I knew that 3 nights and 2 days were not going to be enough time to discover all there was to see in Lisbon, nevertheless Ange & I managed to get a good feel for the strengths of this alluring city. As you would expect the old historical buildings are captivating to the eye and easy on the camera lens. The number of deteriorating facades on most of these gorgeous structures is proof that Portugal is not one of the wealthier European countries. However old and dilapidated though ...the inner township still has charm and is very inviting. When the sun goes down, the old street lamps fire up and that which seems dishevelled during the day becomes romantic! Blah blah blah...

Ange & I managed to squeeze in a bit of swimming and beach lazing while in Lisbon. A 20 minute train ride out of the city and we were at a gorgeous beach littered with colourful unmbrellas and oiled up men in their european swimming trunks. But who had time for watching men, when there was sangria to be drunk in one of the many beachfront bars. Finally it was time to brave the beach, and our swimmers, which by european standards were positively Victorian. Our first dip in the med sea was a chilly as expected.

Ange: Onto Madrid. The city that really doesn't sleep. But we needed a quick nap after an exhausting three days of drinking, walking and a spot of shopping. But then it was out to discover this cities delights. Tapas bars and tinto verano (the red wine of summer) !!! After strolling through the streets, which are all lined with beautiful old pastel toned buildings, we finally stumbled on a backstreet bar. Our waiter became our new friend, and our Spanish teacher. "Quesira dos copa vino tinto por favour!!"

Our Espanol is coming along nicely,(although most of the waiters think bel is italian because of her broken english!!!! anyone who's heard her command of accents knows what i mean!)....The sun is shining on this stunning city again..so enough of being in here, we're heading outside for more adventuring.