On a ramble down La Rambla in Barcelona we came across the Church of Bethlehem.

Church of Bethlehem in Barcelona, Spain

This picture was taken on April 4th, 2014 when we spent two weeks staying in a small apartment we had rented through Airbnb. If you are interested in seeing more of our pictures from our time in Spain, you can click here.

The Church of Bethlehem is in the baroque style and was built between 1680 and 1729 by Jesuits. At one time it had the most elaborate interior of any church in Barcelona until it was destroyed by a fire during the Spanish Civil War. 

“This church, called Iglesia de Belén in Spanish and Església de la Mare de Déu de Betlem in Catalan, is one of the oldest buildings on Las Ramblas and is built on the site of a previous church that was burned down in a fire.” ~ GoSpain.com

We only have one week to go before we leave on our one month-long adventure to Africa. I wish I could say that I am anywhere close to being ready, but in reality I have not even started other than to do some laundry.

Perhaps one blessing that comes with traveling frequently is that we have somewhat of a routine down that helps us:

1. Do laundry a few days ahead of time (only thing I have completed so far).

A couple of days ahead of time

1. Get out suitcases (we each travel with one carry on size roller suitcase and a small backpack) and pull a variety of clothes out of the closet – choosing a color palette. I usually choose casual neutrals that I can mix and match easily.
2. Put most of them back in the closet.
3. Fold in stacks and place in the suitcase
4. Choose what outfit and shoes I plan to wear on the flight
5. Select one (sometimes two) other pair of shoes, some socks, underwear and pack them
6. I often stick in a couple of scarves to tie around my neck and a lightweight jacket. I will carry/wear a heavier jacket on the flight.
7. Get out Passport, sunglasses, spare reading glasses, small emergency medical kit, tiny flashlight, sun screen (and for this trip insect repellent) and a few cosmetic/toiletries.
8. Organize cameras, lenses, extra batteries and chargers.
9. Get out electronic gear (iPad, iPhone and Mac laptop computer) with chargers – we pack our cameras and electronics in the backpacks to keep with us just in case we are forced to check our roller board suitcase.
10. Print any needed documents (such as itinerary, hotel confirmations, addresses, boarding pass for flight) – these along with passports go in my purse or fanny pack.
11. Email a copy of our itinerary and trip emergency contact information to family.
12. Have nails done (and hair cut/colored if needed).
13. Swing by Target and get travel size toiletries of anything I am low on.
14. Get to bank to pick up some cash (amount varies depending upon where we are going and for how long). We rely on our debit card to get local currency upon arrival.
15. Get a ride to “FlyAway” to get to the airport.
16. And off we go…

What I have found is that you can get almost anything you need, almost anywhere in the world if you forget something. That certainly takes some of the pressure off.

GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for the amazing artisans that spent lifetimes sculpting, carving and creating such magnificent works of art that grace churches all over the world.