Barcelona. Maybe I should blog again

Ok. We left off in...um...January. Oops. Lets continue to recap my amazing vacation (just planning another one with my main man). Then I'll get back to posting about gluten free cooking. Or just post pretty pictures. whatev.

Ok. Tracy took off back to MN and Josh and I headed to Barcelona. We almost missed our flight because somebody (ok, it was me) ordered creme brulee before leaving. Ooops. We ran like maniacs through the airport, but made it. Thank God. I never would have lived that down.

We got there. And started having fun.

Beach front!

 Barcelona had a bustling city center, with upscale shops, tapas restaurants and bright lights

Of course, there is an obligatory trip to the aquarium. Little did Josh know, I share his unyeilding love for all things aquatic. Met Flotsam or maybe Jetsam.

Josh had carried a 40 lb backback with all our junk through Paris. Now it was my turn. Oy my aching shoulder.

Holy lord. Paella. yum and yum. In Spain. Best thing ever.

 Markets. I insisted. It was worth it. Fruit!!

 Crazy seafood spread. All for sale. Sigh, no way to experiment with this selection

Spice heaven. Paella spices purchased for my mother. Which she has experimented with in my kitchen. As planned :)

Olive bar of the Gods

We trekked out to Sangrada Familia. Only to be interrupted by the most epic downpour ever. We ran into a souvenir shop and frantically helped the old owner save his post cards. He said he had never seen anything of the sort his entire life. Impresivo.

Look. Sunny skies. Off to tour the cathedral. Perpetually under construction it seems.

Inside was the perfect blend of classy and Gaudi....So much history :)

Organs and stained glass. I might die of happiness

There was also a fair amount of beach bumming. And running. Yes, that makes 3 countries Josh has endured jogging in. He is a keeper. I read gossipy novels, we drank OJ and rum, and tanned our butts off. It really is paradise.

Beach front dinner. Happy campers.

I'll leave you with paella. Sadly. We had to return to the land of lutefisk at some point...

Paris

Paris!

A vacation to Paris! Every girl's dream come true! Josh booked me a direct flight from MPLS to Paris. Praise that man!  I sat by a very chatty British bloke on the plane, who recommended millions of things to do in Paris...most of which I forgot. Nonetheless, I arrived without a hitch at the Holiday Inn and was met at the door by Mr. Epic himself.

Tower

Josh's sabbatical was a dream come true. After working 5 years, non stop, every day, traveling like a madman, Epic grants it's employees an amazing opportunity. They are offered 1 month of travel with room and board paid! There are two stipulations: 1) you must pick a location you have never been before, and 2) you must stay at least 21 days.  Deal. Yes please!

Up to the top

Josh earned that sabbatical, let me tell you! And, being the great guy he is, he brought two guests. His mother and me:) Josh and Tracy had been galavanting around Greece for a week by the time I showed up to meet them in Paris. This trio took France by storm!

Notre Dame

Eiffel Tower

Delicious salads

OMG, best salad ever

Heaven

Amazing food. I'm spoiled, and Josh ordered me wine and cheese every day. Wine and cheese, in Paris. Yes, I know. Le sigh. He also ran with me in Paris. This man is from another planet.

Da Vinci Code flashbacks

Louve

W/Mona

Champs Elysees

 Champs-Elysees

Tour!

Tour de France!

Knights!

 

Military Museum

Ahh

Relaxing

Lady Marmalade

Moulin Rouge

break time

More relaxing

Always made the midnight light show!

Thank you Josh!

Most romantic city in the world! Off to Barcelona!

Dude

I'm trying

There are a lot of pictures...

Happy 2012

This is going to be a good year. I just know it. Why? 12 is my favorite number, so obviously, there are great things in store. And, No. I don't believe in Mayan predictions. Unless they are waging on baseball games, I'm good thanks.

 New Year eats.

Mmmm yes. Ham, cheesy potatoes and grilled romaine.

New years resolutions include working on personal health and fitness, with this guy.

He believes eating protein + fiber = perfect health.

I believe U + Me = Us I know my calculus




Thanks, snackface, for the blast from the past.

Anyways, I love that man, so I try to make him happy. Plus my mom loves me, and gives me large portions of meat prior to making her Exodus to Florida.



Just make cheesy potatoes. Seriously. Because, ham needs cheesy potatoes. And. your boyfriend will eat them even if he has sworn up and down the new year is only protein and fiber. If he doth protest, remind him how much protein cheese has...mmmhmmm. biochem major.

Simmer shallots, garlic, S&P. with 2 cups of cream for 4 min or so. Watch it. This is not the time to utilize your ADD skillz

Pour your fortified cream on your Cheesy potatoes (layered potato, white cheddar and parmesan). Recipe courtesy of the Neely's. Plus, the addition of nutmeg. My Mom has taught me nutmeg belongs in all creamy concoctions, and she is correct.

Ham is pretty easy. Unwrap, add some water, tent and bake for 20-24 min per pound. Your apartment will smell like you are a housewife...boom...just like that.

This is an amazing dinner. Prep and pop it in the oven. Then you have time to clean the kitchen...

And convince you manly man to hang up pictures!

yes and yes. Josh suggested staggering. I was apprehensive. But, like usual. he was right.

Also add grilled romaine, because its easy and crazy delicious. Put romaine halves in the foreman with EVOO spray and balsamic..till they are done. Then add grated Parmesan. Then inhale. Thanks Dad for this addition to my veggie repertoire. Love it.

Other recent events have included..Puzzle dates

boards and flowers from my man.

Christmas, new years, etc.

I will blog about my european vacation, soon. I'm pretty sure, I sort of promise.

Happy 2012!