3 weeks in Toronto

3 weeks at home was just what I needed after 7 1/2 months of living out of a backpack. It was a short visit, but it was enough to see most of those I love, eventhough there is never enough time for that. Here are some picture highlights of my time at home.

I met Juliet for the first time. She was born at the end of November to one of my best friends, Jessica, and she is the cutest baby girl I've ever seen. Here she is trying not to eat the Paddington Bear I brought her from London. Soooo cute!!!

I also spent some time with another gorgeous baby. Jesse turned 1 year old just after I got home.

My sister, Kelly, got a little crazy at the party.

Like all of us, Jesse liked the cake

I'm not sure if he liked his hat though.

Nothing had changed with my old friend Ophelia

I changed my first Juliet diaper too (although it wasn't my last...but it was the least smelly)

She was grateful.

but not so happy when we took her to the beach for the first time.

not happy at all!


Linda got her cowgirl on

while Jo got her Facebook profile pic perfect

We tried winning at Headbandz, but mostly Linda just babysat a few drunks...until driving us safely home.

Thanks by the way.

My last night at home was memorable...I did teach Juliet to walk. shhhhh, don't tell her she's on my feet, she's not even 6 months old, but she's already planning a marathon.

She was even the tallest person in the room

and certainly the hungriest

Well my time at home might be done for now. I had a great visit and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again soon, but until then I'm going to get myself back to my husband and back to the travelling world that I love. Next stop: 4 days in Istanbul, followed by over 2 weeks in Greece, 1 of which will involve me meeting the sun, sand and Mediterranean for the first time!!!!! As always, we'll keep you posted on how it's all going.

Lisbon, Portugal

A 10 hour train ride from Madrid, got us into Lisbon, where our pre-booked hostel turned out to be a dump. Priceline to the rescue, and we were sitting in a 4 star Holiday Inn for almost the same price.A King size bed is virtually extinct in Europe...but we got one!!!


Portugal houses are usually have tiles decorating the exterior.

and apparently trees coming out of the roof.

Easter also had some interesting sweets. Candy covered almonds...and they're decorated!!

Built on 7 hills, Lisbon uses trams to ease the exercise.

Lisbon's outdoor elevator (a tourist trap for pictures of Lisbon)

Us enjoying ourselves in one of many mosaic tiled squares in the centre

The National Theatre

This church is best known for the riot that happened in the early 1700s. Hundreds of people were killed when they fought over the cause of the reflection. One group said it was the sun, the other thought it was the light of God.

We also saw the orchestra play...in an auditorium that looked out into the surrounding greenery.

Unlike the name, this store has nothing to do with Canada

One of many buskers...this one has won a Guiness World Record for being motionless.

This busker uses a dog for his money...

the dog even sings along to the song. It really is worth the coin.

the Arch

The Park of Nations (made for Expo) with the Oceanarium in the background.

We had a blast looking at all the ocean fish/mammals. This fish is MASSIVE!!!

We met some penguins.

and see otters

We walked through the jungle (apparently near the Indian Ocean)

and stared at the jelly fish.

Mat got eyed up by this Manta Ray

we even found Nemo in the anemones!

and this long-nosed beast. The Oceanarium was one of the coolest experiences of the trip so far.

Even the ride on the old school tram didn't beat it

We stopped off at St. George's Castel

We also stopped at the carriage museum

where we saw the original carriage where one of Portugal's kings...and the crowned Prince, were shot dead.

We wandered through St. Jerome's Monastery.

Mat tried out his skills as a gargoyle

and we enjoyed the sunny day together

The Maritime Museum was fun for Mat

We saw Queen Elizabeth's Royal Barge

The Monument to the Discoveries

The Tower of Belem

Sintra's National Palace


also houses the largest collection of tiles

Mat played King of the Castle at the Moorish Castle.

and we got a wonderful view of the city below

We also saw Pena Palace...but didn't have the patience to stand in line to see inside.

and as always, we indulged in the goodies of the area. This pastry tasted like it was apple filled---but who really knows? Not us!

This one had the same apple-like filling, but inside a dumpling type cupcake cup

The best was the McDonald's sundae with sugar balls.

Yet another wonderful 3 weeks in Europe. The next trip will be to Instanbul, Turkey and Greece...but for now, Mat's back to work and I'm heading home for a job interview---and a lot of catch-up time with those I love. See you all soon!!!