We spent a day wandering through the streets of Lisbon.  We loved the colorful streets.











The old timey trams are just so charming!










Even on a gray day the river views were beautiful.


We saw a few unique rides that you could take to tour the city.







Perusing the shops to see all the Portuguese goods.
These sardine cans were so cute and colorful.



Santa Justa Elevator



Comercio Square with Rua August Arch



Rua Augusta Arch from behind.



There is probably so much more to see and do in Lisbon, but we were content to just wander for the day.

Linking up with Bonnie, Camila, Jessi, and Amy for Travel Tuesday.

The front of the American embassy was equally filled with flowers, candles, tokens and notes of sympathy.

A book was set out in front of the embassy for people to sign expressing their love, sadness and prayers for the people of the United States.

It was so hard to be away, but I was so proud to be an American and so proud of my host country for the love and support expressed during the days and weeks that followed.

It's easy to go about our day as the years go by.  However, I don't think any of us will ever forget where we were or what we were doing on the day of September 11, 2001.

I had no idea you could eat these things!!  It was SO funny when this plate arrived at our table.  We had to ask what it was.  We then had to look up online how to eat it!  Ha!  Here is a great tutorial if you should ever need it.

With the help of friends we were able to plan a 5 day getaway, just the 2 of us to Portugal to celebrate 20 years of marriage!


Not looking too bad for 20 years of marriage, eh?!

Jerry had been wanting to go to Lisbon for a long time.
Get me anywhere near the sea and I want a place with sea views!  I scoured hotels and all kinds of rentals.  We decided on a nice 2 bed apartment outside of Lisbon in the small town of Caxias with coastal views.

Let me tell you!!  Stay at Anabela's place and you will not be disappointed!!  We received such amazing hospitality!!  This is her family's apartment they use to get away from the city, as well as renting it out.  It is such a lovely, homey place that it was like staying at a friend's house.  So comfortable (I didn't think to take pictures of the inside, bad blogger...you can find photos at the link I provided), great location and beautiful views!!

Just look at that!!


On the beach in front of the apartment.


Anabela gave us a wealth of information on the area.  You can tell she just loves people and loves to share her beautiful country.  She made herself available and checked on us to make sure we were doing ok.  We left feeling like we'd made a friend for life!!

One of her suggestions, Cabo da Roca.


The most western point of mainland Europe.




Within days of our trip we decided to rent a car, at Anabela's suggestion.  I am so glad we did.  We got to see so much more because of it, like Cabo da Roca.  You can reach the cape through various tours if you do not have a car.  You just have to do some planning.  Since we're not much for planning, having a car worked out great for us to just go when we wanted.


Within easy reach of Cabo da Roca, and another suggestion, was Pena Palace.


Isn't it gorgeous?!


Pena Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.  Set on a hilltop in Sintra, it's understandable why the palace is the most iconic and photographed in the area.  Although this area is not hurting for beauty!!  Everywhere you look is amazing!


Be ready for quite a hike!!  You can pay for a shuttle to take you up and down if you so desire.



Our first full day and one of our most favorite days of our trip!!

More to come of Portugal, so stay tuned!

Linking up with my favorite gals for Travel Tuesday!

When I learned that England had lavender fields I knew I had to see if there was one close by!

That's when I stumbled upon Mayfield Lavender in Surrey.  You can wander through the fields for free!

The kids and I went with some friends from church, took a picnic and romped through the rows of lavender.





We went at the end of a July, which is a perfect time to go.  It was so bright with color!!



The field will be closing by mid-September, so there's still a chance to go if you're in the area.  It's easily accessible by car or bus.

We wandered through the gift shop and grabbed some lavender bundles and a treat flavored with lavender!



Mayfield Lavender

Do you like wandering through flower fields?