micetrail

Airports are a microcosm of the world it seems. Frustrated travelers abound – sleepers on the floor, tired heads on folded arms, exhausted father wondering if their kid wants them to stick all the purchased food items up his culo. Kids pouting, crying, people waiting, waiting, waiting. The ubiquitous luxury shops, Starbucks, electronic shops, luggage stores…I mean who wants to purchase luggage in transit? I guess someone does.

Heading via Istanbul to Lisbon with a long layover. I recommend the TAV airport hotel that has one entrance in the international departure lounge obviating any need to head out through customs. I managed to get a good rest in a very serviceable hotel…quiet and clean. I still don't understand the fascination with Starbucks coffee especially when you can get excellent Turkish coffee…just familiar I guess.

Well I have to say, Portugal is as inviting as I remember. I’m finding it a very easy place to be and haven’t had to listen to the daily harangue of “who shall not be named” in the press. I came here to see if this is a place to survive for the next four years and yes, I believe it is. I’ll be heading out tomorrow with Nuno, my real estate agent, to check out some places. We (Jano and I) have been to the south and stayed in Tavira which we liked as a town. However the region of the Algarve where many of the expats have homes, was a little too Miami Beach for my liking. Expats are mainly English and German. If you want to live on the beach and bake this would be an ideal place. 

The next stop was Porto, north of Lisbon and a little too long of a drive from Tavira. Of course we took national roads instead of the auto-estrada and several side trips where we got lost and went around in circles a couple of times.  The national roads are much more pleasant and you can get a good feel for the countryside but you do have to allow for the time.  

Next stop was Lisbon and from my “very long ago” memories, it doesn’t disappoint.  We’ve still got a couple more weeks here but already I feel at home.  Everyone is  generous and relaxed. Tomorrow is my first house-hunting day. Wish me luck. 

Discover hideaways in the Presidio. This one on the Ecology trail. 

A fantastic production of Troilus and Cressida in Central Park. Battles, special effects, wonderful interpretation and excellent acting by all. 

Then if you’re up for it, head down to Delancy Street for dinner at Charrua, a Uruguayan Bistro. Just don’t go when it’s hot as the AC is minimal. 

Just off of Delancy is Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. A comedic Merchant of Venice is happening there Thurs- Sat. 

I loooove New York. 

Lots of goodies to see and activities to participate in at the Marina.

Hanging around Taormina and enjoying the sites, sounds, sun and serenity.  We had a bit of an excursion getting here via Messina. Thinking we could take a short cut off the autostrada it became apparent that a 2 hour trip would take 16 hours (according to google maps). Decided it was better to get back on the autostrada and not try to drive over Mt Etna.  We have a lovely view of the Sea in our little Airbnb. The waves are soothing and I just had a delicious meal of crostini with anchovies and cheese and seafood ravioli. Some folks living on Malta and sitting next to me said it’s the best meal they’ve had since Capri!  La de da. 

As a point of advice in visiting the town of Taormina from the shoreline is to take the cable car and to NOT 🚦drive if you can help it. The streets are narrow and they have these humongous buses traveling up and down the winding roads up the hill. The Greek Theatre is definitely something to see and the town of Taormina is lovely. 

Further up is Castlemore with its Norman ruin. Not much to see except the town and the views of Etna. Definitely DO NOT drive up here if possible. Crazy.  I didn’t want to wait for the city bus going up so paid a taxi 15 euros to head on up. Managed to take a city bus down for 1.90 euros…the way to go if you have the time. 

Heading out for some cannoli and coffee with sis now.