challenging

I never thought I'd say this but thank heavens our proper winter weather has finally arrived - the wind is coming down from the North Pole, as it should be at this time of year; there is frost on the ground and the air bites at my face during my walk to the train station to go home at night.
Why does this please me?
Well, it means that the storms that have been hurling themselves at us from the Atlantic have finally gone away, taking with them some of the strongest winds I've ever experienced. I do so hate the wind! There were nights, over the last few weeks, when I honestly expected to wake up and find half the roof missing in the morning. We were fortunate, though, our home is still intact. More fortunate than many other people across Europe were.

It didn't help, I suppose, that it was so strong that it kept me from riding my new bike. Learning to ride a motorcycle is challenging enough without the added worry of trying NOT to get literally blown off the thing.
Yep, I'll take the cold any day over that wind!
* Bike Update *
I've been put-putting to and from the train station on my bike happily this week and I'm pleased to say it's getting easier every time, as I become a little less scared every time. It helps that I seem do be able to pull away without stalling every time now, too. Yay me!

Now, I have a challenge for you all. Feedback is mandatory, in fact.
It's like this: If I don't go somewhere soon (away from Ireland, I mean), I fear I may just pop. So for various reasons, I'm planning a trip for the weekend of 23rd February, which I am turning into a long weekend. I'm taking my sister and young Cinderella and we're going away. The trouble is, I don't know where yet.
That's where you come in.
Are there any suggestions on a good place to go in February?
Somewhere in Europe would be good since the less flying time is involved, the better.
Somewhere that offers good shopping would be good, since one of us is 16 and not so much into the ol' museums and stuff, probably.
The only stipulation is that the weather should be milder than it is here, even if it's not actually warm - temperatures in the double figures (celcius, not farenheit!) will do.

I was thinking Barcelona - any advice?
I humbly (if somewhat impatiently because let's face it, time is running short) await the pearls of your wisdom.

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