Post Camping Relaxation

Phew! Camping certainly was hectic. And after two weeks of living under canvas it's been really nice to sleep on a proper bed and do all those other simply wonderful little things that we take for granted, day after day, like waking up and popping the kettle on for a brew. Don't get me wrong though, the camping was loads and loads of fun too, with all those fantastic day trips out to sandy beaches, gothic monasteries and, most importantly, time off from the usual routine.

So, what exactly have I been up to since the camping trip? Well, not much, if I'm brutally honest. I still have my feet firmly planted in the summer holidays. That said, I have not been completely idle. My family and I have had a few day trips out...

We spent a day at the Museum of Natural History and Science. Quite a large museum in all, with many exhibits of different kinds, including the first hall upstairs detailing the historical journey of it's survival through fires and earthquake. The other more usual exhibits, including the "Equations and Form" exhibit, the dinosaur exhibits, "The Whale Room", not to mention the geology rooms and the exhibit detailing how the universe was formed, were all fantastic. And then....there's the adjoining Botanical Gardens and Butterfly House. A great day out.

Some very beautiful algebra.

A dinosaur's skull.

This huge geode was 4 foot tall! Gorgeous.

This tree grows new roots from the dangling tendrils into the earth.

A Venus Fly Trap.

Another carnivorous plant.

Caterpillars in the Butterfly House.

Chrysalises.

A very tall palm tree.

A lovely white flower. No idea of it's name, sorry.

Another nameless flower, but this time, in red.

We also spent a morning at a newly discovered beach, the Praia de Lizandro, watching the surfers surf and swimming in the adjoining river, which was (a), much safer for the children because it was only knee deep, and (b), a hell of a lot warmer than the icy cold sea!

The river at Praia de Lizandro.

View from the hill of Lizard Beach.

Of course there's always the obligatory walks along the promenade between Cascais and Estoril. With the weather improving since the camping trip up into the mid thirties the beaches along the line have been packed with tourists and locals alike all working on their tans, swimming, surfing and even paddle boarding. (I'm told that's what it's called, but don't quote me!)

Paddle-surfers!

View from São João towards Cascais.

With a couple of weeks left of the summer holidays yet, I'm anxious to make the most of it, so with luck, there will be more pictures soon...