This is a prime example of why I should write about my trips as soon as I get back. I have already, half forgotten what I got up on this trip and it was only a couple of months ago, let alone a few years.

It was time a break and Abbys birthday needed some celebration so we headed to Lisbon for a week. It is amazing how a few degrees of latitude can make a world of difference in temperature – loved the fact we got to escape a week of winter for some warmth.

Our hotel was in the city at one end of the main drag, giving us good access to everything, either by walking if it was local or underground / tram if further out. Pretty basic hotel and nothing to write home about except the old staff - each of whom were characters. There was bad B.O. waiter, grumpy hotel clerk, pottery old grandpa waiter and illegal immigrant room service girl.

The city center of Lisboa is a criss-cross of trams and small alleys which you could imagine only donkeys fitting up. All the sidewalks are cobbled with patterns out of black and white marble like stone, making the majority of the city very attractive. In order to get our bearings we took a hop on – hop off bus tour showing the highlights and describing the main historical sites, it was good to create a check list of sorts. By the end of the week we had easily seen everything we wanted to and more really. So for your guidance: a week is more then enough time for the city on its own.

With one of Abby’s friends (Nancy) going to Sweden to catch up with her mother, we thought we would take advantage of a bit of local knowledge and use some Ryan Air flights to get away for the weekend. In typical Ryan Air fashion, there was no leg room, but I survived.

We were staying just out of the city in the country side at a little B&B. It was simple, clean and very well priced. By the time we got in it was tea time so we settled into the little cafe for a bite to eat. As we were nearing the end of our meal - the cafe started filling up, next thing we knew a one man band was setting up a stage with a guitar and keyboard. It was sing-a-long night for the country folk, all in Swedish. It was a tad odd, so we made for the side door to take a walk through the nearby farms / forest areas.

Spent most of Saturday walking around the streets of the old town area, along the river and window shopping. It is a quiet, pretty little city. Although it was great to go, I wouldn't rush back - its just a simple nice city very much like Christchurch.

Sunday was a nice sunny day, just perfect for a boat trip down the river with the history being explained, I don’t remember the history so when the photos get uploaded they will have to do the talking.

House Update...
Searches, Survey, Mortgage are all sorted..so I am just waiting to get in. Simply can not wait, I am really excited!