Barcelona 2026 Day 4: Current-Day Barcelona

Barcelona’s vibrant atmosphere is shaped by its transformation since the 1992 Olympics, which revitalized its waterfront and public spaces. Contemporary challenges include political tensions, tourism impacts, and housing shortages. Events like the Barcelona Marathon showcase community spirit. The blend of modernity and history makes Barcelona a lively city, perfect for outdoor living.

Barcelona 2026 – Day 3: Gothic Quarter

On Day 3 of the Barcelona trip, the exploration of the Gothic Quarter revealed 2,000 years of history, highlighted by the stunning Barcelona Cathedral and historic Plaça del Rei. A vibrant cooking demonstration showcased Catalan cuisine, leading to a beautiful evening Mass at the illuminated Sagrada Família, enriching the travel experience.

CES 2026 – Robotics

Key Takeaways from CES 2026 Robotics 1. Robots are transitioning from showpieces to functional machines Humanoids at this show weren’t just posing — many demonstrated task execution relevant to homes, factories, hospitals, and service roles.  I was especially impressed with the hands and the robot hand effectiveness.  This has been an issue in the past…

CES – Everything Else

The content lists various innovative products and technologies, including farm equipment, electric vehicles, exercise tools, and smart home devices. Notable items are electric camping trailers, self-driving trucks, personal helicopters, and glucose monitors. The collection illustrates a wide range of advancements aimed at enhancing daily living and leisure activities.

Italy 2025 Appian Way

Today, we celebrated my grandson Simon’s birthday by biking on the historic Appian Way, built in 312 BC. This ancient road, lined with cypress trees and ruins, offers a unique perspective of history. Our family enjoyed quality time together in Rome, filled with memories and stories, before some head back to the US.

Italy 2025 Rome part 1

The next day we boarded a train and headed to Rome.    All of the grandchildren loved riding the trains.  JP said it was the favorite part of his trip.  We arrived into Rome, took the Metro to our VRBO apartments (3 in the same building).  The apartments are close to the Metro, on a…

Italy 2025 Assisi via Padeu

The next day we got up early and took a water bus to the train station and boarded a train to Assisi.  We had a stop in Padeu and we visited Basilica of St. Anthony’s .  Padua (Italian: Padova) is one of Italy’s oldest cities, founded by the ancient Veneti around the 12th century BCE.…

Italy 2025 Venice

Nana and the family are embarking on a Jubilee vacation to Italy, commemorating a promise made 25 years ago during a previous trip. The journey starts in Venice, a historical city known for its canals and art, where 26 family members gather. They enjoy sightseeing, dinner, and a gondola ride before heading to Assisi.