Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Monday of October but being in Barcelona amidst a very robust and active group of Americans, we invariably celebrate the American Thanksgiving!
Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, baked sweet potatoes, green beans and of course pumpkin pie shared with American, Catalan and Spanish friends is in itself something truly to be grateful for! And I am, of course!
With our busy schedules we don´t often get to see each other, but Thanksgiving and the next Harry Potter movie are reserved as our two special get-togethers!
So what am I thankful for at this thanksgiving time of year? So many many things!!! To begin with a new day each and every morning! My intelligent and beautiful daughter, (who could ask for more?) the love of my life! My family, where would I be without them, their unconditional love and unfailing support. My wonderful friends who bring laughter and joy and memories to my life. My work, the fact that I love my work and the amazing people I work with. They inspire me, challenge me and show me what is possible. This great city on the shores of the Mediterranean. Culture- rich, culture- bound! The list could go on and on...I am just a very fortunate soul and who is so grateful for every wonderful new day full of abundance and love.

Carnaval in Barcelona...Olympics in Vancouver!

It actually hailed this evening! Put a bit of a damper on Carnaval in the city, Barcelona´s very own Mardi Gra celebration but people still took to the streets. We saw bumblebees, pirates, jailhouse prisoners, and lots of fairies...from the car! Tomorrow will be more parades, "ruas" and giants everywhere as it is also the celebration of Saint Laia. Giants in English, "gigantes" in Spanish and "gegants" in Catalan, as they are called here in Barcelona, are larger than life figures, made from resin and usually hand-painted. Each city has their own set of giants that are paraded out and about the city during municipal celebrations and parties.

We have a visitor from Canada staying with us so tomorrow we will take Sarah to see Laia, the giant in Plaça Sant Jaume, a beautiful square in the center of the city. Here´s hoping it won´t rain.

After our little ride into the rain to spot carnaval costumes, we returned home to check into the Vancouver winter Olympics, watch the men´s speedskating event and brood over the wonderful opening ceremony photos! One of my absolute favourites was the one of the mounties carrying our glorious flag. It´s just so wonderful to be Canadian! Tomorrow I´ll post pictures of the giants from Plaça Sant Jaume!