Lisbon, Portugal

I've had this post in draft form for weeks, wanting to publish it, but never feeling like it my words were adequate. But I guess I have come to the conclusion that it will be years until I have time to find all the perfect words to describe this vacation. And by then, my memory will surely be less than adequate. So better to publish an imperfect post now.

I was so excited about this trip, even before it began. Finally, a reason to get a passport. Finally, I stepped foot off of my home continent! I was not dissappointed.
We saw so many works of ancient architecture... Taking a stroll on our first day in Lisbon, we took this picture of this beautiful castle-like building. It wasn't until the next day that we were informed that this building is a prison.
Here we are in the city of Cintra. The remains of a castle dating back to the 1100's sits on the top of the hill behind us. It's amazing to think how in the U.S., the "old" buildings might have originated in the 1700's. I'm still glad to be an American, but our country is so young! We don't have the richness in history and culture that is found in Europe.
This lighthouse sits at the Cabo de Roca, the western-most point of continental Europe. The wind here was unbelievable! We tried to get a picture of us here, but is was nothing but flying hair.

The Castle of St. Jorge sits on top of one of Lisbon's seven hills. The view was spectacular! (See the picture at the top.) With in the castle walls lies the ruins of an ancient chapel. I was very intrigued to find this font-looking item there. It even has a water spout. I would have thought that the history of Christianity in Portugal would have only included Catholic sprinkling. Can anyone enlighten me?
Yet another castle here in Obidos; this one younger and better preserved. Walking in to this little town is like stepping back in time to the medieval days. Except that the hundred or so residents now line the cobblestone streets selling souvenirs.
This is one of the beautiful ornate rooms of the Portuguese National Palace in Queluz. I think this is the ballroom.

The photos can't really do justice to the beauty of the tile work we saw in Portugal. It's an art form these people have been refining for centuries, long before this particular palace was built.

Another highlight I must mention was our trip to a Fado Restaurant called Bacalhau il Molho. I didn't think to bring a camera, after all it was just a restaurant....or so I thought. After we arrived, we discovered it was located in an ancient castle annex. There was actually a tunnel right behind our table, which used to lead to the castle. The food was very good, but my favorite part was the entertainment. Fado is traditional Portuguese music, sung by a soloist and accompanied by guitar. They are typically sad songs, sung very passionately. I was thankful that the custom for dinner music is different in Portugal than in the U.S.: Everyone stops talking and turns to listen to the musicians. Of course we didn't understand the words, but the singers were so talented, and sang with incredible expression and emotion. The ancient room was rather small, with domed stone ceilings, so the powerful voices just rang and filled the space completely. It was a tremendous experience. I would have bought a CD, but when I heard Portugal's most renowned Fado artist on CD, I decided a recording cannot do the Fado justice. If you ever get to Portugal, you've got to find a live performance.

On our way to this restaurant, Toby and I had the most memorable cab ride of our lives. Our cab left probably three to four minutes after our friends, who were heading to the same place in two other taxis. Our driver flew by those cabs, going maybe 60 mph down crowded, narrow, cobblestone streets. (Well, they call them streets in Portugal, but here we would call them alleys.) I was hanging on for dear life! When we arrived at the restaurant, there was no place to park. The driver barely slowed, but drove undeterred straight up the sidewalk right to the door. There were stone steps ahead, and for a moment, I thought he was going to drive up the steps too! The guy was crazy! Anyhow, the ride was so short, that at least the fare was cheap. And we had a good laugh when our other friends got there after us. Of course by then, we were safely out of the crazy man's taxi, and laughter was possible.

Oh yes, and I can't explain how wonderful this vacation was until you know these two facts:

1. The trip was paid for by Toby's company, Edward Jones. And they really treat us well. We stayed at the Four Seasons, a beautiful posh resort. I could never have enjoyed it so well if I were the one writing the checks.
2. It was just the two of us--Toby and I--without the kids. Our first trip alone since our honeymoon. I thought I might miss the kids, or feel guilty to have left them, but no. I really enjoyed the break. After all, my job is being a mommy. I've taken lots of trips and enjoyed them with my children, but even on those trips, I was still on the job as mommy. So in a way, I felt like this was my first real vacation; in that I took a break away from my job. And I think it was good for us--the kids and I--especially considering how much time we spend together as homeschoolers. I know it was good for Toby and I. Quality time for two can be hard to come by in a home full of children. (As I'm sure you all realize.) So a week of adult conversation, rediscovering what we love about each other, was so welcome and rejuvenating. Thank you for a wonderful time, Hon!