What's Going On....

.....Sintra

Now, think Lisbon...getting closer..... just 30 minutes outside of Lisbon is a magical place. The town of Sintra which has these mystical hills dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas. It is for adults what Disneyland is for every little girl under 8 years old (not that I can speak firsthand of that kind of experience because I have 3 boys). But it could be magical for little boys too. I remember taking my nephew (now 22) at age 3 to Disneyland and he could not separate himself from Mini Mouse. I am thinking that Sintra comes very close to that kind of moment. Yes, it is that magical!

The Palace of Quinta da Regaleria

So, we got lucky. In our hotel we met a couple that visited Sintra the day before. They gave us the card/phone number of a private taxi driver. Upon arriving in Sintra, he was our first call. Antonio arrived with his beautiful Mercedes ready to shuttle us around for the entire day and give us some history along the way.

Do you think my kids are getting a little spoiled yet? OK, don't answer that!!! Mercedes Taxi's, 5 star hotels....I think I need to return to Barcelona where our main transportation was the subway. Yes, we would ride subways and buses day and night.

Our fist stop, the Palace of Quinta da Regaleria

This World Heritage UNESCO site is one of these special places. It was built in the turn of the 20th century with a Romantic, Gothic and Renaissance style. The coolest thing about this Palace is that it is in the middle of a dense forest which really achieves a mythical magical feeling.

They say that the Quinta is a place to be felt. What does that mean... well, it is not sufficient for me to tell its story, of its countryside setting nor its mysteries...it just needs to be felt........check out some stunning photos of the grounds...

The well is divided in nine platforms which give us the sensation of the route leading down to the Earth and, in an inverted course, leading up to the sky. It has 127 stairs.. when we arrived at the bottom we were pleasantly surprised that we did not have to walk back up. Actually, there were small tunnels that led us to various parts of the grounds.

The Pena Castle

Now for something even more beautiful and magical than the Quinta. The Pena Castle. You see, the Romans wanted to make a place of cult moon worshiping. So they did and named it "Cynthia" after the goddess of the moon. They were followed by the Moors who also fell in love with the lush vegetation and built a hilltop castle, a palace, and several fountains around the town. Later it became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and attracted a number of wealthy aristocrats who built huge mansions and villas. Yesterday it was a place that the Kramer's walked around aimlessly in awe. This was even better than the 'E' ticket ride at Disneyland.


Another UNESCO site....When is this going to stop...It is making California look like we got nothing. Wait, I keep forgetting, we got the original Disneyland. So, this palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It is also used for state occasions by the President of the Portugese Republic and other government officials.

Do I have your attention yet? Wouldn't you rather be feeling this on your own rather than through my blog? Let me be your inspiration!!! Take my word, book a trip to Spain and Portugal and I will be your travel guide. I am cheap... (oops, i lied.. I am not cheap. Ask Andrew...no, don't)

So, two Palaces were enough for the Kramer boys. Actually, Asher took a nap for 1.5 hours in the Mercedes while we visited the Pena Palace (thank goodness he didn't have a pee pee accident during his nap, otherwise our taxi adventure would have been very expensive). It was good that Asher stayed behind. He was tired. I keep forgetting that I am dragging my 5 year old all around Spain and Portugal. Wait, did I say drag? I meant to say, I am giving my 5 year old an experience of a lifetime. He may not think of it this way. So now it was time to go to the Beach. I mean this is where Zach lives.

Off to Cascais

This once small fishing village became a popular resort favored by European nobility and kings in the early 20th century. Nobility...of course we had to visit where the kings wanted to visit. Today it is a colorful cosmopolitan town with elegant pedestrian streets, fashionable shops, restaurants and bars.

What would the day be like if Zach didn't have his Churro (I mean 4 Churros). Well, they were delicious.

Back to our hotel, where we discovered this awesome looking Piano in the lounge. Of course, every Kramer boy had to try it out. Even their had to play a song.

Ok, home sweet home tomorrow. Well at least for two of the Kramer's...... Our flight was to leave the next day. Andrew and Max were jealous that Asher,Zach and I had a better flight with one stop in New York. They had to stop in Madrid, then in Dallas, then to SF. Well, who had the last laugh. As they took off, Asher, Zach and I found ourselves in the airport with a canceled flight due to 'Irene'. Five hours later we found ourselves being bused to the Marriott with three nights all inclusive package paid for by the Airlines. Yes...three meals and two rooms, free. So I guess my next blog will be of our adventures in Portugal without Andrew and Max. Not sure who has the last laugh. Will my summer vacation ever end?

The French may be more famous for their pastry, but for Andrew it’s hard to beat a visit to Lisbon’s ...Pasteis de Belem

Upgrading to the Club Lounge level was well worth....that is for the Kramer's. For only 1500 Starwood points per room per night, we were able to treat ourselves to the Club Lounge which provided us with Caviar & Champagne breakfasts and all you can drink wine and beer Happy Hours. So don't you think that Andrew got his money worth???

Image of Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Lisbon

The Sheraton Lisbon Hotel & Towers sits towering over the City of Lisbon. It is actually the tallest building in Lisbon so you can imagine the views from the 25th floor at Sunset. Yep, breathtaking views over Lisbon and the river Tagus!!

Our first day had to start at the famous 1837, Pastry Shop. Yes, we were off to the town of Belem.

Pasteis de Belem

It all began in the Belem Monastery District when the monks were threatened by the liberal revolution of the 1820s. They decided to use their ties to a sugar cane refinery and a local general store to fight for survival.

The monastery began crafting its own delicacies, later known as pasteis de belem.

Today, Belem still honors its sweet and virtuous history. The puff pastry is made by hand by three main pastry chefs who upon initiation must take a secret oath (i.e. sign a contract) in order to safeguard its almost 200-year-old recipe. Can you believe it? How can they keep a secret? I guess Zach will never be able to get a job there!! Keeping a secret is not his forte.
It really looked like a mini quiche than a pastry. Its flaky and slight burned crust was reminiscent of crème brulee. But it was neither hard nor caramelized. And its interior was like a custard. All that mattered was it was GOOD.

So, Belem is often referred to as the historical heart and soul of Portugal
But why?

The entire area of Belem is closely associated with the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The natural harbor made it an ideal launching point for the exploratory voyages which turned Portugal into a major economic force.

now that's big huh?A UNESCO World Heritage Site.........Jeronimos Monastery

that's me... i guess Asher couldn't wait to take my photo

Asher preferred to show his backside instead of his beautiful smile

my boys..holiday card #100

I just love this boy.....he is sportin' the Barcelona Futbol Practice Jersey

Zach and Asher, can you please keep your shoes on....

Who can reach the????

The tower of Belem. Another UNESCO site. The tower is prominent since it's the closest thing Portugal has to a national monument.

Wait did I say Belem, Portugal or San Francisco?
The 25 de Abril Bridge
It was inaugurated on August 6, 1966 and a train platform was added in 1999. Because of its similar coloring, it is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. In fact, it was built by the same company (American Bridge Company) that constructed the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and not the Golden Gate, also explaining its similarity in design. With a total length of 2,277 m, it is the 21st largest suspension bridge in the world.