Port, Pastries, and Portuguese Paths

FUN FACT:  Portugal is the world's leading producer of cork. The country is responsible for over 60% of the world's cork exports and holds a quarter of the world's cork oak area. A major producer in the Alentejo region, Portugal is known for its sustainable cork harvesting practices. The Portuguese company Corticeira Amorim is the world's largest producer and distributor of cork. Why does Portugal make so much cork?   The Cork Oak (Quercus suber), the tree that provides this resource, found its home in Portugal and today is spread across the south of the country creating the largest cork oak area in the world. Joe thought of this tour because he was aware of this "cork" fact.  He was feeling better and joined us this day.  This was called a Cork and Wine Tour.  Our guides were Joao and Miguel. Cork Tree Cork factory Lots of items made from cork Humorous cork tour guide I wanted to buy this, but it was only for "show." The tour included some walking t...

  Jeep Ride to Sintra Last evening at the supper table, we discussed possible tours to Sintra.  We saw this one on the Viator app that we really liked and that allowed us to sleep in a bit because it started at 10:30 a.m.  Jessica and Matt were going to stay behind and go visit museums and Ben had a 10 am appointment at the hotel spa.   Turns out Joe had a really rough night and possibly had food poisoning (or that is how it presented).  We couldn't really track it down to what might have caused it, but he stayed in all day. Dave, McKenzie, Kennedy and I did the day trip.  We were in a pretty small jeep and in the beginning we were stopping about every two minutes to take photos and learn the history.  Our guide was fantastic.  He reminded me of Dominico who was our driver/guide in Italy.  Just very knowledgeable and  very kind. Fonte da Sabuga Palaces in the background Us with Palaces in the background You can stay at this one We h...

  We have learned while traveling together as a family to build in one or two days where we call it a "free" day.  We do not have something planned with all of us going somewhere together.  It allows those who need alone time to be alone; those who would like spa time to have spa time; etc. Dave and I had a Hunter Douglas business meeting at 9:00 a.m.  Last year in Sweden, the meeting was a whole lot of apology and we know we need to do better (on Hunter Douglas's behalf).  This year Hunter Douglas was showing us a clear vision of where we are going as a company.  We thought it was a great meeting. Welcome to the meeting. Joe, McKenzie and Kennedy walked to the center of town to check out the flea market and many shops.  They also visited the Tile Museum.  Matt worked on homework.  Ben rested in the morning.  After our Hunter Douglas meeting, Dave and I got on a tour bus that took us downtown and took part in a walking tour of the downto...