Lisbon

Hola from Lisboa.We`ve just spent 4 days touring the capital city of Portugal. It has been super hot and sunny and the list of things to do has been a bit daunting though, I do believe, we`ve managed to see and do a lot.

Today for instance, we rode the train about 35 minutes to the coastal town Cascais where J took a lesson in scuba and I read under an umbrella on the beach. It was lovely and relaxing. We fineshed today with dinner at a local favourite restaurant where we shared the grilled chicken with rice and a salad, it was divine... and so so so busy when we left. Crazy busy.

Yesterday we went to the Lisbon Oceanario and watched the sea otters, penguins, sharks and sea turtles, and much more, go about their daily lives. I was so giddy as it was my first visit to an aquarium. At first I was worried that I might feel sad for all the creatures in these weird controlled environments but having now gone I feel as if the staff do a fine job and the fake sea world keeps the animals happy. We fineshed that day with a film (they play in english with subtitles here).

The day before that we enjoyed a wine tasting and explored our little neighbourhood of Chiado which is a artsy shopping district with great cafes and a tonne of great people watching. We ended that evening at the widely popular Cafe Buenos Aires where we ate a flower salad with goat cheese, strawberries and tomatoes and a sweetened baslamic vinegar, so good!

Right now it`s night and the rain has started. Since we`ve been here it has not rained yet, until now. I admit that the rain is a welcome relief because it brings a cool night sleep and a quiet street. 

Tomorrow we`re back on the train to head to the Algarve. Miss everyone back home.

Photos via the lovely internet.

Hilarious Moment of the Day

Hilarous Moment of the Day: When J accidentally drove on a sidewalk and as a result we ended up in a tight little cobbled residential side street. The street was filled with people playing games, chatting and kids running all over. A nice fella signaled to go down and to the right. People were totally gawking at us, and no kidding since the look of terror on our face was enough to warn them to, step away from the black Fiat, and step away they did. The best part is that moments later we popped out on the street almost exactly where we wanted. Ah the beauty of travel.


Photo via the internet, ha

Hola from Porto

Blurry photo of the view from our room this afternoon.

Hola, I hope you are all well. Today J and I flew via Ryanair from Paris to Porto, Portugal. I do not love to fly and this flight did not help change my mind. It`s a discount airline and all I could think was, `this pilot just got his license.` Though it ended up being just fine. We arrived safe and sound, though hungry, tired and dizzy (okay I was dizzy) -- J was a trooper as always.

We happily found out hostel (careful, the website has music) and could not be more pleased with how lovely the atmosphere is. As I type I can look out the window to the river, I can hear music playing and birds chirping (they have a few little birdies in the living area) and the bustle of people gathering to cook in the kitchen. A welcome slower pace after the busy streets of Paris.

Tonight we plan to take it easy and plan, a little, for our road trip in the Douro.

... arrived safe and sound

Photo of our view from the hotel. Yes, it`s the eiffel tower, way off in the distance. Though it`s actually much more magical than the picture makes it seem.

When we finally arrived in Paris, we were sooo tired but would not allow ourselves to sleep. More like J woke me up everytime I nodded off  (which was actually my head suddently dropping, and it happened a lot). We stayed awake with a river tour of the Seine with multuiple beautiful stops.

For dinner we found ourselves at a restaraunt called Les Papilles, it`s a renouned favourite. We were so fortunate to get a seat at the bar since every walk in after us was actually turned away. It was one menu, no choices but you got to choose your wine from the wall. It was amazing and the service was so friendly. Now we are stuffed and off to bed.

Bonsoir--

Bon Voyage

J and I were up bright and early this morning because today we fly to Paris. This is me at the airport sneakily taking a picture with this rinky dink little notebook computer. Ha! Nervous to fly but excited to travel.

Wedding Recap

Photo via Kylie G.

After a crazy busy few months of preparation, the big wedding day finally arrived this past Saturday. It went mostly exactly as planned with one not at all expected, pre-wedding, nose bleed. I had just put my dress on when it happened. Lucky for me my lovely bridesmaids were quick as a whip and got that dress off me in seconds. The dress was saved and I was only about 5 minutes late for my own wedding. Ha.

The ceremony was a blur and the reception was fantastic. We served gourmet burgers for dinner, complete with a variety of toppings which pleased picky and adventurous eaters alike. A variety of wine and craft beer was plenty. Smiles all around.

Our emcee was like a magician with his creativtive presentation and speech.. He actually drew our story as it was read. Amazing! The speeches were all emotional and touching. I think we`re safe to say it was the most loving environment I`ve ever been in and I feel so blessed to have such beautiful people in my life.

Sigh...