Hello to each of you reading this. We are now in Lisbon – arrived Thursday afternoon.

Our last posts have been brief and a little rushed, so we are glad for the opportunity of a bit more time at a computer and the opportunity to recall a few more highlights (and just one lowlight!)

Our time in Paris was super – Raeline,s very limited French language knowledge got dusted off and well used – actually to ghood effect most of the time. Amazing how the memory comes back even after all those years ago at school that it was learned!

On our first day there we went into the city and got orientated, then visited Notre Dame. What a wonderful place that is. We had been there before, but this time we were able to spend more time there and even to share in a service that was taking place. Something special indeed. Next we walked along the Seine riverside, admiring the many street artists and their stalls, and soaking up the atmosphere of this stunning city. Our Hotel was a Formula One place – very modern, inexpensive, clean and safe…all we needed! We became good at negotiating the metro system, getting on and off the trains, changing lines etc. Marvellous system all around the city and beyond.   

On our second day there we went to Versailles and visited the royal Palace that Louis XIV had built when he decided the Louvre was too small!!! (It`s huge!!) Well - Versailles is massive and very lavish with gold and artwork everywhere - ceilings, walls, not many gaps! We walked many many kilometres that day – must be a lot more fit than when we left NZ!

The next day we spent also in Paris (just too difficult to get out to the battlefields again) and saw the Louvre – one of Raeline`s dreams – it was most interesting. All sorts of artworks and history of the site too. Prior to that went to the Army Museum – extremely well set up and interesting to us both. We finished the day with an evening meal at a French cafe, sitting on the street enjoying the atmosphere of this very French thing to do (the other of Raeline´s dreams!)

Next day we got to the airport with no difficulties and MUCH more quickly than our jtourney to our Hotel when we arrived. (That took two and a half hours with all the rail changes – this time only one hour andone change from bus to ail. Excellent!) This was the second of our Easyjet flights and we have found them excellent – must have done everything how they like it! Had no excess baggage weight and packed our liquids etc VERY carefully, so that may have helped! Thanks for the warnings girls!

Then it was our arrival here in Portugal on Thursday afternoon. Touched down about 2:30 p.m. We were met by Paulos Mum and Dad. They were standing at the front of the crowd holding photos of our shared grand-daughters and our daughter (their daughter-in-law) – what a delightful welcome. This set us up for what is proving to be a very special time here.

The one lowlight referred to earlier was a pickpocket incident shortly afterwards. We had to take public transport as access to the airport was restricted due to Condelisa Rice (spelling??) arriving in Lisbon. The bus we got on was very crowded and someone seized the opportunity to somehow remove the bag containing money and one credit and one eftpos card from Peter´s pocket. What a shock to discover that! We got off the bus at the Police station and Margarida took Peter in to report the matter. The Police were just wonderful. While he dealt with that the other three of us went to their house and offloaded the luggage and had a cold drink. Then Margarida grabbed my hand saying ´Pedro` and off we went. With them speaking no English and us no Portuguese it has been great fun being and making ourselves understood. Lots of laughs and many mysteries about what was hapening and where we are going. This was the first! Walk, bus, walk, bus then we arrived at another Police centre – that deals with international issues. Peter was there and at 5;15 pm we left, cards cancelled, including a phone conversation with NZ credit card people at 2 am NZ time, Police report done and explained and all sorted. Later a chat with Deidre and her work the next day on the phone confirmed our travel insurance will cover our losses. Thanks Dee! And, in case you´re wondering – we had a joint Visa and account so have access to money too. As Kristin so often says `It`s all goòd!`

Yesterday here we visited the old part of the city of Lisbon including a castle. Went back to their house about 2pm and after a rest and something to eat got back on the sightseeing trail about 4:30 p.m. This time we went to the place where the bullfights happen – massive and impressive. Had lots of fun doing our Oolays!  No events while we are here, but it was great to see where this traditional entertainment happens. Superb shopping centre under it too – great icecreams (glaces) and very modern shops.

Today Paulo,s dad has driven us to two towns north of Lisbon – Mafra where we saw a huge convent and church..even some weddings happening while we did our sight-seeing! Beautiful gardens next door where Dee and Paulo, Margarida and Tulipa visited on their way north at Christmas time. Also saw a model village and enjoyed traditional food – warm bread filled with chorizo. Lovely. Then to Ericeira where there is a model typical older Portuguese village – fascinating.

Next was some family visiting – met a neice and her husband and children, then Paula (daughter-in-law) and 5 year old Rodrigo. All delightful people and its so good to meet some of the wider Dias family. Now we are at the home of Anna and Fabbe where we will share dinner together…and unlimited compter time! Thanks Anna!

Living here is very different from NZ – transport around the city is mainly on public transport (great system) and housing is predominantly highrise apartments….masses of them! The Dias parents (compadre and commadre to us) are in an apartment which is situated quite centrally. Compact, very nice and on the second floor of the building. Their son Ze and Paula, with son Rodrigo are also in a high rise building of apartments in a town about 15 km out of Lisbon city. Anna and Fabbe are in a high rise apartment in Lisbon about 10 minutes drive from her parents. With the population of course it is the only logical way, but so different to what is normal for us kiwis.

We have found the immense value of a dictionary – English to Portuguese – and also have become very good at gesturing – maybe we will be masters at charades when we get back!

Well – your Sunday will be getting underway. We do pray it is a good one for you all and of course we will be especially thnking of those of you at the Christchurch City Corps. We will share with you there agin next Sunday – seems difficult to imagine that though, still being on the other side of the world!

Love to you all – our long-service holiday time is fast coming to an end. We leave here on Monday and travel home, a stop in Hong Kong, then home on Thursday. See most of you soon!

Peter and Raeline