Cruising Europe

Finally my parents and I made it to a cruise thru Europe. It is not a long trip. 8 days from Barcelona to Western Italy and then back to French Rivera before coming back to Barcelona. It was a priceless trip to spend such a lovely time with my parents. It is a belated celebration of Dad's 70th birthday. It has been 15 yrs since his last cruise to Alaska. He has waited for a while to do it again.

The wait is worth it. Firstly, this time I paid instead of he pays. Second, life is so much freer of burden for them. I didn't realized that even for retirees, there are still burden in life that kept them from living it out. 

I'm glad that I actually have the chance to pay for it. Never in my life that I thought I could actually pay for a trip with my parents. It is quite a little achievement on my part. I could have spent it on some fancy watches (3 rolexes to be exact.) But this is a much better experience and memories for the 3 of us. 

I really wished my brother could have come along. It would have been so much more fun. 

I don't know if we will have the chance to do it again. But somehow, I think we may. 

Hotel pictures 010 - Alexandra Hotel a Doubletree by Hilton

Have to post both rooms. The 1st room was for my parents while the 2nd room is mine. I like my parents' better. 

Hotel pictures 009 - Norwegian Epic Studio Cabin

Strictly speaking, it is not a hotel room. Yet, I think it documented my traveling life. The room is actually very nicely appointed. I really enjoyed it. 

Hotel pictures 008 Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

I am taking my parents on a cruise to celebrate Dad's 70th birthday. This is the first stop before embarking. More to come. 

October 1 2014

Heading to HKG to join my parents before flying to Barcelona to start our European cruise. HKG is not the usual peaceful fast pace island in last few days. Leaving the sunny quiet Shanghai and Jim behind to get on a flight to HKG seems strange indeed. This morning, I almost wish I have changed my ticket to leave a bit later to have a relaxing day at home. 

This trip will be great though. How rare to have a chance to do a cruise with my parents and to celebrate Dad'd 70th. Europe nonetheless. It has been years since I last visited Italy and Barcelona. To revisit some of the famous attractions will be very exciting.