2012 Inlaws & Outlaws do Italy, Greece and Portugal: Lisbon and then home

We have had a very enjoyable last 2 days in Lisbon. Saturday's weather was beautiful in the 60's and sunny and we spent 9-10 hours exploring all the neighborhoods by means of funicular, trolleys, elevator (made by Mr. Effiel) and our feet. The most fun was our trolley 'joy ride' that brought us to parts of the city that we didn't mean to go. We obviously got on going the wrong way and after about 20 minutes the trolley suddenly stopped and the very crabby driver said 'finished.' When half the people who were apparently stupid tourists like us didn't get off, she yelled again FINISHED!! So we all got off, stood there looking dumbfounded and 5 minutes later the driver pulled forward 10 feet and we all got back on and eventually ended up where we wanted to go. We can see why the drivers get a little crabby as there are constantly dumb tourists, dumb drivers and dumb cars parked over the trolley tracks blocking the way and after yelling by driver and riders and lots of horn blowing we continue on our way. Great fun. There are street performers everywhere and it gives the city a real festive feel. This place is a real melting pot of tourists and residents from all over the world.

Our thoughts on Portugal are that it's a wonderful place to visit and discover. Quaint mountain and seaside villages, interesting history, culture and vibrant cities. Fantastic architecture, art, wine, food and people. The only downside is that everyone smokes and it felt like a smoke haze over the country. What a shame.

We feel that we have been gone a very long time. Thinking back to where we started in Bellagio it feels like 5 months and not 5 weeks and that is because we have seen and experienced so much. The time spent with Shelley & Jerry and Mike & Cindy was priceless. Thanks so much to Mom and Dad for this great adventure and the opportunity to share it as a family.