Rub Down From Different Lands

Ask yourself this question, Would you like to be rubbed all over from people of different lands? That's what I asked Kyle for birthday. This was my gift to him, different massages from all of the places we travel to in the next 6 months before he deploys. A tossed around the idea for a Kindle and finally decided that if he wanted a Kindle he could easily buy one for himself, however it is pretty difficult to get Kyle to relax on is own and take a minute to himself. The first massage was this past weekend as we took a trip to Portugal. The massage was a couples massage although a little awkward it turned out great. I am pretty sure Kyle liked it since he did get rubbed down by an attractive Portuguese woman, could he really complain that much? I look forward to the other massages and giving Kyle some Kyle time. You can see some of the photos on my post of the Portugal trip below this one.

On his actually birthday, I cooked him a T-bone steak dinner with an apple pie for dessert. I also wrote him a funny little thing, 27 reason of why this year is going to rock! It was just for fun to bring a smile. Here it is below. You will see a couple of them are stared out **** Some of them are only for Kyle's eyes, after all it was part of his present!

1. You are 27! How many times have you done that before?
2. You have a family that loves you (even when you don’t call them back).
3. You have some awesome massages to look forward to this year.
4. You get to travel the world.
5. ***********************************************************************
6. Do you remember you have some pretty awesome coupons you get to use?
7. You have some great friends that are always supporting you.
8. You will have a year full of Bleach, dear God it doesn’t end.
9. For ½ the year you get to pee barefoot on heated tiles, that is much better than most the world.
10. You are gaining a guaranteed best friend this year while deployed, Skype!
11. ***************************************************************
12. Steve Jobs was also born today. You must have some good vibes coming off that!
13. Only one more year until we can buy a dog, a year closer than last.
14. You will be loved every day.
15. **************************************
16. In your time of darkness you will have people around you to show you the light.
17. You will receive more care packages this year than most people in a lifetime.
18. You are not 30, woot woot!
19. You are still getting away with robbing the cradle.
20. You get to drive your new car on the German auto bahn’s! Plus, you have a back up ride if you find a new allergy.
21. Online Checkers, need I say more?
22. You are going to have the best farmer’s tan around (**********!)
23. You will always have someone to watch your place and your 2^nd love.
24. You girlfriend makes the best Chocolate Chip Cookies.
25. I will always be honest with you .
26. I love you.
27. ***************************************************************

All in all I considered it a good birthday and I hope Kyle had a great day. Happy Birthday!

Portugal, Port Wine, Perfection

Our trip to Portugal was lovely! We flew into Lisbon, rented a care (the only way to go) and spent the first 2 nights in a town called Cascais (pronounced Cash-ci(like hi)) and the last night in Lisbon. The first hotel was actually a bed and Breakfast named Casa De Pergola. One of my favorite places I have ever stayed. Even before you get there you begin to smell the flowers in the garden. Is that heaven I smell? Then when you walk into the beautiful ornate wooden door I can best describe it to have a historical eclectic charm. So many pieces of history coming together in one room whilst everything fits perfectly together, equals charm. Patricia worked at the front counter and she was not only friendly but also help Danielle and I book some surprise massages for Kyle and Nolan. She helped us keep it a secret did some awesome translating for us. Thank you, Patricia! Below are some beautiful photos of the hotel.

We spent a lovely day exploring the town around our hotel and yes, we were those people on Segway’s. I must say that it was actually really fun, now it may have been even more fun if it wasn’t a cold and rainy but, eh, minor details. Some more photos of the Portuguese landscape.

We visited an awesome small town only thirty minutes from Lisbon, named Sintra. It has such a beautiful palace and castle that I believe the photos can describe its beauty better than my words. This palace was the highlight of my trip, it was beautiful and lovely J

Now of course there is some fabulous shopping to do in Portugal and Danielle and I took advantage of that. We also took advantage of the differences in European and U.S. shopping. As Danielle put it “in Europe you can wear whatever you want and no one seems to care.” So we got them, hold on to your hats ladies and gentleman, we bought suspenders! I also have wanted to wear the shorts and tights thing for awhile now, something I am only comfortable doing in foreign countries thus far. This was a really fun time to try the look out with the Portuguese tights.

In Lisbon the boys were able to eat some great sushi right in time for us to go to the aquarium. I felt kind of bad when Kyle was walking around telling all the fish he ate their cousin.

All in all it was an awesome trip, short but great company, food and pretty buildings. I can’t wait to go back to Portugal, maybe in the summer this time.

One last thing. If I haven’t convinced you that you need to go to Portugal and stay at the Casa de Pergola, here is one more reason. They serve port wine every night from 6-8 in your living room area. A great end to any day of exploring.

Portugal Invasion

So remember how I said we [Me, Kyle and another couple] were going to do a skiing trip in Switzerland? Well finding a Chalet on short notice was a little tough (who would have thought??) So we made the executive decision, over an awesome Chinese dinner, that we would travel to Portugal over the 4-day weekend! You ask, why Portugal? Why not?! The weather will be high's of 60 and compared to our high of 40's here in Germany. Slather on the sunscreen I may as well be at the beach!

Although we are leaving soon I would love any advice anyone has. We are flying into Lisbon and most likely will be spending our time around there. Truth be told we don't have too much of plan, which leaves doors of awesomeness (a word in my book) open. I do have a little surprise planned for Kyle as his birthday is very soon, can't give too much away though so you will find out more after our trip :)

Leave some comments about Portugal below!