Portugal 2014: Some Final Thoughts

Our trip to Portugal was so wonderful and memorable for so many reasons. It's a beautiful country, 

full of castles and palaces,

 beaches and seafood,

 churches and monasteries, 

Roman ruins and incredible museums.

Portugal has everything you could want from a sightseeing standpoint. And the food, oh, the food! I love Portuguese food and we did not have one bad meal; some were more memorable than others, but the food was delicious everywhere we went. From bacalhau and eels to black pork and Brazilian kebabs, from hot milk for your morning coffee to a bica after dinner, from soup of the day and crusty bread to Super Bock and wines from the Bairrada region, we ate (and drank) like royalty! I would go back again just for the food. 

The Portuguese people are delightful as well (except on the roads; then they can be aggressive!) and they adore children. I cannot even count the number of times Henry's hair was tousled by waiters as they passed by the table. Kids are welcome everywhere, from quiet sanctuaries and fancy restaurants to boisterous bars and sandy beaches. It was lovely to be in a place with my boys where they were adored and welcomed. And speaking of the boys, they are amazing little travelers; they did well with the time change and adjusting to later hours in Portugal.

I know Will and Henry will never forget their first trip to Europe, and that they were able to spend it with their grandparents makes it even more special.

Pop took us to all his favorite places in Portugal, and it was like having our very own personal tour guide. 

We visited so many sites, and learned so much about Portugal's history. Gene even had a chance to do some sketching!

We created so many wonderful memories on this trip

and it truly was an amazing vacation.  

 {Photos in this post are courtesy of my mother-in-law.}