In a few hours, we are leaving for home - going from Barcelona to London, London to New York, and finally New York to DC., totaling twenty-four hours. On the eve of our departure, we thought we would make some brief reflections and share some anecdotes from our trip.
1. This is the best trip of our lives.
2. Fariha loves audio guides. She would often listen to all the commentary available about the same thing.
3. Fasiha is a true blue Bengali the way she photographs EVERYTHING from every single angle humanly possible. She should've just gotten a fanny pack to seal the deal.
4. Fariha cannot stand dirt on her feet.
5. Wherever we go, Fariha makes sure to scout out all possible food options. If she is not planning the next meal, she is explaining in detail her concurrent meal experience or reminiscing on a past one.
6. We found our Bengali bretherin everywhere - manning souvenir shops and halal restaurants. Some would talk in Bangla about us thinking that even though we were Bengali, we didn't understand.
7. Fasiha decided to be a bit of an explorer during a guided tour at St. Peter's Basilica among thousands of people. Let's just say the man with the umbrella was not happy.
8. There will never be more perfect flan than that which we found at a corner restaurant in Barcelona.
9. After halal Subway in London, we will never be able to return to tuna and veggies.
10. Although neither of us are art fans, particular modern art, we have on more than one occassion gone to an art museum in good faith to pay our respects. On one occassion, Fariha kept muttering, "Picasso, what are you trying to tell me?"
11. Fasiha fully embraced the siesta in Barcelona.
12. Daddy/Uncle wins the best email correspondence award. We convey our whole hearted affection.
13. Fasiha took nearly 3,800 photos.
14. Rick Steves has been a true friend and guide. We couldn't do it without him. (Don't worry Daddy/uncle, he is just the author of our guide books).
15. Fariha's kind soul manages to attract all sorts of creepies everywhere we went. Fasiha had a poliy of non-engagement.
16. Despite Fariha's considerable map reading skills, there were two phantom hot spots we were unable to find: one of the mosques in Toledo and the Assembly rooms in Bath.
17. The U.S. is really missing out on the waffle and crepe market. Forget cookies, guys, this is where it's at.
18. Fariha learned the word for "sale" in every language we encountered.
19. Fasiha can fall asleep anywhere.
20. We are coming back.
Superlatives
Best English attraction: Roman baths
Best English Park: Regent's Park
Best London activity: Wicked
Best Castle: Leed's Castle
Best Castle Experience: Hampton Palace
Best Scenic View: Sacre Couer
Best Meal: Grill Ephes (Paris)
Best Spanish Park: Parc del Retiro
Best Madrid attraction: Parc del Retiro
Best Spanish attraction: Cordoba Mezquita
Best London attraction: Westminster Abbey
Best Rome attraction: Coliseum
Best Paris attraction: Sacre Couer
Best Amsterdam attraction: the fries
Best Cathedral: Sagrada Familia
Nicest People: Spaniards
Best Airline Carrier: British
Worst Airline Carrier: Alitalia
Best shopping: Barcelona
Best Waffles: all of them
Thanks for following along, hope enjoyed it. We will see you soon. :)
Love,
Fasiha & Fariha
great ending!
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