2015

So the plan was that we would pack up from Portugal, fly to Paris, visit a long-lost friend of mine, and then fly home from Paris to Seattle.

We timed our visit this week to take in the National Horse Fair (English) or Feira Nacional do Cavalo (Portuguese). It’s an amazing spectacle centered around the Lusitano horse, all manner of riding attire, and roasted chestnuts.

We are visiting with my good friend Keron Psillas, who is a fantastic photographer and photographic instructor. She suggested we spend some time at Tomar’s Convento de Cristo.

As I said last night, we’re staying in a hotel at the top of a hill. I took some time to go for a walk this morning. It was foggy, which made for some wonderful scenes.

We flew across Spain today and will spend most of our remaining time in Europe visiting a friend in Portugal.

Having seen one microstate in southern Europe, obviously we must see the next!

We drove from Firenza/Florence to Marseille today. It’s a long haul, but there were some very fun side quests along the way.

Tara and I are starting a weeklong trip of southern Europe. We arrived yesterday in Firenza (or Florence as we’ve Anglicized it) and have spent yesterday and today at the charming Villa le Piazolle per a recommendation from a friend.

After a week full of meetings with my team in Minneapolis, I am taking an introvert retreat (read: solo vacation) before heading home.

So the plan for today was to run a half-marathon.

Tara and I flew into California with another couple for a long weekend adventure and to escape the chilly Northwest for a bit. Today’s highlight was a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano, where I had entirely too much fun with my infrared camera.