June 6, 1995: Barcelona, Spain

Took a tour of Barcelona. I noticed that the people in Barcelona liked to walk and sit in parks. That's probably why there aren't many fat people here.

Visited Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada familia, which was a cathedral built by architect, Antonio Gaudi. It had 12 towers representing the Apostles. It began construction in 1891 and was still under construction. We went to Olympic Stadium and Spanish Village.

The bus dropped us off at the Pacific Princess Cruise ship. Went in this big building to check-in and got complimentary wine. It was also custom to take a photograph of each of the passengers as they boarded the ship. Kelsey had already got on the ship. The ship was so big and she looked so small way up there.

Anyway, we walked up all the steps to get onto the boat. Kelsey had a drink called "Love Boat".

Kelsey and I looked around the ship after we had lunch on the sun deck. The ship had a casino, theater, several bars, dance place, gymnasium, pools, and a large dining room. We were quite fascinated at how fancy the boat was, as we had never been on a cruise ship before. I think the first cruise was extra special because it was all so new.

Our cabin was on the Fiesta floor, room #422. Charlene and Kelsey's room was #426 which was right next to our room.

Grandpa and Grandma had a suite on the Promenade deck, room 347. We had to go through the library to get to their room. You can also get to the Pacific Lounge via the circular stairs.

Had our first dinner on the boat. Our waiters, Sergio and Marion were so cute. Grandpa called Marion, Mario. Sergio was 22 years old, married, and had a 7 month old baby. He was from Portugal. Marion was 26 years old and from Romania. I don't think he was married. Sergio had dark hair and a tan complexion. Marion was pale like me and had dark hair. Marion was the assistant waitier and Sergio was our head waiter. They were really funny.

After our main meal, Marion scraped off our bread crumbs with a gold knife. We weren't used to this kind of service. I think we were going to be spoiled.

After the 2 hour dinner, they had a show on the ship. Tonight's show had native Barcelona dancers.

We went and danced in the Pacific Lounge. Kelsey got me a drink called "Amaretto Sour" which had amaretto liquor in it. It was good.

Charlene, Kelsey, and I watched the ship leave at 11:59 p.m. We left sideways. A boat had to go alongside the ship when leaving port. That's a law with the big cruise ships. The disappointing this was that people didn't throw confetti and yell bon voyage, like in the TV show "Love Boat".

I felt bad for my mom because she was crying. She felt uncomfortable while we were dancing. The boat was full of couples. Certain times, my mom got sad because she didn't  have my dad here to be with. I don't blame her, as it was hard to be on a cruise with couples, when you are single. That is why you have to do other activities to get your mind off of that. Charlene said she
loved my dad and he was very special to all of us. I think his death will forever affect all of us. He was a great man.