2013.08.11 – Barcelona (Spain) – London (UK)

We checked-out of our room and left our luggage at the B&B before heading out in search of a place to have breakfast. As we started walking towards the Las Ramblas pedestrian area, we quickly realized that it would be difficult to find a restaurant opened for breakfast on Sunday. Upon encountering our first opened bistro, we were eager to sit down on the street patio for paninis and coffees. We could not quite understand why some folks would walk by the bistro after walk in and not ordering anything. The answer to our question came when we got the hefty 56 euros bill for our food. We were left with no choice but to pay the owner. We we were extremely frustrated and disappointed with Barcelona city officials for allowing such businesses to exploit tourists. The rest of our walk was ruined by our breakfast rip-off. Back at our B&B later in the afternoon, the five of us took a taxi to the airport. Before going through the airport screening, we thought we would have an early supper to avoid having to order food on-board of the plane. Hence, we stopped at one of the airport restaurant and ordered hamburgers. We were chocked when we noticed that the hamburger patties were barely cooked. Still frustrated by our earlier day rip-off, we stood up from our table and simply left the restaurant without paying a single dime for our order as none of us touched our food. We recalled telling the waiter, in broken Spanish, that not event dogs would eat those hamburgers. The flight to London provided a bit of relief from our very frustrating last day in Barcelona. From the Gatwick airport, we took the train to a station close by our hotel – Travelodge London City Road. We bid good night to Jack and Jessica who continued their way to their flat.

2013.08.12 – London (UK)

After a slow wake-up morning, we dropped by the hotel restaurant for breakfast. We cautiously looked at the menu for their breakfast prices. Later, Jenny, Victoria and Jessica headed out for some clothes shopping at their favorite store – Primemark. Late afternoon, I met them at the King Cross subway station in order to visit the famous Platform 9 ¾ exhibit and store made famous by JK Rolling’s Harry Potter book series. Victoria was thrilled to have her picture taking at the platform. We could not leave the store without buying a few magic wands. Later Jack and Jessica treated us to an nice evening meal where we celebrated my birthday. We finished the evening with our farewell to them as we were flying out to home the next morning.

2013.08.13 – London (UK)

We woke up early and caught a train to the Gatwick Airport. After passing through the security screening, we had a light breakfast at “Prêt à manger”. We realized we had just finished yet another amazing full circle family trip in Europe.