Au revoir.

Today is our last day in Paris. Cliff will actually be leaving this afternoon (thank you travel rules) and Alexa & I tomorrow morning. I anticipate a day filled to the brim of absorbing the ambiance here, which probably means strolling, bread and pain au chocolate.

I did have to include one photo from yesterday which most will wonder why. We stumbled upon this in the nearby Jardin des Plantes while going to the train station...a huge map of France! I think they are getting ready for Geography Week which starts this week. (I wish I had brought my GIS t-shirt for ArcNews...yes, being a map maker, I get excited about this. If we had time, I'd go to the current whale exhibit here for my fellow-hallway-scientists as well.)

Traveling does wonder for geography lessons even in this world that seems to be getting smaller and more homogenized. This trip brings back the wonder and joy of being somewhere else, learning and observing. It would be an instant reality check for so many to find themselves not at the center of things (however I hope to find the center of France marker in front of Notre Dame today.)

I'm also loading some of Alexa's favorite images although we are still searching postcard stands to find some more of her favorite paintings. (I know some of these are poor/blurry but it was the best she could take without flash and our camera).

So here's to France, maps, home and a whole lot more hope than we've been used to!

Versailles for a picnic.

We looked up the forecast (sunny all day) and ventured beyond (kind of) out of Paris for Versailles. In retrospect, Cliff thinks he may have been seeing the Paris-Texas forecast as it drizzled all day. Still that is better than Oregon coast weather but we left the coats and umbrellas back in the apartment. This time of year, the best of a Versailles visit is the inside since the gardens are pretty bare so it all worked out. I do keep marveling at how easy it is to travel about such a grand city, train-metro-bus always nearby and easy.

We brought along a little picnic and at the last moment I picked up my first pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant). Oh what I have been missing....the bread is fabulous but this is heaven.

When you leave the train station to venture forth to the palace of elegance, you are greeted with McDonalds & Starbucks (I wish I was kidding). Fortunately I still could walk quickly and we strolled up to the gold-gilded gates. (At least I don't think they are solid gold!). Versailles is immense, although it used to encompass 7800 hectacres and now only is ~800). We toured the main palace which included the king & queen's rooms (where Marie Antoinette initially escaped the revolutionary mob through a side-door) and Marie's (we're on first name basis now) little enclave where she had her own mini-palace and country hamlet so she could play milkmaid. Alexa really liked the idea of having a play-town instead of a playroom!

The gardens have great bones (Sharon would appreciate this) but you can tell that you really need to be here in the summer to fully appreciate it. The beds had all been turned over for the winter and none of the fountains operate. In the grand canal, families were renting boats and local teenagers were practicing in their rowing sculls. In parts of the grounds, various cub scout groups were playing games and families with baby carriages or bicycles were everywhere (it is Saturday).

We had a lovely picnic sitting on the steps of the palace (shielded under a doorway) overlooking the gardens. Alexa ate some cheese (!!!)...she said I could not post any of the pictures of this event (I admit, Cliff did bribe her). People watching is always great fun and Alexa has been enjoying feeding birds (but still gets a bit anxious the closer they get).

In the end we were pretty cold and getting damp (still just misty-drizzle) and now I'll admit it...we went back to Starbucks where I got a venti Latte which I thoroughlly enjoyed on the train ride back. It was cold outside! Excuses-excuses.

A lovely stroll down 'our' street where we picked up some dinner and wine. Alexa had her first hot chocolate (they ran out the night before just before we got there). Alexa is now admiring her postcard collection of her favorite paintings while I'm downloading today's pictures (which I'll add after typing). I am starting to get sad thinking about tomorrow when Cliff will be leaving in the evening and we then leave the next morning. I thought I would want to go to Italy on our next adventure but may have to come back to Paris first. We haven't seen but a tiny fraction, including some performances, but this is a place one will always long to return to. I can't wait but we will make the most of our last day.

Au revoir!

Oh those shoes.

I have never seen so many pointy-toe, spike heeled shoes walking around, ever. And walking isn't just on pristine concrete as there are cobble-stones, dirt and narrow-narrow streets/curbs/sidewalks everywhere. Their pointed shoes are so pointed at the toe that a size 5 looks like a 10 (note: not very attractive but admirable). Not walking slow, actually briskly, how do these women do it?? I lasted 8.5 hours in 2-inch, stubby-heeled boots. I was practically crippled after our first day here but didn't actually feel the whole extent of it until we were headed back to the barn. Then I gave out. My family had to to find dinner and bring it back (Cliff navigated his way back successfully!).

We had an excellent few days in Paris. We bought the Paris Museum Pass for 2 days which allowed us unlimited access to the many museums. We went back to the Louvre again to look for the mummies (discovered it was only one mummy and not mummy-cats like the British Museum, oh well). Day 2 involved the Cluny (medieval, unicorn tapestries), Louvre 2 (mummies), Orangerie (grand scale Monet water lillies), Arch de Triumphe (stairs/views), Orsay (Impressionist). Whew, can't believe we did all of that after day 1 (Pantheon/Notre Dame/Louvre).

So tired out, no time/energy for blog-ville. (I still think blogging is strange). Today was supposed to be a bit more low-key. We strolled (I changed shoes) and enjoyed the ambience. We did venture into the big French department store (Bon Marche) and the food court was extensive as was the children's/toy department. Our big event was the Eiffel Tower which we should have bagged since it was evident the weather wasn't great (our first non-sunny day with low clouds/fog) so the view was
very limited. But Alexa found 2 carousels that were still operating nearby which made her day. Then we got on a bus (yeah!) which provided a great scenic ride from the tower, along the Seine, back to Notre Dame. We strolled down a narrow, cobble street filled with lights and people and somehow ended up on the street back to our neighborhood. We had a light meal at a Brassiere, picked up some after dinner pastries are relaxing with some wine. Our little market street is so beautiful now as they just strung a zillion little blue twinkling lights all above the center, looks like a
rippling wave and did all the trees in the main square.

It is the city of light....what a sight!

Paris.

We are in Paris!

Getting to our last home-away-from-home was tiring (up at 5am, long stop at Madrid airport,
figuring out the RER train from Orly, getting turned around to find our apartment...) but we are in Paris. It was only a couple of blocks of walking (with way too much baggage) that I looked behind us and there was the Eiffel Tower. I thought we were going to be too far to see it on a daily basis but there it is.

We are staying in the 5th arrondissemont, the Latin Quarter, Left Bank, near the Pantheon and a block off of Rue Moueffetard (pedestrain street known for all of its great eating places, shops). It is also near the Sorbonne (part of the University of Paris) so its alive with people.

We are renting an apartment on the pedestrain-only Rue Rollin which we found on vrbo.com. It is called "My little home in Paris" by its owners Sandi et Phillipe. It is perfect for us, completely full of everything you could need to get going the first day (wine, snacks, flowers, toiletries...they have thought of everything). In the morning I just pop down the street and get fresh bread for breakfast while making some coffee.

The first night we ventured up and down our lively little neighborhood and settled upon a kid-friendly Italian restaurant (pasta for Alexa which she thoroughlly enjoyed) and then had an early evening to rest for our first big day.

A big day it was...I can't believe I actually got tired by 8pm...I was so bummed at myself. We walked and walked, there is so much to see. (We had planned to take the metro but I wanted to be up where we could see everything). We first visited the Pantheon to get a little history of Paris and St. Genevieve. Then on down to Notre Dame, crossing the Seine and meandering the shops. We made it to the top of the bell tower of Notre Dame...400 steps up on hard, stone stairs which primarily were narrow spiral staircases. Oh but the view...so fabulous. The gargoyles were very interesting. Alexa liked the gargoyles but turns out, doesn't like heights at all (hmmm, what to do with the Eiffel Tower?!?) and she also doesn't like crypts/dead people.

We had a light lunch in a park near the Hotel de Ville from boulangerie snacks (foccacia...have to say it was better than Panninis). Alexa had her eye on some traditional berets which she scouted out the stalls for the best price (a chip off the block). She looks adorable wearing it.

Next was our big foray into the Louvre. It is really big and we got lost trying to find the mummies. We got side-tracked by the Greek, Roman and other Egyptian statues/galleries and never found the actual mummies before getting tired. We decided we'd better head for the French & Italian galleries to see Mona. She looked a bit differently displayed than the D'Vinci movie fame but still as mysterious.


She commands the room which is filled with paintings larger than our house although she is quite demure in size.

Somewhere along the way, it turned dark outside so we decided to walk back and find something to eat along the way. There is something to see everywhere (especially when you are constantly rechecking your bearings). Note...everyone seems to be carrying a map or guidebook, it is hard to tell the tourists from the locals. We walked through the St. Germain art gallery district where we could peer in all the windows (a new museum!) and ended up back on rue Moeffetard. It was at this point, knowing home was a block away, that my legs/feet had enough. We ate at a creperie (wow..a gallette grec--so much feta, olives, tomato) and then had dessert at home (oh yea, bought some truffles somewhere, pastries, bread, wine, etc.)

We are savoring our day as midnight approaches. Wish I could have been outside on the streets even later but there is tomorrow.

Au revoir.

Back to Portugal

Now this is more like it...getting to stop and see some castles on the way back to Portugal.
But first we wondered about Merida a bit more.

Unfortunately the Roman museum was closed as we missed it yesterday (closed early, but was free on Sundays) and closed on Mondays. We'll have to save that for another time. Also Alexa's store was closed so she was unable to buy some earrings she had eyed the day before. Instead we got lost trying to find the main post office..it almost became an epic journey and it was right there in the middle of everything. Had to recover by having another drink on the plaza...this is the life.

Alexa was a bit worn out so we decided to basically go back the way we had come (but with stops!). Remember the aqueduct we had a picnic at (Elvas), well the castle walls above the town was really spectacular. They even preserved the drawbridge entrance and it was just wide enough for a little car (you had to honk of course, since it was a 2-way street!). From the top, you could see the aqueduct and the huge wall (double walls) encircling the town. There was some other church with its own wall just up on another hill joined to this hill. All from the Moors. It was great to scramble along the walls and enjoying the view.

Next we got to stop at Vila Vicosa...where the last Portugal royal family had come from (Braganca). The town had streets lined with orange trees and beautiful villas. A Moorish castle was on the high part of town which then overlooked the palace. In front of the castle was the town's old whipping post which Alexa really enjoyed (as long as she was the whipper, not the whippee).
Also marble was mined in this area so the streets, buildings, sidewalks all were lined with marble. The hills of marble being mined and slabs ready for shipment were impressive.

We then meandered over to Redondo which is a center for a particular kind of pottery which I had seen in Sintra. They were doing some road work so we couldn't really get to the artisans except for one. The pottery in preparation reminded me of the artist from Eugene that Katy features in her gallery. One of the few times I had wished we had been travelling in high season so we could have seen more artists.

We wound our way around back to the highway through forests of cork and eucalyptus (passed a huge convent now a pousada) as the sun set to the west. We dropped off our rental car (incredibly inexpensive) and hunkered down in the hotel, finishing up all picnic goodies. Anticipating our 5am wake up for the flight to Paris.

Paris...can't believe it is tomorrow.

Boa noite and a bonjour.

When in Spain, do as the Romans!

Ok, we got the saying a bit turned around...

It is a bit odd that we specifically went to Spain to visit ancient Rome. Merida is a world heritage site due to its very well preserved Roman ruins and they are spectacular. Some date from 1 BC…that’s right, a bit older than what we’re used to in Newport, Oregon.

We are here on a Sunday with very few visitors which makes it great for snapping photos and crawling around the ruins. We began with the Amphitheater House which had wonderful mosaic tile floors still in place. We especially liked the one dedicated to marine animals (lobster, fish, etc.)…can’t help ourselves. Another depicted a wine harvest with cherubs and animals and joining the rooms were patterned hallways with mosaic designs. Alexa did like visiting the home’s own mausoleum which had ancient tables for preparing the dead as well as numerous burial chambers. The water system is really incredible with hot and cold systems as well as wastewater. This family had to be fairly well to-do with many rooms. The adjacent amphitheater still has some of the original stands (they also have recreated some) and the performers chambers. The cross-like center floor was where the animals were kept prior the ‘games’.

Next was our favorite (and probably most people’s), the theater. Large marble columns and reproduction statues (the orginals are in the adjacent museum). You can really imagine the plays and performances. There were excavations still underway all around this area with another house structure which still had partial murals visible.

After so much Rome, we headed back to the main plaza for drink & rest. Lots of families today with many browsing the shops. We gathered our strength and headed out for a walk along the river to view the old Roman bridges and original aqueduct. It was eerily deserted along the river but there were playgrounds and paths. One place had kid’s bicycles for rent but no customers.
The aqueduct was beautiful with the blue sky in the background and all the storks & nest on the top-most arches. We got a bit lost and ended up crossing the railroad tracks at the station and a police officer appeared to help us back (at least we weren’t the only ones as a couple of other tourists did the same thing!).

Being Sunday, not many things were open so we headed back to the hotel in hopes some restaurants would open in the evening…they didn’t. We walked all over the old section and ended up with some of the roasted chestnuts (Alexa had found another food she will eat!). Went all the ways back to the hotel to a seafood restaurant which had fabulous swordfish & steak. We ordered one mystery item which was morros con tomate. Turns out it was pig’s cheeks in tomatoes! We thought it would be some kind of seafood…oh well.

A wonderful day in Spain’s Rome!

Driving to Spain

Today we leave our first home-away-from-home, Sesimbra, to travel to Merida, Spain. Cliff and I had visited Merida over a dozen years ago and fell in love with it. Back then we had been following along the Rick Steve's Spain-Portugal recommended route but dared to venture off the path to visit Caceras and Merida...oh so daring! What was the attraction? Promise of Roman ruins dating to 1 BC!

But first we had to pack...we had gotten way too comfortable after almost a week. We hadn't bought anything new and yet the bags didn't seem to want to contain everything again. So we got a bit later start than anticipated and that explained why Cliff wouldn't stop at all the castles & ruins we passed on the way. Andra was practicing for her RV-days by clicking photos from the car windows of the castles on the hills. We also were on the Wine Route with many signs beckoning us to stop for a taste, no such luck. We had to settle for eating a picnic lunch at the base of an ancient aqueduct (c. 1450's, a youngster!) in Elvas, Portugal. Pretty cool.

We arrived in Merida in the afternoon and discovered we lost an hour to a time change. We walked around the old part of town, peering into the ancient ruins but waiting for the next day for a visit. We did see a bullring but have no plans to see a bull fight. We did have drinks in the classic town plaza while kids ran about and people lounged at all the little tables. I love this about Spain. Alexa was so glad to see kids for a change (they all seemed to be hiding in Sesimbra even after the school day) and bought a little ball to kick around the plaza like the other kids. We had a great time peering into the stores lining the pedestrian-only streets adjoing the plaza. Spain seems to have shoe stores like Portugal has pastry shops. Hmm, wonder if we'll get to do some shopping (you would not believe all the cute boots!).

All that travel (must have been at least 3 hours in the car), wore us out. We bought some food at the supermarket across from our hotel and had an early evening. We just couldn't muster ourselves to stay up until 10pm to go out for dinner!

Buenos noches.

Palaces and castles....Sintra

Alexa & I had a fabulous excursion to Sintra (just west of Lisbon).
First of all, the commute went without a hitch, no detours through
little streets and bus lanes, and we hit traffic just right.

Sintra was a country retreat for the nobles and there were some spectacular 'villas' with huge grounds and gardens. The kings themselves built a couple of fancy palaces, the National Palace and Pena Palace. But originally the Moors ruled the roost (literally) with your classic stone-walled castle on the hill over 1000 years ago(!!). The castle was restored by a Portuguese king, another king had a favorite painting spot in a guard tower facing his new creation, the Pena Palace. It just seems so unreal that you're allowed to crawl all around the walls and up towers (again, a lawyers dream if this had been in the US). Nestled in a forest, just so slightly overgrown, lots of scenes imagined from Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. But of course, as we traversed the grounds we discussed birthday plans upon our return...she's 10, what can you say.


We rode the city bus around the sites which further emphasized the Disneyland ride theme we have going. I was glad when the bus stopped, so was Alexa. The last stop was the Pena Palace which really looks like a model for some of the Disneyland castles. Painted yellow, orange-pink with all kinds of fancy decoration (tiles, Manueline flourishes), all on top of its own hill, it was a girl's fantasy castle. (Alexa thought the Moorish castle was one boy's would especially like). Inside they have much of the original furnishings as this was only used in the summer and occupied up until the overthrow of the monarchy in the early 1900s. No photos were allowed inside which Alexa was very disappointed. (Cora-she will still try to get that bathroom photo for you...not sure what that is about. But there was a red-velvet, padded bidet...ask your mom!). The room guides were very knowledgeable and loved to explain...so nice!

Back in the historic town center (narrow, cobbled alleys and so many interesting buildings), we had the promised mango sorbet (really good) and a strong latte for mom (very much needed). The drive back was easy as traffic must start a bit later than ours with only one hitch...ended up on a short toll highway and I only had a 10euro note when the fee was .30! Oops.

Met back up with Cliff in Sesimbra and had another excellent meal at the chicken place. It was Friday night and the place was crowded with local families and a large group of women having a night on the town (reminded me of all my gal pals back at home). It has been an extremely enjoyable trip so far.

Off to Spain now...hasta luego!

Happy Birthday Alexa!

Can you believe it? Alexa is double-digits...yes, 10 years old today!
This is her second birthday in a foreign country, isn't that weird? She's the one who pointed it out of course. We've had a great day so far, here, the night is young as we just finished our pastry round at 6pm...dinner is out of the question until at least 8pm. Tonight, birthday girl's choice, so pizza it is.

After a leisurely morning (waiting for rush hour to end but to no avail, yet another accident near the bridge and an even longer commute), we headed into Lisbon again. First it was like a wild ride at Disneyland as I got on the wrong road after the exit (it had looked so easy on the map). Somehow we ended up on very narrow, steep (it has been a while since we've had clutch just to make it even more fun!), crowded, cobble-stone streets. Good thing the car comes with a button to retract the mirrors (really) as the street was not much wider than our mini-car. My internal GPS managed to get us down the hill and out onto the street I had originally intended. I kept telling Alexa this was her birthday tour of old Lisbon. Of course I did end up in a bus only lane to make that final turn but thankfully no police and off I went (what a tourist).

Our destination today was the Lisbon Aquarium, built in 1998 for the expo, and Europe's largest. It was great to be surrounded by kids and no tourists (except us). (Traveling in the off season has been great so far...perfect temperature/weather and no crowds at all). They have a main tank (huge) surround on 4 corners by representations of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Antarctic Oceans. We ended up spending the most time at the Pacific just because the otters were putting on an acrobatic, grooming show. Everytime we go to the Newport aquarium, they seem to be sleeping. Alexa was so inspired she plopped down on the floor and started drawing.


Of course, the main tank was mesmerizing. I had the most fun watching the Mola-mola as I've only ever seen them lounging on the surface. They sure look even more bizarre swimming. It was a great day, especially when your 10-yr-old tells you it was the best. The ride back to Sesimbra was our first uneventful (no traffic) journey. I did manage to go around 2 circulars a few times while getting my bearings (a few honks as well...boy, do I not like being a tourist driver!).
A little rest before heading out for the daily pastry fix (and my first latte of the day, that is hard). Then Cliff got to do the daily swim however, that ended early since there is a very aggressive group of women doing water aerobics. I took the opportunity to watch a bit of the Daily Show online....I saw the first part of the after-election show....FANTASTIC. His Obama imitation does need some work and I am not going to miss seeing the W impersonation one bit! CNN is getting a bit hard to watch but its the only option we've got at the moment...what junkies. I've already got a list of things to watch when we get back (including Oprah...couldn't get that one Sharon).

Looking forward to the birthday dinner and a little rest...I'm still exhausted after the election exhiliration. Glad I left some bottles of bubbly in the refrigerator at home!

Lots to celebrate tonight...10 years ago a beautiful baby girl and now a wonderful daughter who is such a joy!

Boa noite.

ps-
This just cracked me up...spied it on the first drive into Sesimbra, a dog agility training center! Cory, you'd be welcomed here (well, he's not the agility type). Yesterday I realized the pictures were goldens so today I just had to stop and take a few photos of the place. Wish I could have seen some goldens..missing our guy!

Exploring the explorers (November 5)

Today was our first big exploration into Lisbon and we headed to Belem to learn more about the Portuguese explorers. Being a mapper, I can't ever get enough of maritime history, just being where these brave explorers even attempted to go outside their known boundaries with such limited technology. (Yes, I prefer to go to sea in only the large research vessels, the bigger, the better and hopefully the more stable.)

Our first stop was the Monastery of Jeronimo where Vasco de Gama is entombed. Wow. This was my second time here and I was hoping Alexa would feel my enthusiasm and get a feeling for the history. It was impressive and the architecture amazing. We walked toward the monument to the explorers and also viewed the marble tiled map of the explorers (a gift from South Africa). Last history stop was the Belem Tower which was the first and last thing the sailors would see coming & going on their journeys. The very idea we were staring at it still so many years afterwards was uplifting.

We finished our stop in Belem with the famous pastry shop which has been making their divine custard creation since 1837. What's a little more powdered sugar and some cinnamon.

Such a smooth sail into history and Lisbon...unfortunately the ride home was a typical, big-city
traffic jam. Rush hour combined with an accident on the other side of the bridge made it a long
day. It was great to see the castle upon the hill all lit up as we approached Sesimbra. Also the
traffic made it late enough for us to venture out to dinner...a fabulous meal. Frango piri-piri...roast chicken with a hot sauce, a mound of fresh fries and a lot of the house vinho verde.

Yes we can. Yes we did. Hope won.

I feel we can finally have hope for our future again. I write this with tears streaming down as I look at my daughter and know there is an ability in our nation to come together once again with this new President leading us to a brighter future. We will earn back the respect of other countries through diplomacy versus force, use science to solve environmental and medical problems and have a greater compassion forall people, not just those with money and privilege.

Last night we ate dinner with people from Portugal, France and Turkey and they too were hopeful that a new era would come to not only America but the world. They wondered how we could have allowed this war but speculated it was all for making money, not oil. Yet in the same breath, they look forward to America leading the world once again. I was humbled by this view, that this view was even possible after the mess we have made these past 8 years. The world hopes with us and us with them. Yes we can.

Luckily we have CNN and we were up all night watching and waiting. It was after 3am here when it was announced and we couldn’t sleep after that. (Just when you think you are over jet-lag…nothing like staying up all night!) We wish we could have been home celebrating over at Sharon & Ted’s….looks like Sharon’s soup worked its magic once again! We’ll have a huge party on the 20^th of January, count on it.

I am so thankful to Barack Obama and his family for putting themselves through this process. Can you even imagine what it has been like!? Especially for those young daughters. Alexa is so glad they are going to get their puppy (we hope it is a golden, what can we say!).

I could go on & on as there is so much pent up emotion right now (all that hope coming to realization!) but the power just went out in our room so it must be time to get busy elsewhere…there are castles to climb and bridges to cross, figuratively and literally.

One last thought that has stuck with Alexa, something she heard the other night:

Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King Jr. could walk.
Martin Luther King Jr. walked so Obama could run.
Obama ran so our children could fly.

The future is looking bright…bom dia everyone!

(ps-send us some email with your thoughts...we want to celebrate with you!)

The First Castle

(Note...we don't have the best internet access here in Sesimbra. We'll post when we can...bom dia!)

Our first full day in Portugal and what a beautiful setting. The beach is spotless, the water clear and full of so many colors, brightly-painted fishing dories, a sea of red-tiled roofs and that castle on the hill. Alexa bagged her first castle today. Originally built in the 1200’s by the Moors in an area dating back to occupation by the Phoenicians, it is impressive how it has stood through time. Alexa was a bit disappointed not to see a lot of rooms/buildings where the lord once lived but couldn’t believe we could just walk around the ancient walls. I think it was a great introduction before some of the more ornate castles to come and really makes you think about how young our own country is.

Unfortunately, our runny noses have developed into more serious colds, especially Alexa.
On the way to Cabo Espichel (the lighthouse at the south end of the Tejos River across from Lisbon), Alexa fell asleep in the back seat. I explored the 17^th century church that sits above the sheer cliffs (many warning signs) very quickly while Alexa watched from the car (good thing it is the off-season and we are the only ones about with our choice of parking). An impressive church that was the site of pilgrimage lodgings that they hope to turn into a hotel some day, but for now, a gorgeous view to Lisbon to the north and the lighthouse just to the south. The lighthouse is still in use with caretakers living there. There and most houses along the way, had vegetable gardens full of squashes and cabbages and chickens/turkeys/geese making a ruckus. It is so much more interesting that the modern condos being built all over the hillsides.

Since I knew Alexa wouldn’t be up for much else besides a rest in the hotel room, I headed east to try to find the tile shop that made tiles for each conference attendee. I felt like one of those annoying RV-tourist as I would stop alongside the rode and take a picture without even getting out of the car. I should have put a sign in the window saying I wasn’t lazy, just accommodating my sick child. Unfortunately I didn’t find the tile shop but did get to see vineyards and harvested cork trees along the way. There is a lot of building going on in this area, much of it seems to be by the English.

Back in Sesimbra, it was amazing to see how a visit to the pastry shop and a dip in the pool could help out with a cold. Pastry shops are definitely going to be a favorite throughout our journey.

We made it!

Tomorrow which is today...so said Alexa and that is how it felt traveling all day & night. The getting there part is definitely not a highlight with a hot/stuffy plane, crying children and uncomfortable seats. (Note, you shouldn't sit where you can see into business class and their lounger/sleepers).

But we are here...Sesimbra, Portugal. It is gorgeous! A palm tree lined beach boardwalk with cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs and beautiful old buildings. Our room is on the 3rd floor looking out to the beach and the surf is so loud, Cliff is threatening to close the door tonight (I think not). Alexa has already discovered that you can't walk a half a block without stumbling upon one pastry shop after another. (She did manage to eat part of a hamburger but was stuffed from some pineapple-filled, flaky, sticky pastry. We had caffeine.)

Cliff is off to the conference just up the hill and Alexa & I are off to look at our first castle-ruins above the town.