For 10 days in February Jean-Paul and Rita came to visit us... well, when I say 'us' I mean Margaux. And Thomas and me. I think this must be the same for grandparents the world over, though!
Hopefully this link will work... in lieu of photos I will try to insert some mini films I made of some special times together:
https://www.magisto.com/video/MQdAZAIMRTZrRBBpYw
The timing of it was dreadful, however. Thomas was shipped off to Reading, England for three days for work purposes - all organised after his parents had booked their tickets, of course. We three got by with our various levels of English/ French and the aid of a good dictionary!
On the whole, the grandparentals and I divided our time with Margaux. We went for some lovely exploring walks together around Cascais, making the most of the crisp but sunny weather. They were very happy to be left with Margaux for a few hours each day - and Margaux and I were pretty happy with the arrangement, too!
LISBON
Before he left, however, we all spent a glorious day in Lisbon - travelling via the comboio (the above-ground train that runs between Lisbon and Cascais) of course! The sun was shining, the seagulls were circling, the river was glistening... Bliss. Margaux loved every minute of it, or so it seemed... enjoying all of the sights, sounds, and smells to quench her curiosity; being pushed around (in her pram!), fed, and entertained by her grandparents; having lunch together in a cute café... what's not to love?!
OBIDOS
In our time together without Thomas, we all enjoyed one lovely day at Obidos, a Medival walled city about an hour's drive from Cascais. It was such fun exploring all of the little alleys within the city. After lunch in a tucked away little restaurant we split ways: Rita and Margaux went shopping while Jean-Paul and I headed off to explore the perimeter. (Oh, if only I had the photos to show you!) Jean-Paul and I took some rather precarious routes to walk along the wall itself - as high as it could go for as long as it was possible, which afforded some spectacular views but was a little bit hair-raising at times!
We adults indulged in shot-sized chocolate cups filled with traditional Portuguese cherry liqueur (Ginja), for which Obdios is famed. I think Jean-Paul and Rita enjoyed the experience...
(I do apologise for this entire week of fun being crammed into one post, but that's the way it's going to have to be if I'm ever going to catch up!)
SOME SPECIAL FAMILY MEALS
On one of their last nights in Cascais I had dinner at Kari's and left the French contingent to have a night together with Margaux. Apparently it all went very well.
And for their last night, Jean-Paul and Rita - with my help for the practical arrangements - treated us to a sumptuous dinner at Hemingway's Restaurant. Oh my... the food there really is second to none. Margaux slept for a good portion of it (bliss!) but by the time dessert came she was awake and demanding attention. The lovely staff there let us take our desserts home - giving them to us on the restaurant plates! Never fear; we returned them a couple of days later. :) It was a delightful dinner full of fond memories.
And all too soon it was time to say goodbye. The morning of their afternoon departure saw us enjoying breakfast at their hotel, followed by a lovely walk up to the Boca do Inferno and back. We knew it would only be a couple of short months before we would see them again in Lille, so it was a very temporary farewell...
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