Portugal

I ventured to the other side of the Iberian Peninsula this weekend.

Here's what I found:

Lisbon is the capital and where Melina goes to school. She was a fabulous guide!




We went to see this modern art exhibit. Pancho Guedes is now one of my new favorite artists.





This one was from his time in South Africa during the massacres. It's two dictators discussing the amount of people that they've killed.


Inside the Monastery de Jeronemo.



One of the most delicious desserts that I've ever had: Pasteis de Belem.



Little Al also came along.


Melina ventured up the watch-tower. I did, too, but promptly climbed down when I saw the fall...yeesh!



The wind was all in my hair, but I still love this picture.


They had just finished up another summer festival, so I got to see the left over decorations.


I thoroughly enjoyed the amount of cats that I encountered. Note: The majority had families and were not strays.


These wonderful purple flowers could be found everywhere. As much as I love the flora and fauna of Alabama, we could use some of these.


Next, Melina and I headed to Aveiro where her family lives. There, I finally met my mom's high school friend, Adelaide, and her other daughter and husband, Ines and Manolo:


An example of the "azulejos" that I found Portugal. They decorate all the houses, leaving its cities looking stunning.




One of my favorite houses that I spotted.




People were using this bike pedal "boating" contraptions. Unfortunately, I couldn't do one this visit, but this is just another excuse to come back.


The train station in Oporto.



Melina and Adelaide joined me while venturing Oporto.







Un peu de francais.



A bridge that was designed by Eiffel.


Port wine deliciousness.






Striped housesof Aveiro. Lovely.


My favorite of the striped houses.


Roll Tide! Haha!




Last but not least, the wonderful family that stayed with me. Adelaide, Manolo, Melina, and Ines, "Obrigado!"