So Spain this year was a mix of two things, a trial run on a plane for Elliot in preparation for the States and, seeing as how I am now a supply teacher and can go away for my birthday WHY NOT?!!

Travel

Due to staffing issues we had to get to the airport 3hrs before our flight. There were huge queues but luckily, as my parents came with us and my mum needed a wheelchair, we got through security quickly.

Anyone worrying about taking an infant on a plane, don’t. What will be will be! We were fretting and actually, we were fortunate – he seemed to enjoy take off and clapped when we were in the air. I’d say the best things to keep him occupied were SNACKS SNACKS SNACKS! Well, at least that works for our kid.

We decided to hire a car at the airport as, even though we only needed it to get to our friend’s house, the beach, and then back to the airport it would be too much hassle on the train and bus. With Elliot and elderly parents, it’s all about making life easy!

Hotel 

For the first few days, we stayed with friends just outside of Barcelona. Then we rented a 3-bed apartment by the beach in Estartit. Our friends have an apartment there too so we know the area well and love it there. It is quieter than other places in the Costa Brava, which we prefer.

I looked on Airbnb and found a suitable place online and the gentleman whose apartment it was was very quick to respond to any questions I had about the amenities and facilities. I’d highly recommend Airbnb for this time of accommodation.

Places to visit/things to do

We visit our friends fairly regularly so know places in the vicinity to explore.

Barcelona is the first place you should visit. I would highly recommend the green, red and blue bus route buses as they go everywhere and you get an excellent flavour of culture and history from them. Elliot is sadly too young for them so we’ll have to wait till next time.

Girona is also a quaint little town. As we landed in Girona airport (closer to the apartment we stayed in and MUCH easier airport security-wise! It’s a historic town with lots of museums and old churches.

For my birthday Steve got me a ride on a jet ski. I mean obviously he was coming with me so it was a present for him too but I didn’t mind! There are about 4/5 companies in Estartit that hire them out. You can look for companies online or go to the little cabins near the port along the seafront. 140€ for an hr which isn’t too bad.

Food

As we stayed with friends and then had our own apartment we didn’t really eat out much. Spaniards eat late (earliest 8 pm) and we didn’t want to keep Elliot awake.

We mainly therefore did big lunches out. The first meal out was Restaurant CHEERS. We were here last year too and the food was amazing! They do a menu of the day which is three courses for 21€ pp including water, wine, or beer. Includes a lot of fish which is fresh. Would recommend this place.

We also ate at Club Naútic restaurant for my birthday. This time it was à la carte and again delicious. I had veal cheek, Mum had a pork steak and Steve had a beef steak. All just melted in your mouth. Just beautiful.

Even though we didn’t eat at Pier 11, we had drinks there and I have to say the cocktails were awesome and HUGE! Rosa, our friend said, however, that the food was very good so will probably go there next time we’re over.

Final thoughts

For us this trip was perfect. Great trial run on the plane (and we were surprisingly pleased with how well Elliot handled it), a brilliant break away for my birthday, and most of all great memories made with my parent.