outfit was perfectly matched to yours! You both look so chic.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely you could get away for a few days to beautiful Barcelona and with perfect weather, too.
I'm sure that little Milo sniffed his way all over Barcelona, and I hope that he got at least a small taste of the jamon. I'm with DS, though - the fabulous frites looked too good to pass up. If I'm going to have a "cheat" food, it's got to be French fries - very good ones, please!
Highly envious of the beautiful Max Mara cashmeres, although, with temperatures here in the mid-70's, I wouldn't be able to wear them anyway.
The mink ear muffs are adorable. Will Milo have a matching pair?
Most happy to see you back and a wonderful new year to you and all the lovely Swans in the pond,
Jerrine
Darling Jerrine, your comments always make my day! Your writing is so elegant, warm and witty - wish I could write my blog this way.
DeleteI do admit that I packed a lot of grey and beige, and was happy that the mocca tassel of my necklace matched his coat so well. If only H could bring out a Wiener color next!
As for earmuffs.. I was thinking of a Sherlock hat?
Much love xx
So happy to have you back, dearest MaiTai- and you once more surpassed my expectations and hopes...what a perfect day to go on a journey to Barcelona and to the beach, even if it's only in my mind! Yes, traveling with a dog has some traps- the little ones are not welcome everywhere. Lucky for Milo that you can still carry him on your arm- he is definitely a very stylish accessory! Finally wanted to order my pebble necklace- but maybe it's better to wait for new surprises? Thanks for sharing and all you energy you put into this!
ReplyDeleteKatja
So happy you enjoyed the post, many thanks, dearest Katja! It'll be interesting to find out how Milo will affect our future travelling, and which places work and which don't. Barcelona was very easy, particularly since it was winter (not sure if he would have been allowed on the beach in the summer). France is luckily very dog-friendly, and since Milo is going to stay petite, I hope things are going to work out in other place too!
DeleteGood morning MaiTai, and thank you for sharing your travel notes as usual. I drop into your blog whenever I have time, and this morning I am at home, enjoying some delicious coffee and panetonne, and planning travels with my family for the coming year. Our own DS now at university, and will he or wont he wish to holiday with us? The challenge to find a holiday with something for everyone. I used your notes from Barcelona last summer, and what a super time we had, so thank you for all your top tips! Enjoying your capsule looks as always! How time flies by with family life changing, as our daughter will be off to university in a little over a year! Best wishes for a most happy new year.
ReplyDeleteOh I can't believe that your son is at university and that your DD will be following so soon! DS is spreading his wings too... how fast all the changes are. So happy you had a great time in Barcelona last year. How about Berlin or Amsterdam for 2017? Both are such great places, with something to do for everyone. Have a most wonderful and happy 2017 too!
DeleteLOVELY GET AWAY with MILO!DID I tell you I have a new 8 years old neighbor with the same NAME!!!!!!HE SINGS OPERA and speaks ITALIAN!MAKES ME HAPPY!YOUR ear muffs look wonderful..........I must go PEEK at the earrings!
ReplyDeleteI do understand it has been terribly COLD in EUROPE this WINTER........we have had tons of RAIN which we so desperately needed!I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR MILO on INSTAGRAM and what he has gotten INTO!!!!XX
Wonderful, so many great news! How fantastic to have your precious Milo living right next door, and what a relief that it has finally rained in California. I was quite shocked to see LA looking so parched last summer, hopefully all will be back to green and lush in no time. Have a fabuous week!
DeleteSo nice to read about your holiday in Barcelona, dear MT. It is wonderful when a trip hits the fun button for all! I am sure that little Milo has been dreaming of his beach ball days with his new buddy!
ReplyDeleteCute, playful shots with the earmuffs and I love the contrast with your flaxen mane!
Your Max Mara sweaters look yummy and I look forward to seeing them in action.
Wishing you and all of the swans beginning to return to the pond a wonderful weekend! Mwahs, T xx
Barcelona always is a sure bet to hit the fun button for all, dearest Trudye, it's such a diverse and fabulous place. The MM outlet on the way back certainly was another bonus.. I was amazed how current the offerings were. Hope you had a happy January and have a great week ahead! Mwahs xx
DeleteYou made me back our last journey to Barcelona, last year in December, sea, monuments, Dali etc etc only we were at Four Seasons Hotel, it means with a garden on the roof top, only for us.... As soon as I can walk I want to return..... I think, but its completely personal that a dog does not need a coat unless minus 0 or 8 as we have now here! Or if he have kidneys problem may be.... And Barcelone its no so far from your home you go by car. We have to take plane but it becomes si cheap than
ReplyDeleteBarcelona lost his charm.... I pay the same for taxi, crossing town for my X ray concerning my operation.... Unfortunately it has changed a lot Barcelone. Cheap, cheap. So pity i love this town, his bar, etc... And jamin of course!
Completely agree with you on the coat, wouldn't put it on unless it's much cooler. Until then, it's just a little sweater ;) On the other hand, I don't think Barcelona been has robbed of it's charm...we had a most lovely time. You could always try to visit outside the main tourist season..
DeleteWe went for a Chinese dinner at Claris... A bit darker but very good.
ReplyDeleteAgreed :)
DeleteDearest Mai Tai,
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have you back. I've missed you <3
Your trip to Barcelona seems to have been a very pleasant one and your pictures are beautiful! I love your travellogues.
Milo is so sweet and cute in his outfit 😉 Congratulations on the new items. I wish you a great success with them. The earrings are lovely! ✨✨
Wishing you a happy and cosy Sunday.
Much love, Manuela xx
Thany your for the sweet words and kind good wishes, dearest Manuela! Hope you had a good start into 2017 and that all is happy and well! Much love xx
DeleteI'm late to the party, as usual, but I love the fun snaps of Barcelona and Milo. You take such glamorous holidays! Congratulations on the new items--the earmuffs are divine!
ReplyDeleteOh and I am even later to re-join the party...bringing bottles of Cava and plates of Iberico ham with me, hola!
Delete:-) Dear MaiTai,
ReplyDeletefirst of all a very HAPPY (belated) NEW YEAR and all the best to you and yours!
It's been far too long since I've been to Barcelona. I've only ever gone in December, when it was freezing cold here and there we were able lo sit in the cafés by the beach with a couple of glasses of Cava, some nibbles and hours of fun with friends.
Your new little family member is cute. We have one of those in our family too, her name is Eva and she's a mad little dog, chasing every rabbit that comes close.
So in love with your new ear muffs and since it's presently so freezing cold, I'm honestly considering a pair for the very first time in my life ;-)
Have a very HAPPY weekend xo :-)
I still pinch myself everytime we sit outside in the winter.. the (far too) hot summers are still a price worth paying for it. Milo sends a big woof to your darling Eva. I heard that there's a Dackel café in Berlin, perhaps we should meet there one day! Have a happy week! xx
Delete