Feliz Natal de Portugal! Merry Christmas from Portugal!
This year is a year unlike any other for our family. We have one very special person missing, who is in our hearts and minds every day - even more so (if that's possible) as the holiday spirit surrounds us. Irena has come to Europe, and we decided to head for the coast and visit a quaint little town in the Algarve region of Portugal, called Carvoeiro. We are eating well, mostly delicious Portuguese pastries, drinking wine and port and feeling the welcoming spirit of the Portuguese. We are not, however, progressing very much in learning the language. The beautiful ocean greets us every day from our balcony, and we are enjoying watching the crashing of the waves, the shifts of the tide and weather, and the intensely colorful sunsets that make you say "wow" (proof below). Did you say wow? No filter, people. The limestone coastline creates pretty incredible landscapes and walking trails reveal awe inspiring views from every corner....