"Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home"...

Just a note to let all of you know we are home safe and sound...It is so nice to be in our own home again... it is always exciting to leave the mundane and familiar behind for adventure, but just as sweet to return...

We love to travel and learn new things about different cultures and lands. God has created an amazing world filled with unique and beautiful people and places. He is reflected in all of His creation. WE are so blessed to be able to enjoy and take in some of these far off places.

As we left Madrid for the States, we stopped off in Frankfurt, Germany to visit with our dear friends and to enjoy the Frankfurt Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). This was a highlight for us as we have fond memories of the Market from our previous times there. This time, we had the added joy of sharing it with our children! They were dazzled by all of the lights and sweet smells of Gluhwein (German hot spiced wine)...and Gingerbread, in the crisp air.

Thomas mesmerized by the turning of the Carousel

View from our Restaurant Window

Thomas and Britta enjoying a ride

The children took many a ride on the antique carousel and enjoyed watching it whirl around as we ate a hearty German feast in a restaurant overlooking the Central Square of Frankfurt.

Uncle Andreas and Thomas sharing a hug

Britta and the Children having fun at the Market!

We brought back some lovely memories as well as a few treasures to add to our Christmas traditions... most importantly, we shared some blessed times with our German brother and sister!

A Busy Week!

Just a note to all of you who are following my blog... it has been a very busy week with my parents here visiting... I have been both entertainer and travel host!

The Alcazar in Segovia

Soooo...I am about a week behind in my blogging. Oh well, this is my blog and I can cry if I want to! :)
Unfortunately, the weather was not as nice as it had been. It got much colder and was overcast and rainy much of the time... nevertheless, we showed them all of the major sites in Madrid that we could on foot and subway... my mom took the majority of the photos... and she will have to forward me some good ones to add to this post!

We were able to share many wonderful meals together as well as take in the local Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor... we enjoyed visiting several local churches, including the Iglesia de Santa Barbara, and the San Fransico el Grande, both filled with amazing works of art and icons. We toured the Museo Thyssen-Bornesmisza filled with a lovely collection of European artists. We enjoyed leisurely evenings spent in our apartment laughing and reminiscing about life.

Impressive Roman Aqueduct in Segovia

We took a day trip to Segovia Saturday where there is an ancient Roman Aqueduct, a beautiful Gothic Cathedral and a Castle. We toured all of the old city by foot and shared a wonderful Spanish meal of hearty bean soups and roasted meats. My husband chose to have the Segovian traditional roast suckling pig complete with tail and hoof!

Gothic Cathedral in Segovia

Mom (in headdress) with my husband and children in the rain in Segovia

We bid farewell to my parents yesterday and sent them off back to California.

Today I am busily packing up all of our things so we can head home tomorrow too.

Spanish Flag in Columbus Square

The children are thrilled!
They really miss their own beds and things. I guess we all miss home.

It has been a fun adventure and worth the sacrifice of time and the comforts of home to experience a new country and culture... My husband felt supported by his family and was able to be even more productive at work because we were there to take care of him.

Tomorrow we will travel to Frankfurt, Germany for a quick visit with our dear friends Britta and Andreas. We will spend the afternoon tomorrow at the well known Frankfurt Christmas Market!

Keep us in your prayers as we travel.

A Journey Up the Douro River Valley

Our final day in Portugal was actually our travel day back to Madrid. We decided to follow the main road up the coast toward Porto and then follow the Douro River East back toward Spain.

Unfortunately, a terrible storm was moving in from the ocean and we were pelted with rain up the coast line, so we made a decision to change our plan of driving into the city of Porto and headed north-west toward the Douro River Valley more directly.


As we headed inland, the weather became less severe and we were able to see the country side. We made our way toward the Douro and were amazed at the beauty before us!

The terraced Vineyards of the Port Region

The steep winding road we drove on...

We are very interested in seeing this valley again... I am certain, Lord willing, we will return one day for a more leisurely trip...

Thanksgiving Day in Portugal

Our Thanksgiving was a bit unusual this year...We did not partake in the annual Turkey feast... and enjoy the wonderful company of all the extended family we enjoy and love.

View of the Portuguese Coastline off of Cascais

Yet, we were truly thankful and recognized the day for what it is. I was most thankful to enjoy my dear sweet family and share a very special memory for years to come.

As Thanksgiving is an "American" Holiday... My husband had a business meeting in the morning... The children and I enjoyed yet another wonderful European breakfast... and we rested in our comfortable room most of the morning.

Later in the afternoon, we jumped into the car and headed out of the city of Lisbon to an ocean side town called Cascais. As we drove into town we followed the signs to the Marina...and, to our pleasant surprise, found a restaurant right on the waterfront! We happened upon a sight of beauty known as "Boca do Inferno" (Hells' Mouth). It is a cavern that has been hollowed out over the years from the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The name apparently comes from the loud and sound that is made by the impact of the water.

"Boca do Inferno"

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast of fresh fish...(the children enjoyed Steak and Fries). Together, we relaxed and took in a lovely view of the ocean and the fresh sea air... al fresco! (Does it get any better than that???)

Views from the walk to our Restaurant

My dinner before it was cooked!

A fresh traditional Portuguese seafood stew for my husband...

After dinner, we explored the Boca do Inferno and the children climbed on the rocks while we enjoyed the sun setting sun over the Atlantic.

We are truly blessed...

Portugal

Portugal is truly a beautiful country!

We enjoyed the friendly, outgoing, attitude of the Portuguese. Located on the western most edge of continental Europe, it borders the Atlantic Ocean... and was the gateway to many discovery ships of long ago.

Our first stop was the capital city of Lisbon. (Lisboa)

After a long night of driving and not finding our way to our hotel... (we had to pay a taxi driver to show us...and even he had trouble). We enjoyed a quiet morning and huge European style breakfast at our hotel while my husband attended meetings for work... He then arrived back to the hotel mid day and surprised us with a free afternoon to explore !

Sarah chasing the pigeons in Rossio, Pedro IV square in Lisbon

After a subway ride to the center of the old town, we caught an old tram, which was filled with local color.

This tram made it's way, filled to the brim, up the very steep hill to our first destination, the Castelo De Sao Jorge, a large 10th -11th century Muslim Castle ruin.

View of the Castle from below

The children enjoyed playing with the large cannons and chasing the feral cats around the old castle walls while we enjoyed the amazing 360 degree view of Lisbon. Simply breathtaking!

Sir Thomas shooting his cannon in defense of the Castle

Maiden Sarah defending her Castle!

Thomas and Sarah against the Castle wall....

Views from the Castle

The Rio Tejo (Tangus River)

View of the City from the Tower

More Views...

We spent some time exploring and were able to walk up along parts of the castle wall and into a few of the towers... while we explored, a man was playing a guitar in the center of the complex... it echoed the lovely sounds of classical music as we imagined life in the 13th century.

The Flag of Portugal

Me, looking down upon my Prince from the Tower!


Walking along the wall...

We then made our way down the hill on foot through the Alfama area filled with shops dug out into the hillside in what appeared to be ancient Roman ruins... one shop was actually an old stable for the local Cathedral... it had the old cobblestone floors and feeding troughs for the horses worn from years of use. Very cool!

We then stopped to take a look at the local Cathedral.

After a short break we made our way back into the heart of town... we happened upon a unique and inventive way to get to the top of a very steep hill. An elevator! The Elevador de Santa Justa, took us up to another older area known as Chiado. We enjoyed a great view of the city by night from the Convento do Carmo and then found a lovely tea shop to sit and relax for a few minutes. The children enjoyed a warm cup of hot chocolate and my husband and I indulged in a glass of Port.

We then found the old Bairro Alto neighborhood which houses the famous Fado folk music and dancing. We did find a few interesting restaurants, but as it was getting a little late and the music would not begin until at least 9:00 pm. We decided to call it a night...

Barcelona

Barcelona had a different feel from Madrid... it is a bit more open and many more people speak English (which we found helpful). I think this is because there are many international business located there. The city itself was beautiful... many green and lush hills set on the coast line of the Mediterranean Ocean.

While my husband was in meetings most of the day, the children and I set out to explore the old part of the city. First, we visited the main Cathedral Barcelona.

Barcelona Cathedral Garden

Sarah and Thomas exploring the Cathedral Courtyard.

Resident Cathedral Geese

We then walked through the old area surrounding the church known as the Barri Gotic. It was filled with lots of winding narrow streets with shops and coffee houses... very old world and a step back in time.

A scene from the Barri Gotic

We then walked to the massive monument dedicated to who else?
Columbus!

We then found our way up the famous La Rambla which is a pedestrian zone filled with outdoor newspaper stands, flower shops and pet stores!

The highlight for me was the Barcelona's central market known as the Mercat de la Boqueria. It was colorful and filled with local charm. I found the most delightful chocolate!

The Entrance to the Market

Eggs!

Colorful Fresh Fruit


Later in the evening, we walked down to the edge of the Ocean.

We even gave the children the opportunity to dip their toes in the water!

After a beautiful sunset, my husband joined us for a lovely meal at the Marina.

What a great day!