Tuesday, October 29, 2013

How I Have Been Spending My Time

Photos of Alfama, Lisbon
This photo of Alfama Portugal, an area of Lisbon, is courtesy of TripAdvisor

I have been a bit absent from the blog lately and wanted to share why.  I have been spending hours pouring over different places to travel and have come up with one that ticks all the boxes!  We are going to Portugal in the Spring, likely April.  There are still things that need to be done like securing time off from work and blocking off time of the Company calender but the money is in the bank for the trip(all except spending money which I am still working on) and the passports are up to date.  Our requirements?  Some sunshine (hard to find in many parts of Europe until late Spring or Summer), history, and culture. Portugal is a bargain hunter's dream!  Many from Europe spend part of their winters here on the coast but our trip is going to center mostly on historic places.  We will take planes, trains and buses on this trip and eat lots of great food and take lots of pictures - time to dust off the camera!

Lisbon Photos
This photo of Lisbon is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Lisbon Photos
This photo of Lisbon is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Evora District Photos
This photo of Evora District is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Evora District Photos
This photo of Evora District is courtesy of TripAdvisor

20 comments:

  1. Looks like an amazing trip to prepare for. I love that you already have the funds set aside. We won't travel unless the money is in our travel account. I have a good friend who books one but often two vacations every year, without preplanning and then spends time every month moaning about her larger credit card bill that accumulates interest. I'm not sure that she even pays off the whole trip before she's booking another and the cycle starts all over again. I much prefer, like you, to be relaxed and not worried or thinking about how much it will cost. All covered! Enjoy your exploration.

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    1. The start of this fund was my tax refund last year all tucked away. I don't expect a big refund this year so we have to make this a great holiday!

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  2. Looks like a fabulous destination with lots to see! I'm already thinking about the pictures of Portuguese food you'll (hopefully) be posting. :-)
    The only European country I've been to is Austria. My husband and I visited Salzburg while his parents were living there in the 80's. It was such a beautiful city.

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    1. I shall try and bring back pictures of food - they eat a lot of fish and pork.

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  3. Sounds amazing! I have not travelled "overseas" yet. Maybe someday. I love the planning the trip phase. Here's to safe travels!!

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    1. Where there is a will there is a way - this has been a couple years in the making.

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  4. My aunt and uncle used to visit Portugal as part of a 'corporate jolly'! They loved it and once attended a posh party in that castle!!
    Jane x

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  5. How exciting! And I agree with finding some sun during the cloudy months. We are going to Arizona for a week to get some sun in March. That should be a nice change. - Margy

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    1. You completely understand what I am talking about living on the coast - a girl has got to get some vitamin D!

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  6. What a great place to visit! It is very important to take those sun filled vacations when it's cloudy, cold and unpleasant at home. Good call!

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  7. Sounds delightful! I was missing the warm sunshine today - i always get a bit melancholy this time of year as the days shrink and the windshield gets frosty!

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    1. This officially is the start of our more dreary winter weather on Vancouver Island so by April we will definitely be wanting the sun!

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  8. Hi CC

    So excited for you! Will enjoy reading about your travels

    xx

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    1. Thanks! I just asked for the time off, now to secure the air tickets!

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  9. Thanks - I hope to share some of mine in a few months!

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  10. What an amazing trip you've got planned! I've been to Lisbon once for a few days and absolutely loved it. Haven't been back, but it's an easy trip from here so plan to get there one of these days.

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    1. Your area of the world is lovely too - frankly it was a toss up but Spain is definitely on the list of next places we wish to travel. I love your witty and funny blog - thanks for stopping by!

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