Lisbon

Ratings for Lisbon, Portugal

Sights: A+
Food: A+
Weather: A+
People: A+++

Aside from a scare involving Afton (post later), and the predicted hassles of traveling with FOUR kids, we had a wonderful time. Andrew speaks Portuguese and what really made this trip so wonderful were the people. Everywhere we turned someone was helping us, smiling or treating us like lifelong friends. If we stopped and asked someone for directions, they didn't just tell us where to go, they actually made sure we got there. We had at least 3 different women hold Afton on their laps while on the train/tram/buses, and someone was always cooing over Clara. At one point we were relaxing at a town square and Luke and Afton were running around kicking a balloon like it was a ball. I looked around and there were a handful of older women and men watching the kids with a smile on their faces.

We flew in and stayed for 4 full days. I'm posting a ton of pics just to show the diversity of this area. Lisbon was our homebase, but 3 of the 4 days were spent within a 45 min radius of the city. Also, somehow EVERYWHERE we went we beat the crowds- it was really remarkable.

Belém
Monastery of Jerónimos- late 1400's

Monument to the Discoveries and Maritime Museum

Belém Tower- early 1500's

Sintra

Palácio de Pena

Quinta da Regaleira mansion and gardens

Cascais
Great beaches, seafood and fun town center.





Above: We loved the roads in Portugal! They had such great designs and literally gleamed. Below: I didn't think to bring bathing suits, so the boys slowly stripped down to their undies.

Lisbon

Fasnacht Fire Parade

There are lots of different celebrations that go on during fasnacht, and this year Andrew and Sam went to the fire parade held in Liestal. I contemplated having our whole family go, but I'm SOOOO glad I opted to stay home. Just look at those flames- not exactly the type of place you want to go when the kids outnumber you 2 to 1. Instead, Andrew and Sam went with our friends and they had a fantastic time. Below is a link to the video footage Andrew took. The crazy thing is that after watching it Andrew commented, "Oh, I guess I didn't record the really big flames". Whhhaaat?? (Note: if the video freezes you can skip ahead a few seconds and it will pick up.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5cVEsgGWNg&feature=youtu.be



And below are some pictures from the Reinach parade. This year I skipped out on the Basel parades because Andrew was away for work. Again, the kid/parent ratio just wasn't working in my favor. We still had fun with the local stuff.

If you raise your hand during the parade you will likely get candy tossed at you. Luke didn't put down his hand during the entire parade.

Kinder Fasnacht 2012

Fasnacht just might be our favorite cultural experience here. The kids get a week off of school, and combined with our village's celebration, fasnacht is a two week party. Last year Luke was able to be in the kinder parade, and this year it was Sam's turn. It was just plain luck that both boys were able to participate, and for that I'm very grateful. It is an experience I hope both will treasure.

As I mentioned last year, the kinder parades are comprised of the children from the local Swiss schools. The kids in each class make their own costumes and march in the parade while throwing confetti and candy. After the parade is finished the kids all meet together for food and drink. At the International School the 2nd graders get to be in the parade, while the kindergarteners get to go watch. It worked our perfectly for Sam and Luke!

Sam's class chose to be dragons, and while not as impressive as the Swiss costumes (which usually involve paper mache), I thought they did a great job. Sam was certainly pleased with the costume selection.

Above: the kids walking to the parade start point. Below: all of the schools waiting to start the parade.



Sam's class walking by...



Some of the other costumes- I love how creative they are!

Luke enjoying the show and candy in his Superman suit.