Guest Post! The Tuna Rabbit Chronicles

Molly Graber here reflecting on our time in Espana over the holidays….or should I say holi-daze? AmIright?!

Anyways, the McDermotts started on shaky feet when Orla awoke throwing up early Christmas morning. We stuck it out and boarded our transatlantic flight. My apologies to everyone at O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth, and Madrid airports that may have caught our stomach bug, but we could not delay our reunion trip with the cousins!

We arrived in Madrid to a sweet apartment in the middle of insanity. My god the Spanish come out in droves to celebrate Christmas and Three Kings day. Even Bumblebee showed up (one of Eamon’s Spain highlights - look at that smile).

We loved the light displays hanging in the streets, took gondolas across the city, and lazed around Retiro Park one day. Orla stepped in dog poop at this last stop and was totally unfazed about it. Kidding!! We almost had to cut her entire leg off. We ended up in a bathroom wiping every smidge off with toilet paper. By we, I mean me. Oh traveling abroad - what adventures!

After Madrid, we headed out to Granada. On the road trip, Pedro took us to an amazing wedding event space for a three course lunch. It came complete with complimentary after dinner drinks. Look at how that purple hue lights up Orla’s eyes.

We were so excited to arrive at the cave house! It exceeded our expectations of cozy, adventure lodging. The kids ran between the cave rooms, played on the terraces, mixed potions, and set many cat traps. 

Actual blueprints for cat traps. 

Over the five days we took in so many sights and sounds. Orla observed that the Alhambra looked like a palace made out of light. We enjoyed amazing views both at night and during our daytime tour. Eamo’s favorite part was the Special K cereal bar that was promised to him at the end. 

One of our favorite moments during our time in Granada was our hike through Mirador de San Miguel. It was a hot ascent up a million stairs, followed by a snack in the cool grove of trees. We played a few rounds of what we’ve called “Tuna Rabbit” (a name that Eamon gave himself while the kids were playing family one day and couldn’t be more fitting). On the way down the mountain, we saw gorgeous vistas of the cave homes throughout the mountain, the city center down below and the snow capped mountains across the way. It was a lovely day.

So many more amazing moments in between and throughout. Also, so many trying, tough moments, but generally Fanta was able to bring us through to the other side during those. Thank you Meg, Pat, Will and Leo for leading us on an incredible adventure through Spain. We wish we could do it all again! 

McDermott Highlight Reel

Eamon: When we were having fun! I like the caves.

Orla: My favorite part was when I climbed up the rock wall at the cave. Also, I loved the fake big cats at the museum. And the other thing was my first gondola ride.

Molly: My relaxation session with my sis at the Hammam, our tapas crawl led by Pedro through the hot
spots of Granada, and the glorious hike through the mountains behind la cueva. 

Dave: Relaxing on the terrace by the pool and making little boats out of bamboo to race with Eamon in
the water.

 

Oh, McDermotts, your visit made our hearts sing! And laugh! And wonder what was the best way to trap cats and float bamboo! Thank you for traveling across an ocean with the stomach flu to share this experience with us, we will surely never forget it.