European Adventure Follow-ups

 A couple of follow-ups to my pre-trip posts about packing: Travel Tips - Preparing for a long trip and Test Pack and Tips.

The best change I made was to use the travel size squeeze pouches that were a last minute purchase on Amazon. In additon to being lightweight, they are compact...especially when empty. Total win!

The colored carabiner came in handy when I wanted to attach my BAGSMART Electronic Organizer,Travel Cable Organizer to my suitcase without stuffing it into my personal bag. And the zipper clip theft deterents came in handy not only for securing the zippers on my luggage but for acting as a zipper pull when the one on my Travelon Anti-theft Classic N/S Crossbody broke.

Speaking of breaking...the handle on my [older] Tumi bag broke between Bordeaux and Barcelona. I bought a new Tumi bag in Barcelona. The Tumi Store wouldn't ship it for service so I ended up lugging with with me for the rest of the trip. While a pain, it proved useful when I found gin in Lisbon. Also since I was already carrying a second suitcase, I really stopped worrying about how efficiently I packed. I'm still a carryon only girl. 

Other items I loved:  Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes and  compact foldable fans. 

What I wouldn't bother with again:  Collapsible Water Bottle - it is easier to just get a bottle of water and refill it.

European Adventure: Day 22 - GIN!!!

David left today and Cynthia and I stumbled on Gin Lovers Lisboa. What a great find! Amazing gin and tonic tasting. Now grateful for that extra suitcase because it means that some of that gin is coming home with me.

Cynthia and I had a late lunch (tomorrow is a travel day) at Rocco recommended by Steve Amann.

Now to pack...the gin made it home safely!

European Adventure: Day 21 - Dinner with Dayton Friends

Okay...I have ONLY 1 photo of this entire day. I know David and Cynthia went exploring...don't remember why I didn't go. I did hang out near the hotel and the water...I remember wishing that we stayed at a hotel with a pool. 

My next door neighbors Bob and Susan were in town on their own European adventure so we did meet them for dinner at Delfina-Cantina Portuguesa. 

European Adventure: Day 20 - Sintra

The staff at Blossom in Malaga recommended a trip to Sintra while we were in Lisbon. I have a ridiculous number of photos. Carla (Swingo Tours) was an amazing tour guide. We did a private half-day tour so it was just David, Cynthia and I. HIGHLY recommend private tours!!

Monument to the Discoveries

Belem Tower

Landmark medieval fortified tower on tiny river island with rooftop terrace offering estuary views.

Pastéis de Belém

Traditional pastries. Carla knows everyone and we not only bypassed the lines, we got a look behind the scenes.

Farol do Cabo Raso

Supposedly the western most point and an active lighthouse with beautiful views. Just outside of Cascais which when I go back to Portugal I would like to stay there.

National Palace of Pena

The Palace, 19th-century, Romanticist palace on a high rock & former monastery site, surrounded by parkland, is the last stop on the tour.

Carla pointing something out

Carlas suggested we have lunch at Pinóquio where she delivered us and got us a table. We had been hearing at a lot of places that we should try fresh Sardines (because they were in season) and barnacles. We never found the Sardines but we did get to experience barnacles. I have to say they were very good.

Traditional dish "Picapau"

And Mama Shelter Lisboa rooftop cocktails to end the night! Honestly, we felt a little old for this bar.