Apartamentos Aura Park Sud: A Review

My family, friends and I recently stayed in the Apartamentos Aura Park Sud in a suburb of Barcelona, Spain and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  If you are someone who likes to stay in an area and see it like the locals do, I believe you would also enjoy staying here.

We originally booked this hotel as part of our travel to take a cruise out of Barcelona in early June.  At the time, we chose it due to the rooms being one and two bedroom apartments.  We chose 2 two bedroom and 2 one bedroom apartments in order to accommodate everyone in our party.  Each apartment comes with a sofa bed.  We reserved the rooms approximately eight months in advance and continued looking for better deals but never found one.  Let me also say our decision was aided by online reviews.  Ultimately, we stayed at the hotel after our cruise due to being stranded by an Air France strike.  We chose to stay there again due to the positive experience a week earlier. 

The hotel is located in the L'Hospitalet de Llobregat which is approximately a 15 minute taxi ride from the Barcelona International Airport (BCN).  They do not have shuttle service to/from the airport.   You can plan to spend about 25 euros depending on the number of people and pieces of luggage you have.  For reasons I won’t go into, my wife and I did 4 round trips to/from the airport and found all the drivers to be competent and considerate.  To my knowledge, they did not speak English but we speak Spanish so that was not an issue for us.  One of the taxi drivers did recommend to give the two cross streets to drivers in the future in order to help them find the hotel easier.  (The cross streets are Av. Del Carrilet and Av. Fabregada.)

Check-in was straightforward.  Have your passports ready as they use them to note who is staying in each room.  Also, please be aware there is a separate fee (I apologize, I can’t remember what it is for.  Perhaps a city tax.) of approximately 6 euros that is paid separately at the time of check-in regardless of whether or not you prepay the room. 

Our rooms were on the second and fourth floors on the side facing west.  In the picture above, you will see we had balconies.  Personally, I enjoyed the balcony very much.  There was a cool breeze every day of our stay and it was nice to open the doors and let the air in.  Also, I enjoyed people watching.  That includes the day I saw a young man walking down the street in a wedding dress.  A bunch of other young men his age were following him.  Was he a partner in a gay wedding?  Did he lose a bet?  Was this an initiation? 

In our wing of the hotel, there are two small elevators or a set of stairs to get to your floor.  With international luggage, it is hard to fit more than 2 people on the elevators.  I took the stairs the rest of our stays.  I believe the lights in the stairwell are on a timer since they were always off whenever I used them.  The stairs were all marble.  It is a pity many people won't seem them.  They are gorgeous.

The rooms themselves were very nice but are starting to show some wear and tear.  Every room I entered had scratches on the floor from the sofa bed.  Still, the mattresses and pillows were comfortable.  There was more than adequate closet space and plenty of room to move about in the bedrooms.  The showers had hot water that was simple to adjust to your my taste.  There was a dual flush toilet. 

The kitchen had several pots and pans as well as a full supply of plates, bowls, cups, mugs and silverware and utensils.  The refrigerator was small by US standards but for someone with a short stay more would be wasted.  There was a two-burner stove and a small oven.  There is plenty of cupboard space in the kitchen.  There is also a pitcher to heat water for people who like tea or coffee.  The hotel supplies soap in the bathroom and kitchen.  Also, there is a paper towel dispenser in the kitchen in lieu of cloth towels. 

One additional reason we chose this hotel is to cook our own meals.  I am certain we saved up to $500 in meal costs over the 5 days we stayed at the hotel.  There is a grocery two blocks away and a butcher shop an additional two blocks from there.  The food at the grocery was inexpensive yet of high quality.  The breads were heaven.  There are various other shops, banks and restaurants in the immediate area.  (I offer no information about the hotel restaurant since we never used it.)  If you like dogs, this area has a couple dog parks and many people walk their dogs here.

There are two metro stops within four or five blocks of the hotel.  Just up the street from one of them is a spot to get a taxi.  Getting to all of the tourist stops in Barcelona is very easy.  Please be mindful of your belongings as a member of our party was pickpocketed on the subway during a late night return to the hotel. 

The hotel wants guests to clean up a bit before they leave.  If you need to empty the trash, there is a receptacle on the street on the south side of the hotel.  When you return through the lobby, you can pick up a new trash bag. 

One final thing to note:  It took us a while to understand how the lock works on the room doors.  You put your room card close to the door handle.  When a light flashes green, start turning the door handle until it opens the door.  If the dead bolt is on, it may take a few turns. 

Finally, let me say what we liked about the location is it felt relaxing.  Our first couple days in Barcelona were spent seeing the sights.  We hopped from train to train, walked from site to site and always were on the go.  When we returned to the hotel, we found it not as busy as the city and it seemed a respite.  During our extended stay, we explored the area around the hotel more and enjoyed to small town feel. 

I realize this is a long review of the Apartamentos Aura Park Sud.  It tried to give information to someone who is considering a stay there.  If you like to see a city the way the locals do, if you like to save money by doing some of your own cooking and if you want a hotel close to the metro, Apartamentos Aura Park Sud is the perfect stay for you.  I am sure you will not be disappointed. 

Why Can’t We Use That Plane?

I’d like to discuss some of the issues with changing planes.  In the following scenarios, we will presume the flight is departing from a major hub for that airline.

Have you ever been scheduled on a flight that was delayed due to a mechanical problem?  Then the gate agent announces the flight will be delayed for several hours.  Groans are heard throughout.  As you wait for the necessary repairs to be completed, someone comments they see other planes sitting around.  They are merely parked.  Why can’t one of those be used instead?  Why can’t we use that plane? 

It is a legitimate question.  Unless a plane is broken, we should be able to use it, right?  Let me first say that the airline has already began looking for swaps to the same airplane type as soon as they are aware there will be a mechanical delay.  However, in cases where the expected delay is an hour or less, an airplane swap would cause a longer delay than the repair.  Also, in cases where customers are already on board, it is normally better to stay with the original ship. 

If the delay is expected to be 90 minutes or more and another plane is available, they airline will first consider planes on the same concourse.  However, sometimes customers will need to change concourses or have the plane moved, if a tug is available.  Have you ever had a gate change shortly before your scheduled departure?  It may be due to another plane having a mechanical problem.  Sometimes 3 or 4 planes or more are swapped in order to get a plane on the same concourse (to minimize inconvenience after a mechanical) and cover the estimated delay. 

In the above situations, we are only considering the same plane type.  However, sometimes other kinds of airplanes may be available.  Perhaps you are flying on an MD88.  If so, sometimes an MD90 is available and at some airlines, the pilots are cross qualified.  That is, the pilots can fly both airplanes.  MD90s have more seats than the MD88 so no one will lose a seat.  Please know a ship downgrade is the last resort before a cancellation. 

What if you are on an MD88 but the only plane available is a 737?  In this case, different pilots are needed.  Normally, pilot crews require a couple hours from when they are contacted to when the flight will depart.  In this case, there may be an additional delay.  Also, going to a larger aircraft may require an additional flight attendant.  They also need time. 

These are just a few of the considerations for airplane swaps.  Here is other thought airlines must consider: a ship may have ground time to cover the delay but has routine maintenance scheduled that needs to be done and swapping airplanes will put it on a rotation that to where the work cannot be completed.  Airlines will tell you safety is their first priority.   

Running airline operation is very complicated and one action can cause several ripples to expand.  Whenever I look at the many gears and cogs that go together, I am always amazed at how often it works out.  Still when there is a hiccup, these are just some of the reasons why we can’t use that plane. 

Enticing: Final

Enticing:  Final

Keith and Sarah were married in a small church with few in attendance, which is what they wanted.  Only family and close friends received invitations.  They honeymooned on Mackinac Island, staying in the Grand Hotel and booked a honeymoon package with a lake view room.  They took carriage rides and rode bicycles around the island.  After 4 days on the island, they traveled to Tahquamenon Falls State Park and enjoyed the scenery.  Then they returned to real life.

Reality hit sooner than expected as Keith lost his job following to a downturn in the economy and his company closed its doors.  It was nearly a year before he gained meaningful employment.  Meanwhile, they both were grateful Sarah had not become pregnant since both wanted children right away.  They believed God knew what He was doing.  Through it all, they kissed when they greeted each other and when they parted. 

It wasn’t until two years later they began to believe something was wrong.  Sarah never became pregnant in spite of their efforts.  Frustration began to set in before they went to a fertility specialist.  After a battery of tests it was determined Sarah had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  She was unable to ovulate to produce an egg.  At first Sarah cried a lot.  Her emotions were raw for over a month and merely seeing a baby drove her to tears.  She crawled into a shell and refused to come out.  She didn’t want Keith to touch her and this deeply hurt him.  He wanted to comfort her and the rebuttals stung.  He felt helpless. 

Eventually, things came to balance and Sarah again found love in her heart.  They began to discuss adoption.  Meanwhile, they began helping kids in the local Boys and Girls Club and YMCA.  The kids called them “K and S, the kissing couple.”  It became a badge of honor to them.  Keith and Sarah called them their kids. With many of the kids coming from homes with single parents, they determined to instill in their kids the importance of being united as a couple.  When they mentored teens, they focused their energy into ensuring the young ones understood relationships were not something to be easily thrown away.  Also, it was important to be faithful to your partner.  The kids were always astonished to learn Sarah had once cheated on Keith.  Still, they appreciated seeing real examples lived before their eyes.  Keith and Sarah poured so much into their kids they never adopted. 

When Keith received the news of Sarah’s cancer, he simply sat in the chair in the doctor’s office and reached his hand to Sarah’s hand and took it into his.  He remembered the first time he held her hand.  She drove her car, shifting the gears, holding his hand.  “When the doctor finished giving the news, Keith said, “We’ve fought life before.  This is just another round.” 

The moment Keith watched Sarah slip to the beyond, he believed his life was over.  His heart shattered into a thousand pieces when they came to take her body.  He later didn’t remember them coming.  He simply noticed later in the day she was no longer in the bed.  Then a vague recollection of them coming and going crept into his overwhelmed mind. 

One by one, his kids began to call and stop by the house.  Keith cried anew with each one that visited or called.  He was too broken to care they were observing a grown man cry.  Several of his kids spoke at the funeral of how their lives were better because of Sarah.  In spite of his brokenness, Keith understood what a fortunate man he was.  He simply could not appreciate it.

Two years later, Keith was contacted by a local newspaper who was writing an article about the Boys and Girls Club.  It was during the face to face interview at the club that he saw a familiar face.  Ben, one of his kids, was helping the reporter.  The two hugged and in their few minutes together, got caught up on each other’s lives.  When the interview was completed, Keith returned to the house.  For the first time since Sarah died, he looked through photographs of his departed wife.

He gazed at each picture.  He studied each line and contour of her face.  It was all like he remembered.  A muted joy mixed with melancholy filled him.  He knew he was happy.  It didn’t hurt to remember.  He truly had something wonderful.  He had someone wonderful.  “Thank you, God”.  He said aloud.  “Thank you for telling this knuckleheaded guy this was a special lady and to give her a chance.”  He continued looking through pictures.  Keith remembered the day Sarah died.  She was as enticing then as the day he first saw her. 

Enticing: Proposal

Enticing:  Proposal

As with any relationship, things were not always smiles and good times.  Keith and Sarah had difficulties.  Actually, it was more challenging than Keith imagined.  Even a year and a half later, that did not stop Keith from asking Sarah’s father for permission to marry Sarah.  

One night Keith dropped in unannounced at the house of Sarah’s parents.  Sarah was unaware of the visit.  They each had brought up the subject of marriage a few times and were both in agreement a long term relationship was something they wanted.  Still, thinking about it and taking steps in that direction are very different things.  After entering the house, Sarah’s mother stated Sarah was not expected that evening and was probably at her own apartment.  Keith replied he knew that and had a reason for visiting.

With more trepidation than he expected, Keith dove into the subject of marriage.  “Mr. Davenport…”

“Keith, you know to call me, Tom.”

“Yes, sir, I know.  Sorry!  Anyway, Sarah and me have talked about marriage a few time over the last couple months.  I’m ready to take the plunge and want to ask for your permission to marry your daughter, Sarah.”  He paused for the briefest of moments and added, “Please.”

Tom Davenport smiled and said, “Of course, you have my permission.  I am happy for both of you.  I appreciate your work ethic and believe you will provide for my little girl.”  Keith thought it odd he called Sarah his little girl but figured parents never see their children as grown.  He mentioned nothing about it.  He simply said, “Thank you.” 

It was decided Keith would return the following evening and propose after dinner.  Though he always felt he lacked romantic genes, Keith had privately written love poetry over the previous months.  He planned to read some of them to Sarah prior to popping the question.  

Though not Italian, Mrs. Davenport loved Italian food and regularly cooked various Italian dishes.  That night was her specialty:  Lasagna.  She also made a Greek salad and tiramisu.  She also set the table with china and had candles lit when Sarah arrived.  When she saw the dinner table set so elegantly, Sarah asked, “What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?”

“China?  Candles?  What’s the occasion?”

“No occasion.  I just haven’t used this stuff since Christmas and felt like getting it out.  Can’t a lady class things up for her family?” 

“I guess but you know Keith isn’t family.”

Mrs. Davenport bit her lip to keep from saying, “Not yet.”

Keith arrived a few minutes later and dinner was scrumptious.  As dishes were being cleared before dessert, Keith asked Sarah to have a seat for a moment.  She sat in her chair with a perplexed look.  Keith pulled a spiral notebook that was partially obscured behind a planter and opened.  He opened it, looked at the handwritten words on the page, paused and then looked at Sarah.  “There is something I want to read to you.”

“Okay.”

Keith’s heart was pounding.  He never actually believed this day would come.  He was about to ask someone to marry him.  Haltingly, the words came out. 

“The Beauty I Behold

To look upon your visage

tis such a blessing.

To gaze into your eyes

such beauty I’m confessing

Fair maiden, goddess, beauty of the earth

do you esteem to me a measure of worth?

Tis for you I write

the beauty I behold

Thou worth outweighs the earth’s

treasures of finest gold”

Mrs. Davenport wiped a tear from her eye.  Keith continued:

“When I’m in your enjoyable presence

I meticulously study every line,

curve, and contour of your face

so when we’re apart your countenance

is so real and vibrant

I can smell and touch you in my mind’s eye”

Sarah remembered how Keith gazed at her when they were together.  Joy flooded her soul.  Had she ever been happier?

“Your presence is heaven

sheer exuberant joy

You enter the room and

winter turns to spring

The love you give calms my fear

and nourishes my fortitude”

Keith flipped a page in the notebook but looked up and said, “I have a couple more but I don’t think they are as good so I’ll just get to the point.”  With that, Keith went down on one knee in front of Sarah.  He put his hand in his pocket and abruptly stood and stuffed the hand deeper in to the pocket.  “Sorry, I couldn’t reach it.”

Then, again on one knee, he took Sarah’s left hand and kissed it.  He then placed the ring on her finger and asked, “Sarah Davenport, would you do me the honor of being my wife?”

Enticing: New Beginning

Given Sarah’s admission, Keith felt stronger than expected.  Perhaps he was being guarded.  Perhaps, it was merely that he was taking a methodical approach.  Still, it didn’t hurt like he feared it would.  With step one complete, it was time to move on.  

“I don’t’ want to know who he is.  All I want to know is do you love him?”

Tears welled up in her eyes but she fought against them.  Keith tried to gauge what the tears meant.  Was she sorry for what she did or that she got caught?  Again, she was silent.  Her only sound was her sniffling nose.  Did she really have to consider if she loved this other guy?  Keith wondered, “Does she love me?  We haven’t used that word yet but does she love me?”

Finally, Sarah said, “No, I don’t love him.  I don’t really know why I did it.  I was being stupid, that’s for sure.  I do know that I’d rather be with you.  I suppose that isn’t possible now and I don’t blame you.  I completely understand if you never want to see me again.”  

She seemed genuinely repentant.  Keith believed it worth trying to continue the relationship.  “I’m willing to continue a relationship with you if you are.  If it was truly a onetime mistake and you won’t do it again, I’m willing to try.  I believe you are worth it.”  

Tears began to flow down Sarah’s cheeks as she leaned into Keith’s shoulder.  “How can you love me?  How can you after what I did?”

“I just do.  When I look at you I don’t see what you did.  I see what’s best in you.”

“Oh Keith, I love you.  I can’t believe you are giving me a second chance but am so grateful”. 

Upon hearing Sarah say, “I love you.” Keith’s spirit soared.  Taking her into his arms he said, “I love you, too.  We can make this work.”  They hugged and kissed and savored the moment. 

Upon reaching his apartment later that night, Keith texted James that his brother was correct.  James replied, “So ya sent the wench packing?” 

“No, we’re gonna make it work.”

“Are you on crack?”

“She cheated on you”

“She is genuinely sorry”

“So?”

“Shes not gonna do it again.”

“You dont no that”

“No 1 nos anything”

“I think shes worth it”

“I think your crazy”

“Once a cheater always a cheater”

“I appreciate you letting me no what she did but this is my decision.”

“Are u still my friend or not?”

“Yes but I WILL say I told you so when she cheats again.”

“Thx”

“You wont have to.”

Enticing: Investigation

Unsure of how to approach Sarah regarding the information received from James, Keith’s mind swirled.  For more than a day he oscillated between directly confronting her to completely ignoring the possibility she cheated on him to variations on each theme.  He briefly considered spying on her to learn the facts on his own.  In spite of the uncertainty, he knew he was not that obsessed. 

He was no saint but had never cheated on anyone.  Well, he and his brothers always cheated when they played cards or Monopoly.  It wasn’t a family game until someone cheated, got caught and an argument broke out.  The shouting got the attention of their parents who settled it but it was never actually settled since whoever was cheated determined to even the score. 

This time, the one who cheated wasn’t one of his brothers.  The alleged cheater wasn’t of the male sex.  This was beyond the scope of his experience.  He opened his laptop and Googled “What to do when someone cheats on you.”  He noticed the second option was from a British website about 5 questions to ask if the relationship is worth saving.  Keith clicked on it and read through the article.  It was a common sense approach and it soothed him.  He realized he was no closer to knowing where the relationship stood but believed he now had a game plan.  He would speak to her.  He would say someone told him what they saw and ask if it was true. 

What if she denied it?  Should he believe her?  Isn’t it natural for a cheater to lie?  Oh no, not this again.  Oh, the quandaries the human mind can conjure!  On their next date he would speak to her.  Based on what she says and how she reacts, he would determine his next steps.  He hoped she would admit her wrong if she did wrong.  He also prayed she would want to continue the relationship.  He felt they fit together quite well. 

On their date night, they went to her favorite restaurant, Fast Eddies.  Sarah smiled throughout the evening.  When Keith looked into her eyes, she gazed back at him.  He was searching for the clue of her infidelity.  She revealed none.  There was no way James’ little brother was right.  This woman was no cheater.  With the openness he saw in her eyes, she could not have done it.  He saw no way it could be true. 

After dinner, they strolled on the pier, holding hands.  They sat on a bench and watched another colorful Florida sunset.  Keith tensed as he faced the moment of truth.  Would he ask or not?  He would.

“I have something I have to ask you.”

Turning to look at him, she asked, “What is it?”

“I was told something kinda disturbing about you.  Frankly, I don’t believe it but it is serious enough I feel I have to at least say something.”  Sarah looked at him with concern.  Keith realized there was no turning back now. 

“Someone told me they saw you making out in your car with some guy.  Is this true?”

Sarah was struck dumb as her face reddened.  Her eyes broke from his and she looked at the wooden pier planks.  Her silence continued and Keith wondered if he needed to say something.  Finally, in a very quiet voice she replied, “Yes, it is true.”