Lisbon, Portugal Day 2

Ok ok so I'm behind.  Day two was a very long day and I needed more time.  So here you go!  We jumped right into the sightseeing today.  Headed a few blocks away to catch one of the historic trams that runs throughout the city.  We decided to go the opposite way first just to get a good look around.  Turned out to be the smart choice as it was super crowded on the way back but we had gotten a seat at the end of the line.  Along the way we saw some amazing buildings and I caught one good shot looking down towards the bay.

Then it was time for a quick view of the city at a point just below the castle.

Castle time!  The views from here just couldn't be better.

Trying to be smart travelers, we've decided in Lisbon, the new phrase is onwards and downwards.  It's always easier to walk down the hills and ride up them.
SO in our quest to take the easy road down... we first made a new friend.

Seriously the most chill cat I've seen in a long time.  He just hang out there halfway in and halfway out of his home.  And he waits for people to pet him... though he still looks grumpy when they do!

Next up was the "Instagram Garden." To be fair, this was a perfect spot and with the colors seemed almost unreal.  But it was PACKED with people... posing in doors, on benches, under arches.

As we wandered further down the hill, there were more sights, one church and more random lovely doorways (and window).

The rest of the day might have been spent shopping...  And if you know me, that's both a good and bad thing!  Stay tuned for more.

Wait!!  I almost forgot the night time activities....

R happened to have a friend in town, so we went off to meet E at this place called the LX Factory that was already on our list.  We liked it so much we actually came back.  It's a fun collection of warehouses that have been turned into restaurants and shops.  With the most random amazing art everywhere. (also a Mexican Restaurant with a ring in the center)

Ok that's really it this time.  :-)

Lisbon, Portugal, Day 1

Well here we are my friends.  Back on vacation again at last!  I know... I've been remiss in posting, but now... two solid weeks of new posts!  Here we go!

So the day may have started a bit roughly in London, and it might have taken almost two hours to get to Gatwick airport... but I made it and was on my way to Lisbon. 

I didn't go too crazy as I feel like I'm still recovering from FYSEE, but here are a few things I saw along the way.

Let's start with the cutest hotel room possible....  This is Brown's Central Hotel.  Right in the heart of the city.  Yes it's in the middle of the tourist area, but these days... that's what we are!  Props to R for finding this place.

I had a little bit of time on my own so I decided to wander around a bit.  Not too shabby.  And I throughly enjoyed the ice cream.  :-)

After R arrived, we ended up walking around some more and taking in the view on top of the Santa Justa lift.  Yep... just a giant elevator that helps take people up one of the hills of the city.    Up to the ruins of the Carmo Church.  (that's another day!) 

This is seriously an amazing view of the city.  We managed to get up there right as the sun had set. 

Well I know it feels like a bit of a short day, but there's so much more to come in the weeks ahead. Hope you all stick around to see it!

Cartagena, Colombia

Ok I know, I'm late to this.  As I start working on plans for another trip this summer I realized I was beyond tardy in posting things for the last part of 2018.  So here's a quick recap:  After Chicago, there were numerous trips to Mexico City for work.  And in October there was a big work trip to Bogota, Colombia.  That was almost 100% work.  But a few co-workers and I did manage to escape to Cartagena for a few days.  I can't recommend this city enough for a relaxing, fun time.  We never made it to a beach or out on a boat tour, but just walking around the historical part of the city was amazing.  And the food was fantastic.  Can't wait until I can go back.  So for that, here are a few of my favorite photos from Cartagena!