You’re welcome, and you capture the beauty of these small town celebrations in this blog particularly. The fact that the rain stopped long enough on Nov 30 for the Santa parade and fireworks was perhaps Divine Intervention?
I love the Christmas fun in the Pombal - cheers me up. And there is also the presepio to enjoy which is even bigger and better this year - only 1 euro too.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Here in Sao Martinho do Porto there was a "turning on of the xmas lights" in town. They set up a huge stage with dancers, singers, and musicians. Great fun! Nothing like this when I lived in the SF Bay Area.
Adult film story line...I thought the shadow play in the house windows in Wisconsin where the poor young women had just one bed they shared and couldn't afford pajamas was, uh, quite suggestive and perhaps a tad racier. For most of the last several years I traveled to spend time with the Mother each year at Christmas. It was four long days of Faux Snooze, Judge Judy, Judge Someone else, and listening to a long list of criticisms and complaints about 'That Man' (one of our former presidents who held office for two successive terms). But I always brought my blu-ray movies with me. Jane Austen this and Jane Austen that--I had them all and loved to share them even when they were not as enthusiastically embraced by those in attendance. Not the Christmas memories I currently cherish so I guess it's time I make some new ones. An European Christmas village visit could be in my future. I look forward to a few more photos from your experience. Enjoy!
I had forgotten the part you mentioned. Odd…interesting. But more to the point, I am sorry you have these Christmas memories. Let’s make some new ones!
I always look forward to your posts. I find that I'm rereading them as we inch closer to our own retirement adventures. Do you have words of wisdom of how to travel in 90 day increments without spending a fortune. Our plans are to explore a region in Europe, then go to another area and come back to Europe. The first go we don't plan to use a car but travel by train and plane or bus.
Hotels will be too costly. But we are not the "hostel" type either. We will probably come home stateside in the June-August time frame to see our grandchildren, get our Dr. appointments, etc. and we will rent Airbnb's in small towns to save.
We will still pay for our medicare and taxes of course but we also have no debt. Hoping to sell our house and store everything.
Well, on top of getting me excited about Christmas, you've also given me a suggestion of a movie to watch. No trips to Vienna for us. We're going out to see the Christmas Market in Rossio Square sometime this week. Have a wonderful trip and happy holidays!
PS - We loved the artwork! Too busy traveling the last two weeks to comment.
Wow, what a wonderful fireworks display. A beautiful singer, and it snowed! I also want to say how much I love your artwork and the color palette you work in. Happy holidays!
Enjoy the Christmas markets - I'm going to Vienna for my first markets, and am really looking forward to it - there's no snow here in Valencia. ;-) And for some reason, I always forget about the adult film actor storyline in Love, Actually as well...
You’re welcome, and you capture the beauty of these small town celebrations in this blog particularly. The fact that the rain stopped long enough on Nov 30 for the Santa parade and fireworks was perhaps Divine Intervention?
sending beautiful and peaceful holiday wishes to you and denise!
bonnie
I love the Christmas fun in the Pombal - cheers me up. And there is also the presepio to enjoy which is even bigger and better this year - only 1 euro too.
Merry Christmas Nancy & Denise!
Happy Holidays.
Thank you for sharing the joy in your small part of the world. Safe travels and I hope Santa is good to you!
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Here in Sao Martinho do Porto there was a "turning on of the xmas lights" in town. They set up a huge stage with dancers, singers, and musicians. Great fun! Nothing like this when I lived in the SF Bay Area.
Yes and we had considerably more resources available to us!
Adult film story line...I thought the shadow play in the house windows in Wisconsin where the poor young women had just one bed they shared and couldn't afford pajamas was, uh, quite suggestive and perhaps a tad racier. For most of the last several years I traveled to spend time with the Mother each year at Christmas. It was four long days of Faux Snooze, Judge Judy, Judge Someone else, and listening to a long list of criticisms and complaints about 'That Man' (one of our former presidents who held office for two successive terms). But I always brought my blu-ray movies with me. Jane Austen this and Jane Austen that--I had them all and loved to share them even when they were not as enthusiastically embraced by those in attendance. Not the Christmas memories I currently cherish so I guess it's time I make some new ones. An European Christmas village visit could be in my future. I look forward to a few more photos from your experience. Enjoy!
I had forgotten the part you mentioned. Odd…interesting. But more to the point, I am sorry you have these Christmas memories. Let’s make some new ones!
As the expression goes, Try it, you’ll like it!
Fabulous photos and stories. Thank you for sharing. The Christmas celebration in VRSA looks perfect!
The best pics are those Betsy kindly allowed me to share!
I always look forward to your posts. I find that I'm rereading them as we inch closer to our own retirement adventures. Do you have words of wisdom of how to travel in 90 day increments without spending a fortune. Our plans are to explore a region in Europe, then go to another area and come back to Europe. The first go we don't plan to use a car but travel by train and plane or bus.
Hotels will be too costly. But we are not the "hostel" type either. We will probably come home stateside in the June-August time frame to see our grandchildren, get our Dr. appointments, etc. and we will rent Airbnb's in small towns to save.
We will still pay for our medicare and taxes of course but we also have no debt. Hoping to sell our house and store everything.
I really am not a great bargain hunter…and we use hotels or Airbnbs when we travel. I would try to use trains and buses rather than fly.
Well, on top of getting me excited about Christmas, you've also given me a suggestion of a movie to watch. No trips to Vienna for us. We're going out to see the Christmas Market in Rossio Square sometime this week. Have a wonderful trip and happy holidays!
PS - We loved the artwork! Too busy traveling the last two weeks to comment.
Thanks Mike. We enjoyed Rossio Square market last year. Enjoy
Wow, what a wonderful fireworks display. A beautiful singer, and it snowed! I also want to say how much I love your artwork and the color palette you work in. Happy holidays!
Thanks
Enjoy the Christmas markets - I'm going to Vienna for my first markets, and am really looking forward to it - there's no snow here in Valencia. ;-) And for some reason, I always forget about the adult film actor storyline in Love, Actually as well...
Enjoy