Istanbul......so amazing!!!

The Hagia Sophia-once a basilica, then a mosque, now a museum. The Spice Market is so full of color and lively banter!Inside the Blue Mosque. The basilica cistern, built in the 6th century, is breathtaking.

Germany and Switzerland

The Glockenspiel in the center of Munich. Everyone 'Oooooohhhs and Ahhhhhs' about 3 times a day at it. The clock parts spin to music and re-enacts the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V (founder of the infamous Hofbrauhaus)Inside the Hofbrauhaus. You know you are in Switzerland when...While staying at the Ecole d'Humanite, I would hear the cow bells each evening as the cows were brought in to the barn. Zurich...such a beautiful city.

Frankfurt

The old main plaza of Frankfurt, most of which was destroyed during WWII. All of the buildings were rebuilt to look like the originals Here is the book burning memorial located in the center of the plaza where nazi book burnings were held. The inscription translates to 'Where they burn books, they will ultimately also burn people'.A small portion of the Jewish Memorial Wall.

More of sunny Portugal... and the following day in rainy London

I visited the town of Silves in Portugal. This castle was built over a Roman structure during the occupation of the Moors. Beautiful views from the towers.My mom and I took a boat trip around the coastline of Lagos to explore the caves and the fantastic rock formations. Our boat guide told us this rock formation is nicknamed 'The Camel'. A rather cloudy day at Trafalgar Square...but you still see Big Ben in the distance. The Candian flag caught my eye across from Trafalgar Square. Hello Canadian Embassy :)

Here are some pictures from my trip to Portugal. I stayed in the Algarve (southern most province) in a small town call Guia but took day trips to some of the larger towns of Lagos, Sagres and Albufeira. In front of the old city wall of Lagos.Amazing Lagos beach! British 50's pop rocker, Sir Cliff Richard, opened this winery about 10 years ago. I think most of the people on the wine tour came for this novelty rather than the wine.

The best sea bass I ever ate!!!

The town of Porche is known for it's beautiful hand crafted pottery. I got to watch some of the ladies while they painted.