It’s Thursday, July 3rd, and here I am at the Holiday Inn Athens by the airport, caught in the thrilling limbo of hotel andventures—also known as the “between rooms” stage. Picture this: I had to check out of my room at the crack of 11 AM, and now I’m in a suspenseful waiting game until 3 PM to check into my new digs. Apparently, booking with points is a new Olympic sport, and I’m just a lowly contestant.

So, I booked one room, but my friend Margaret — you know, the jet-setter who’s currently sipping espresso in France — waiting on her last leg for her flight to Athens, booked the second night with her points. Now I’m twiddling my thumbs, waiting for her to land and save me from this hotel purgatory. Anyone care to join my “Waiting for Margaret” fan club? Because it’s a riot over here! 😄

But I am getting ahead of myself …

So, maybe blogging is not for me, at least not until I figure out how to make posts private — which is the antithesis of blogging … he he he the conundrums I create for myself. Regardless, until I decide how to go forward I figured I would update you via e-mail. Well, create the blog and e-mail it rather than publish it.

“Barcelona and Beyond: The Trip so Exhilarant , It Could Use a Nap!”

As you may or may not remember, I traveled with Zane, Izzy’s boyfriend, to Barcelona. We had a great time! We had plenty of time before our flight so we hopped between the lounges offered by my Priority Pass; let me tell you, I got my money’s worth. He has an impressive appetite. Gents, we officially have a nickname: “The Real Hungry Boy.”

Our epic voyage to Barcelona hit a tiny bump in the road… we made a pit stop in Madrid, and guess what? Yes, ticket drama unfolded! My second leg ticket decided to play hide-and-seek, while, ironically, Zane’s ticket was strutting its stuff like it owned the place. So, off he went through security while I was left in the Bermuda Triangle of airports. But here’s the twist: unlike Izzy during our Italy trip, he didn’t keep going—he actually stood there like a miniature superhero, explaining my plight to the confused officers who were probably wondering what kind of circus act was happening. I found myself at the ticket counter, begging for a replacement ticket like a lost puppy—oh, and my flashy electronic version on my phone? It was about as useful as a chocolate teapot. But hey, crisis dodged with a side of laughter!

As I sit here, I’m attempting to recall the moment I met Izzy—oh dear, what was it? I can’t remember! The only thing that sticks out is that I got hugged second—which is definitely an upgrade from the chilly reception I received in Italy a few years ago! 😄 Oh, this is a tragedy! My memory’s playing hide-and-seek, and thanks to the time difference, I can’t even call the kids for help! WHERE IS THAT ZANAX?!

Well, I give up, lets go on. The Hotel in Barcelona was excellent, and the included breakfast insanely exquisite. But alas we only had a day before we had to board the ship. So there we went the 3 of us to walk Barcelona.. and walk we did – 7 miles! Izzy led us though the city and the subway with ease and like a pro.. If one ignores the Apple Maps on her hand at all times. lol.

We boarded the ship the next day without any issue—yay, a miracle! But this journey is getting lengthy… stay tuned for the next leg! I promise there are a few of Allison’s mishaps that will have you laughing so hard, you’ll forget your sea legs!

And Joe, yes I did use some AI to improve this blog!

Oh, on the photography journey, I decided to return solo during the fall because dodging heat waves and a billion tourists while taking pictures is harder than wrestling a flamingo in a tutu! (AI Generated)