Santa's Workshop

* WARNING: If you are 10 and under and live in Indiana, do not view this post!*

We've surrendered fully to the holiday spirit. Who cares if it's November! We've put on Christmas albums. We've done most of our Christmas shopping. We've even trimmed the tree!

The kids are also busy in their workshop making fun things to bring to their cousins when we go to see them at Christmas. It will be the first time the kids have been on US soil for a year and a half. So many emotions. Cousin party. Jet-lag with a two year-old. Being "home" for the holidays. Visiting favorite American dining spots. Shopping spree at Target. Painful flight itinerary which includes a 13-hour layover in Chicago. But mostly the kids are simply over the moon to get to spend time with their cousins. In fact they are so consumed with excitement that I can get them to do just about anything when I mention this trip (which begs the question, will I hold any leverage whatsoever once we've returned!?!). Until then, they are busy in Santa's workshop . . .

Boo!

Happy Halloween!



We carved pumpkins . . .



























We went to a Halloween party . . .

















We went trick-or-treating with lots of super cool friends . . .

Portugal

My beautiful cousin has been visiting us for two weeks from Guam. To say we've enjoyed her visit would be a vast understatement. It has been such a joy having her here. We are all sad she is leaving tomorrow. I was so fortunate to get away with her for a few days. Even without such an amazing place to explore, I will forever treasure this time away with her. She's not only family, but a great friend.



Lisbon is a city with a lot of soul.


It may not sparkle and shine in the same way Paris does, but it nevertheless equals it in charm.




I was completely taken by this ramshackle city with its interesting blend of old and new.


Laundry unapologetically hangs to dry from beneath every window.


Lisboa is a living city. Evidence of a vibrant local community can be seen around every corner. Birds chirp from cages hung in kitchen windows. Voices of mothers and children echo through narrow, colorful streets. Elderly hang their heads out upper floor windows to people watch.




















Did I mention the tile? This Lisbon log isn't complete without a look at the exquisite tile and beautiful mosaic cobbled lanes. It is everywhere and seems to reflect the same beauty and color of the people.














Old vintage trolleys shiver up steep, twisted hills into the Alfama district, where you find the city's heart and soul.








At night Fado music floods the quarter.




Lisbon is plenty grand. With stately buildings, opulent churches, broad boulevards and dignified squares, Lisbon is firmly on the map as a world-class city.


















I am still dreaming of these delicious cream pastries


Over in the Belem district we admire and appreciate the grandeur of Portugal's Golden Age. Belem served as the embarkation point for several important voyages. This area contains many memorials and monuments that honor the grand Age of Discovery.






Tomb of Vasco da Gama






Lisbon reminded me of San Francisco in so many ways. Varied topography, moderate seaside climate and cable cars are just a few of the things these cities share. Most remarkable perhaps is that the Golden Gate Bridge apparently has a Portuguese twin. In fact they were built by the same company!




With two major palaces and endless major charm, Sintra makes a perfect day-trip from Lisbon.