la sagrada familia

Every now and then the stars align accommodation-wise and that's what happened to us. We knew that our place in Barcelona had a view of La Sagrada Familia, but we were thoroughly stunned by how close we actually were. When we booked the owner didn't know about the amazing light show that was to be every hour nightly during our stay - he could have charged much much more just for the front row seats! The streets below us would fill with thousands of people out to watch the music and light display on the side of the still-under construction church. (They say it will be finished in 2026, by the way).

high fashion

It seems that this town also comes together for fashion. We happened to be here during fashion week. The same street that hosted the Virgin Mary last week became a five-block-long open air runway. It was free to watch so we took the Girl. She was very excited to see the spectacle. It was really cute listening to her comment on designers like Agatha Ruiz de la Prada's designs.

the virgin mary

We knew today was a holiday since all the stores were closed. So tonight as we headed to dinner you can imagine our delight when we joined the ENTIRE city in witnessing the annual return of the Virgin Mary to the Cathedral. Basically, September 8 is the feast day of Our Virgin of La Victoria (Our Lady of Victory) and is a local holiday. This Virgin is the patron saint of Malaga. On the last Sunday in August, the statue of the Virgin is taken to the Cathedral where a novena is prayed. On the feast day, there is usually a long procession in the afternoon to the Church of La Victoria, when the statue is returned from the Cathedral. First we saw the float carrying the statue in the distance as rose petals were tossed down from above.

The statue was being carried by at least a hundred men in suits and led by city officials, church leaders, children with incense and alter boys with candles.

seven

We started the 7th birthday festivities the night before by choosing a cake and stopping by a candy emporium for a candy splurge! Buddy and Girl were overwhelmed by the choices and thrilled to be in the store. They each chose ten pieces of candy.  A forever memory for them and only a few euros for us.

The next day (her actual birthday) we decided to head to the waterpark a few cities away on the train, even though it was a Saturday and we knew it would be busy. When we arrived at the gate we were concerned.

blue moon

Tomorrow our girl turns 7! And in celebration tonight is a blue moon. So much has happened in the SEVEN years that I have gotten to know her. (I feel super grown up having a seven year old). Thankful for the calm moon that shines here and will shine around the world later today on our friends and family far and wide.