MADRID, SPAIN- DAY 7

It was almost time to say "Adios!" to Spain.  On our last day we left Barcelona, and boarded the high speed train back to Madrid.

We checked back into the same hotel in Madrid where we stayed before we left for Barcelona- Petit Palace Hotel Lealtad Plaza.  We decided to do this so that we could leave some of our belongings while we went to Barcelona, and also because it would make for an easy check in and out on our last night.  Funny thing too, we even got the same room we had during our first few nights stay, and we were so happy about that!  I mean, for European hotel room standards, this place was HUGE!!!  It was perfect for the four of us and ALL of our luggage! ;-)  I really can't say enough good things about this hotel.  If you are traveling to Madrid (especially with kids), and have to stay on a budget- I would recommend staying here.  It was clean, spacious, the service was very friendly, it's centrally located to all of the things to do and see, and the breakfasts were delicious with a lot of variety!

We spent the afternoon strolling through the absolutely gorgeous El Retiro Park which is right across the street from the hotel.  We had lunch, played in the playgrounds, went out for a canoe ride, and shared some ice cream.  It was so much fun, and the perfect way to spend our last night in Espana!

Thanks for reading about our trip!  

If you are thinking about a trip to Spain, email us at jetsetsmart@gmail.com for help and suggestions!  

Now it's time to start planning our next Jet Set Smart getaway!!!

BARCELONA, SPAIN- DAY 6

After a good night's rest, Brody and I were back up and ready to join the crew for our last full day in Barcelona.  We used our hop on hop off 2-day bus pass to take us to see more of the major sites, including Gaudi's famous cathedral, and walking Las Ramblas at night.  I'll let the pictures do the talking!

Stay tuned tomorrow for more on our last day in Madrid, Spain!

BARCELONA, SPAIN- DAY 5

Our second day in Barcelona, was our first full day in the city.  

So the first thing we decided to do was to get on the hop on hop off bus.

 We always love to do that in a new city, because it's a good way to get your lay of the land, get a good look at the city, and pick and chose the areas you want to spend more time in.  The first place we got off was at L'Aquarium Barcelona to check out the fish and animals with the boys.  It's a really nice aquarium with so much to do!

Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch on the pier as we enjoyed the view.

The boys then went on the carousel before we got back on the bus. 

At this point, Brody and I were tired, and I was feeling a bit under the weather so the two of us went back to the hotel.  Rich, Richie and Rich's parents continued on and got off by the beach. 

Barcelona is really a beautiful city, and it has a beach...that's a win win in my book! 

More on our trip coming up this Monday!