Our First Solo Road Trip

What a great time this week has been!  Today has been the first day we were able to take a breath and take in a few sights...  The past several days have been filled with making final arrangements and looking over the many details as we prepare for a group of PLNU MBAs to join us here for their study abroad "field trip."

We also have met with our dear friends A & P, pastoral couple of the church here in Massama to discuss an  exciting upcoming social ministry to practically help people in need in the surrounding neighborhood in significant ways.  I am excited to share more on that as details mature. 

Oh let's add also four hours of Portuguese language lessons this past week, and add several hours of homework.  Talk about brain fry!!!  That's exhausting on its own. 

Let's talk about being mature...  Randy and I decided that we would take a road trip to Sintra.  Sintra is an absolute charming little town on the slopes of mountains toward the sea, with lots of trees, wooded ravines, fresh water springs, and it was first a retreat for the kings of Portugal.  Today it is a favorite for many visitors and local Portuguese families wanting to get out of the house for the afternoon.  The cobbled walkways and steps up and down the hills of the quaint village, the many shops vying for our attention with beautiful tiles, pottery and products of Portugal make for a very pleasant afternoon.  Cafes with pastries and amazing coffees are plentiful and hard to choose from.  It is "a picture everywhere you look" - can't go without a camera! 

We were off.  We had no map or GPS, but knew we could navigate our way there and back.  After all, what could be more fun than to spend an afternoon in Sintra???  Besides, we have been there several times during past visits.   A piece of cake!, no problem!  



street corner in Sintra

We arrived in Sintra after taking the long way, knowing there had to be a shorter way, but oh well, we made it.  We had a very nice time together.  We sat and shared an amazing crepe with sugar and lemon juice with two "abatanado pinguados"  (= dark coffee with just a few drops of milk.)  We walked, stopped in a beautiful little shop owned by gentleman that we have met several times before and visited, and of course I took pictures -- and then a few MORE pictures!! 

tiny cafe with seating for 2 on the "patio"



crepe folded into flower shape



Randy thought we better head back in plenty of time before it got dark as the highway signs are hard to read after dark.  I was in no hurry, feeling confident that all we had to do was trace our way back from the way we came.  No problem, right?  Hmmm, but after several turns we didn't remember taking earlier and several highways later, as the sun was beginning to go down behind the mountains, the drive was no longer familiar.  We were heading in the general northern direction, but knew by the signs that began to read "Porto" (3 hours north), was NOT where we wanted to go!   A call to our friend O; he calmly directed us back towards Loures.  We took a deep breath -- we were home again.  The wisdom gained?  Next time take a map!  

Depois de um jantar de salada de peru e pão, uma noite tranquila em casa!  (= After a dinner of salad, turkey and bread, a quiet evening at home.)



one of MANY favorite doors (this one with a self portrait)

Note:  Doors and windows in Europe -- a favorite of mine to photograph.  

a fun time in Sintra!

Today as I read, "Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."  (Acts 14.17), I know that He does give all good things and does fill our hearts with joy!  Praise Him!  May your hearts also be filled with joy today!  Blessings my dear BSF sisters!