Arrived in Barcelona

Just wanted to let you know that we arrived.  Our trip got off to a bumpy start.  We were to leave Chicago at 10:00 pm. A little after 9, Chuck noticed that departure time had been changed to 11:30pm.  An announcement was made that one of the crew could not fly so they had found a replacement and as soon as they arrived at O’Hare, we could start board.  A couple similar announcements were made.  A little after 11:00 pm, the whole crew paraded through to thunderous applause.  It was after 11:48 pm when we finally took off.  Despite the serving of drinks and foods, I only wanted to sleep.  As I dosed off, I remember the flight attendant saying, “Chicken or pasta? Chicken or pasta? Chicken or pasta?”  I slept for four hours until the flight attendant woke me up to ask if I was using the pillow on the empty seat next to me.  (Forgot to tell you that Chuck and I were in a row of 3 seats and one was empty.  That was nice.) Got back to sleep and slept 2 more hours.  Had breakfast and landed in Barcelona.  Really turned into a very nice flight with more sleep that we usually get.
When we got to the hotel, the Road Scholar group was about to leave on a walking tour.  Quick brushed  my teeth and off we went. This hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864 is very old but nicely restored.   We walked in this area for over an hour as Paula pointed out a couple Gaudi houses, architectural styles, restaurants, banks, etc. We are nicely located next to many eating spots and in the center of the city.  When we returned, our guide, Paula, let an introductory orientation for over an hour.  We left the hotel for a walk to the restaurant where we had dinner.  Outstanding feature:  dessert was three little filled cream puffs with chocolate sauce.  Now you know how it is 10:30 and our suitcases are not unpacked.