Paradise, formally known as Lisbon

Until I went to Lisbon, I had spent about twelve weeks in Europe. One week in London in high school, one week in Paris in college, and of course ten weeks in Spain and Italy this year. Those trips were wonderful experiences- I can't express how great my appreciation is that God has seen fit to bless my life with the experience of travel. Twelve weeks! Somehow, I've managed to become one of the most well-traveled people I know. How did that happen to a homebody like me?!?!

One of the main walking streets in Lisbon- covered in trees and gardens. Just gorgeous.

My only comment on all of that time, (it's not even a full-fledged complaint), is that, well, I still after twelve weeks hadn't seen the sun. More or less, I had spent twelve weeks in European rain and chill. And let me tell you- Europe is cold and wet in the winter!!!

So, let's summarize to say that when I walked off the plane in Lisbon and was met by the warmest weather and brightest sun I have seen anywhere other than Florida, I was enthralled.

Thrilled.

Ecstatic.

Elated!

And there you more or less have the summary of my weekend in Lisbon!

Looking out over the water

My travel buddy was the lovely Heather once again, and both of us being rather exhausted from Holy Week travels, we spent the weekend walking at a leisurely pace beside the river, and wandering the streets of old Lisbon. It was magical. No museums, no lines, no artwork. Just the sun, a good friend, and a slight breeze blowing off the Atlantic.

God is good. :)

Basking in the sun.

We spent some time in the ruins of an old castle. Wouldn't I make a good cannon girl?

Fantastic views over the terra cotta roofs of the city, baking in the sun.

Just your average European fountain. :)

I'm sorry, San Fran, but you have NOTHING on Lisbon... good grief those hills are STEEP!

The main plaza looking out to the river.

This, my friends, is what Europeans do on a weekend. They pick a park, pick up a bottle of wine, and go sit in the park hanging out with their friends and listening to some live music. Why don't we do that here?!?!

A peaceful sunset over the water. A calming end to a wonderful day!