Sunday 29th November

This morning we found a Starbucks in Seville for breakfast coffee, watched the trams glide through the plaza, listened to the horses hooves pull the carriages around and marvelled at an impromptu flamenco dancer and guitar player.

Then we walked to the cathedral and wandered around inside.
The cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral, and third largest church in the world. It houses an amazing art collection, with huge paintings by Goya, Murillo and Zubaran. We also stood at the tomb of Christopher Columbus’ son.

Magnificent ceilings, an impressive organ, many stained glass windows and massive doorways filled us with awe and wonderment.

We then walked on to the Alcázar Palace and Gardens, home of the Spanish royal family when they are in Seville. Opulent architecture, elegant gardens, majestic walkways and fabulous water features greeted us at every twist and turn.

All in all very cultural day exploring old Seville.
I’m not sure what you would have made of it, perhaps preferring more modern shops, bookstores and malls.
But you came along with us, every step of the way.

Love you forever.
You never leave my mind.
Precious Angel son.
xxxxx

Thursday 26th November

Today was spent exploring the old city of Lisbon, and climbing to the top of Castelo di Sao Jorge. Spectacular views of the rooftops, churches and river beyond could be seen. It was an exceptionally clear, blue sky day, and much warmer than normal.

We took the little Angel teddy bear with us, so you could be there too. I think you would have liked to explore the castle. There was even a tour guide dressed up in a suit of armour complete with metal helmet.

After the exploration of the castle we took a tram ride around the city, through steep, narrow cobbled streets. We saw many restaurant and cafe tables on the pavements, sheltered with large parasols, tuk tuks weaving in and out of the traffic, and of course many tourists enjoying the unseasonably warm, sunny weather.

You would have loved the ice-cream ~ kiwi and rum raisin.

Late afternoon saw us leaving the city and heading east to your brother’s girlfriend’s house across the border in Spain. A wonderful sunset accompanied us, followed by the rising of the full moon.

I wish you could have been here with us too.
I miss your fun and cheekiness as we explore new places.
You would have loved the sights, sounds and smells of Lisbon.

Love you my Angel.
Sleep tight darling.
xxxxx

Wednesday 25th November

“Do I miss you?
Every day.”

After much deliberation of shall we, shan’t we, ummming and arrrrring, we decided to get away for a few days.
And so here we are, in Lisbon.

We left Exeter yesterday afternoon, and stayed overnight in an airport hotel in London.

We have come to visit with your brother and his girlfriend. He has wanted to see us for a long time now, and had pestered us into flying out for a few days.
His girlfriend lives in Spain, two hours East of Lisbon.
You would have liked to travel with us, never having been to Spain or Portugal before, and it is only a quick two hour flight from London.
But we have brought you here, with us, in our hearts forever.
And the Angel teddy bear came out with us tonight for tapas and a beer.

I somehow feel guilty coming away without you, leaving you behind.
But you are with us, aren’t you?
And my sister will be visiting your resting place, tending the flowers for us, for you.

Love you so very much my darling.
xxxx