Landed on a Farm

Today we flew out to Paris, France. It was an adventure all right. I found out last night that we were only allowed 1 carry on item, which includes EVERYTHING you can think of. So Ralph had no idea what we were going to do with our two huge pieces of luggage. Thankfully the hotel we were staying at in Madrid was so kind to offer to hold it for us until we got back. I have to say that the hotel Husa Paseo de Arte has been wonderful. They are so good about "going green" and they were also sweet to also give us a discounted ride to the airport. That was half of what we paid the taxi coming into town.

So we left at 7:15am to the airport and it was a mad house in Terminal 1. My friends and I booked all our flights through Ryanair because it was so cheap. Well now I see why :( . Our flight was delayed and they kept checking everyone to make sure your had the right sized luggage. Finally we took off and it was you sit where you sit and you don't throw a fit. I turned to Ralph towards the end of the flight and asked him if we were landing on a farm. He started  to laugh, turned around with a puzzled look on his face and said, "We are landing on a farm!"

We found out that we landed at an airport outside of Paris and had to take a bus ride 1 hour away. When we got to Paris it was a bit frighting because we had no idea where to go. I kept apologizing to Ralph for making him work during his vacation time. He just laughed and said he has been having fun getting lost and playing scavenger hunt during this trip.

We got frustrated with Paris's metro system that we decided to take a taxi cab to our hotel. When we finally settled in we took off to explore Paris by a boat ride. We also got to see the  Eiffel Tower. It is so gorgeous. I told Ralph that "all the work to get here is finally worth it."

Cristina Ibarra

Carmen!

Last night Ralph and I could not go to sleep. We laid in bed trying desperately to fall fast asleep. We finally ended up going to sleep at 4am. We kept making the mistake of looking at Dallas time zone. 

When we finally woke up well rested we started our day. We headed to the Parque de Retiro and enjoyed a nice 5 mile hike. Then we went to the Museo Nacional Del Prado. They had a LOT of famous artwork and we walked another 3 miles in that museum. Later we headed back to Calle de Preciados to find the converter for my flat iron. This was a very difficult task that we had been trying to accomplish since yesterday. Hopefully it works and does not fry my flat iron or hotel room. For my friends back in the US who will be joining me soon. BUY YOUR CONVERTER IN THE USA. Even with both of us knowing Spanish it is still a challenge to find something so simple. Ralph and I walked another few miles in the city of Madrid. He kept telling me how happy he was that he bought some (crocs shoes). 

After all of that, we had some mojitos outside of a bar. We bought tickets to a Flamenco dance/show called CARMEN. Wow! This show was really cool. I am so glad we were able to buy last minute tickets to this show. It had all the Spaniard culture with flamenco castanets, fans and live musical performers. The dancers were so passionate and dramatic during their show. They made me and Ralph say BRAVO!

I hope you will enjoy the photos I post. 

Till next time.

Cristina Ibarra

Jet Lagged

Wow, Ralph and I have arrived in Spain. We were jet lagged last night and this morning. We walked the streets of Spain last night and today. The country is so beautiful and full of historical buildings. We are so glad are parents enforced Spanish in us as young children. If you don't speak Spanish good luck.

When we arrived at the airport yesterday I made friends with a friendly Canadian named Melanie who lost her luggage just like me. Ugh! Could this really be happening I thought. We finally located my luggage on another carousel but unfortunately for Melanie we never found hers.

Our taxi ride to the hotel was nice. The gentleman complemented us on our Spanish and asked if we were from Colombia. We laughed and said no. The repeatedly asked for forgiveness.

Today when we stop for a quick drink at a convenience store we saw a british man trying to get some help but could only speak English. I asked him what he was trying to buy and the clerk quickly understood me in Spanish and handed the guy his super glue.

Loved walking around the street called (Calle de Preciados), hence my maiden name in the title. Ralph thought I was full of my self taking pictures of the street.

We are having fun and enjoying all the sights and sounds of the guitars and trumpets outside.

Cristina Ibarra

Gate D30

Im here at DFW airport about to board my flight. I'm using my phone because getting wifi is already a problem. Last night my husband and I stayed up till 2am packing for this trip. We are very tired and ready to sleep on our flight. We also left our dog Charlie with my little brother. It was a scene I see every start of the school year. The child upset and crying and the parents not wanting to let go. He is in good hands, I hope.
I received an A from my first course this summer, yay! That class was intense. I am very happy to finally get a taste of a summer vacation. I have been so busy and working non stop till today. I am so excited about this trip and everything im going to learn along the way.
I want to thank you all for taking the time to follow me along.
Hasta luego.
Cristina Ibarra

5 Days Till Spain

I have only 5 days until I leave for Spain. I am finishing up some reading assignments in my Summer 1 course at the moment. This past weekend I went shopping with Ralph to the Allen Outlets and bought things to pack for our trip. I have most of the clothes I'll be taking already packed. I have all my hotels, flights, train rides in order. I also ordered euros today from my bank. I hope we don't leave anything behind. Still waiting to hear on the boarding home for Charlie. I hope that comes through. Otherwise we will have to find someone last minute to take care of our baby. This is my very first blog so I'm just getting use to all the features. If you have any advise for my blog or trip please reply. Thank you for following me along for the trip of a lifetime. :)

Cristina Ibarra