17 December

(Almost) time to say goodbye...

It has been a busy time since our return from Paris, and we are on the verge of saying goodbye to Porto as we begin the next leg of our journey. On Friday the 20th we fly to Rome where we will join a Windstar cruise of the Mediterranean the last week in December. On the 30th we depart for Australia and further adventures in that part of the world. But first, let me tell you about the last couple of weeks here.

Our return to Porto found us visiting the Porto National Military Museum, which had the most complete collection of miniatures I have ever seen. There were military figures from all over the world, throughout the ages, all in proper uniform and with appropriate fighting equipment. They even had figures from our Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The outdoor exhibit was also realistic, with a bunker that had a sound system of heavy artillery, gunfire, and soldiers' screaming that was triggered when Bill stepped inside. Surprise! After that experience, we found ourselves definitely needing sustenance. We sought nourishment at the Du Bon Chocolate Bar, where Bill tasted ports and we both enjoyed large sample plates of chocolate. A fine end to a great day.

Military Museum

Font de Leoes

Christmas lights are here!

Forte de Sao Francisco Xavier

With our excursions to the Black Forest and Paris complete, we focused our attention on the next important diversion to our lives--the arrival of Bill's sons and daughter-in-law for a visit this past week. It has been a delight to show them some of our favorite haunts, and also to get in a weekend trip to Lisbon via the high speed train (224km/hour) from Porto to Lisbon. In Lisbon we visited a fortress (Castelo de Sao Jorge) built on a hilltop occupied from the 8th century BC that was carefully preserved and housed an informative museum. We also enjoyed a fabulous lunch that included sampling wines and a variety of tapas to celebrate Bill's birthday.

Lisboa

Still Narrow Streets

Christmas Fairs!

Stairs Everywhere!

The Castle

Guard Peacocks

Yesterday, Shawn and Danielle and Bill went to a port wine tasting (more birthday fun!) at the Sandeman Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia while Mike and I returned to Du Bon Chocolate Bar for a more thorough chocolate examination. We now have firm proof that either alcohol or chocolate will confuse your brain into purchasing excessive amounts of goodies!

Sandeman Cellars

Old Porto

The Atlantic

For our final afternoon together, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the ocean with all Bill's family. It was balmy and windy and the tide came in as we watched hundreds of gulls playing in the updrafts. Positively delightful, and I shall miss this part of Porto--I have always loved the oceans, and could take a walk along the seaside any day. We said goodbye to Shawn and Danielle this evening, and will hug Mike one last time when he leaves tomorrow morning. They should all be home by late evening on the 18th, which we hope will keep them away from any storms hitting the east coast of the U.S.

Good bye Porto, you have been a pleasant diversion these past weeks! Muito obrigada!

(High on Chocolate) Lory and (Mellow from Port) Bill

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