Sugar, Salt and Repatriation

While living in Ireland I heard the term repatriation a few times.  Repatriation is the process of returning a person back to one's place of origin or citizenship.  I heard it said that when a person returns to their home country that person may have difficulty with various things.  In fact if you read about repatriation on wikipedia there is a section entitled overcoming repatriation which says:

"Repatriation is often the ‘forgotten’ phase of the expatriation cycle; the emphasis for support is mostly on the actual period abroad. However, many repatriates report experiencing difficulties on return: one is no longer special, practical problems arise, new knowledge gained is no longer useful, etc. These difficulties are highly influenced by a number of factors including self-management, spouse's adjustment, time spent abroad and skill utilisation. What is crucial is that every individual perceives these factors in a different way."

When I heard about repatriation in Ireland I even heard about people reading books on how to enter back into their culture.  I couldn't believe it!   Returning to the U.S. was not going to be a problem for me at all. In fact over this last year I longed for nothing more.  Maybe repatriation difficulties only affect people who do not wish to return to their country of origin or to people who have been away for much longer than I have been away for.

I have now been back here for about six weeks and there are a few things I can tell you.  America is the land of plenty.  We have so much here.  I once heard on a radio show that the middle class level of Europe is equivalent to the poverty level in the U.S. in terms of standard of living.  I cannot speak for all of Europe but my experience of living in Dublin confirms this.  To repeat myself: we have so much here in America.  Whatever you want.  And it is affordable.   

There are just a few small things I have had to adjust to being back in the U.S.  The amount of sugar and salt used in food here is outrageous!  I was prepared for things to be too sweet but I was very surprised by all the salt.   Beyond these trivial matters I cannot complain one bit.  America is the land that I love and I am so thankful to be home.

Birthday

Today marks two things- my birthday and my first blog entry since returning to my motherland. Matt and I have been busy these last few weeks catching up with friends, family, and Tucson and also trying our hand at a number of house projects. This past week we have been working on our kitchen but today we took the day off to celebrate my birthday. I had a very nice and chilled out day spending a long morning at Brueggers and then taking a nice drive out to San Xavier Mission in the afternoon. After that we had dinner with Matt's family. Then we returned home to find a house full of friends and family and a big birthday cake. That sneaky husband of mine stealthily set up a surprise party behind my back! He also got me exactly what I wanted for my birthday- a hookah! We wasted no time in setting it up and puffed on it all night long.  What a great birthday- thanks honey!

Extra! Extra!

Economist Jerry Robinson and "Follow the Money" Radio Show

A little over a year ago Matt and I were introduced to economist Jerry Robinson through a radio talk show we listen to where he was interviewed.  We liked what we heard and then found out that Jerry Robinson has his own weekly radio show where he discusses global economics, geopolitics, and culture.  We have been listening to him for the past year and have learned a lot from him.  His current radio show is called "Follow the Money Weekly"."  A typical show opens with Jerry commenting on the week's major news stories, followed by an interview with an financial expert of some kind and then ends with a short report on precious metals by Tom Cloud.
Jerry Robinson is of the Austrian school of economics. He is editor of the financial website FTMDaily.com, founder and CEO of Makers Group Financial, a columnist for WorldNetDaily, an international conference speaker, and author of a number books including "The Bankruptcy of Our Nation"  Along with his weekly radio show, which can be podcast from Itunes or more easily downloaded from his FTM website, he also teaches monthly educational webinars on different financial topics which can be live-streamed for free.  And don't miss his regularly updated blog. Jerry Robinson provides a wealth of information and has started me off on my economic education so I can better understand what is going on in the U.S. and the world.  I highly recommend his radio show, websites, blog, and resources to all of my friends out there. 

Is the Bible just another book?

As I make my way through the 2010 Ligonier Ministries National Conference videos I continue to be blessed. Today I listened to Steve Lawson's sermon titled, "Is the Bible just another book?" In it Lawson proceeds to give a list of 10 reasons to believe the Bible is the word of God.

1. The direct claims of the Bible about itself.
2. The perfect unity of the Bible in the midst of its vast diversity.
3. The reliable transmission of the Bible.
4. The historical accuracy of the Bible.
5. The scientific accuracy of the Bible.
6. The fulfilled prophecies of the Bible.
7. Jesus' testimony about the Bible.
8. The amazing indestructibility of the Bible.
9. The ethical superiority of the Bible.
10. The supernatural power of the Bible.

He explains each of the ten reasons providing verses, examples, and facts. My favorite was the last one- the supernatural power of the Bible.  At the end  I wanted to get up and give him a standing ovation in my living room!

As they say in Ireland, "Happy Independence Day!"

Happy Fourth of July!  I know this post is a few days late but I have been sick and so just getting around to posting it.  Over the past 2 years we have spent all American holidays with our expat friends Dave and Betsy which was a real blessing.  This years 4th of July was our first holiday without them since they are now back in NY.  So we invited over a few friends for a BBQ.   We also planned on lighting off some fireworks but Sunday brought Irish gale force winds and though they had let up a bit by Sunday night it was still not safe.  Even without the fireworks it was a blessing to have dinner with our European pals who put up with our American flag napkins, Elvis on the stereo, and a slew of typical 4th of July food.  It was so cute to hear each say "Happy Independence Day" as they walked in the door!

Left to right: Catrin (Wales), Erin (Northern Ireland), Edwina (Ireland), Ebe (Ethiopia), and Matt.

Ligonier Ministires 2010 National Conference

The Ligonier Ministries National Conference which I usually attend each March with my moms, sisters, and friend was moved this year instead to June. Due to schedules we were unable to go.  However I was so happy to be able to live-stream the conference this year and to my surprise the conference videos have been archived online and are available for viewing now.  This years pre-conference focused on Christians and types of media while the main conference topic was "Tough Questions Christians Face."  I have already listened to about half the lectures and they are excellent as expected. I don't know how long they will be available so make your way here to listen.

1. The Brave New World of New Media by Ed Stetzer
2. Principles for Conduct in Communication by Tim Challies
3. Taking Captive New Media for the Church by Burk Parsons
4. The Hypersocialized Generation by Albert Mohler
5. Questions and Answers 
6. Why Did Jesus Have to Die? by John MacArthur
7. What is Evil and Where Did It Come From? by R.C. Sproul
8. Why Do Christians Still Sin? by R.C. Sproul Jr.
9. How Do We Know Which Interpretation is Right? by Derek Thomas
10. Is the Bible Just Another Book? by Steven Lawson
11. Is the Exclusivity of Christ Unjust? by Alistair Begg
12. Questions and Answers
13. Why Does the Universe Look So Old? by Albert Mohler
14. Is Calvinism Good For the Church? by Burk Parsons
15. If God is Good, How Could He Command Holy War? by Derek Thomas
16. Can We Enjoy Heaven Knowing of Loved Ones in Hell?by R.C. Sproul

Saturday, June 19

8:30am - 9:40am with Albert Mohler
Why Does the Universe Look So Old?

Many Christians believe that the universe is only 6000 years old. Others say that all observations of God’s creation indicate that it is much older. In this lecture, Dr. Albert Mohler will explain the difference between general and special revelation and the difference between both types of revelation and human interpretations of that revelation. He will also discuss how these facts should inform our approach to questions of science and faith.

9:40am - 10:30am with Burk Parsons
Is Calvinism Good For the Church?

Recent years have witnessed a resurgence of interest in the theology of John Calvin, but is this necessarily a good thing? Does Calvinism weaken and destroy churches as some contend? Is Reformed theology a hindrance to the church’s life and work? In this message, Burk Parsons will take a look at Reformed theology and explain why Calvin’s view of God, man, sin, Jesus Christ, and salvation are precisely what the church needs in this and every generation.

11:15am - 12:05pm with Derek Thomas
If God is Good, How Could He Command Holy War?

Numerous skeptics have challenged the goodness of God by pointing to His command in the Old Testament to exterminate the Canaanites, including the women and children. Christians have also wondered how to understand those passages of Scripture. In this lecture, Dr. Derek Thomas explains the meaning of Old Testament Holy War in light of redemptive history, showing that it is fully consistent with the holy and good character of God.

12:05pm - 1:00pm with R.C. Sproul
Can We Enjoy Heaven Knowing of Loved Ones in Hell?

Many of the toughest questions Christians face from skeptics involve the doctrine of eternal punishment and hell. But it is not only unbelievers who ask questions about hell. Many Christians have unbelieving loved ones who have died, and they wonder how they can enjoy heaven knowing that their loved ones are in hell. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul helps Christians understand what the Bible has to say about this deeply troubling question.

Recent MacArthur Quote

"What makes life exciting to me is discovery."

This was said by John MacArthur at the end of a sermon he recently preached on understanding God's sovereignty in salvation and man's responsibility.  Some things will not be understood this side of heaven and MacArthur is happy to leave some things for heaven.  His above statement resonates with me as I believe there is nothing better in life than discovering and getting to know God.  This is a lifelong process which continues into eternity.  Amen!

Swimming in the Irish Sea

As my time in Ireland winds down I am starting to think about things I want to do before I leave.  One of them is to swim in the Irish Sea.  My friend Honor is hardcore and swims in the Irish Sea all the time so I joined her and another friend Erin for a dip today.  The high today was 64, a typical summer day for Ireland.  I have no idea what the water temperature was.  Suffice it to say that getting in the water up to my neck and staying in for a few minutes was a very impressive feat.  The Irish say you will start enjoying the water as soon as your body is numb.  I stayed long enough for my legs and upper body to be numb but my arms felt so strangely cold that I got out after a few minutes. Anyway, I am quite satisfied that I did it and even happier that I lived to tell the tale!

What is a Perfusionist?!

I have yet to come across a single person who, when they ask me what my husband does for a living, actually knows the answer I give.  Even when I explain it to them they still look lost.  So for all of you out there who want to know what it is that Matt does take a look at this short video. I've asked  Matt if I can go on a "ride-along" with him at his work but after seeing some more videos on what he sees at work I don't know if I could handle all the blood and general gore of the OR.  I guess that's why he's the perfusionist and I'm the lady of leisure!

As of right now Matt performs his  sweet perfusion  skills on babies at the children's hospital here in Dublin.  It's been a good gig but it is time for us to return to the land of plenty.  I am dying to know where we will end up.  How bout a clue, Lord?!

Recent Tucson Trip

As many of you know I was in Tucson earlier this month visiting.  We decided to go because Matt was going to the states for a work conference in Reno and we figured since he would be so close why not pop down to Tucson?! While there we spent a lot of time with family, friends, and Mexican food.  We also were able to do a bit of work to our house and yard.  We also stayed in our house for the first time ever. Our renter Steve, a good friend of ours,  was happy enough for us to stay.  He was also good enough to let me invite my sister Regan and our friend Cbass down from Minnesota to stay too.  After Matt left Regan and Cbass joined me for 5 days of poolside relaxation in the Arizona sun.  We also took a short road trip over to the Chiricahua National Monument which is about 2.5 hours east of Tucson.  Here we saw God's beautiful handiwork and did a bit of hiking.  

But this trip was not just for fun, it was also to scout out jobs.  Matt met with his (future) Tucson boss over lunch for the latest Tucson job prospects.  We were very disappointed to hear that there is still no job for Matt in Tucson.  I also met with my Chief of Police who gave me better news.  He told me he had openings and then said I should cancel my return flight, stay here and start working!  While we were considering this idea Matt found out a third Tucson heart surgeon was leaving- that will be three in this last year- which is why there have been no jobs for Matt.  After hearing this news Matt and I decided since Tucson will probably not be hiring perfusionists for a while we would start looking elsewhere for jobs in the states.  As soon as Matt returned to Dublin he started scouring the job sites online and began sending out his CV.  

I didn't think I would be excited to return to the states unless it was to Tucson, my one true city love.  However I am very excited and so is Matt.  I pray God brings us somewhere good where we can make friends and enjoy our time as we wait for Tucson to open up.  Until then I will have to settle for desert visits. 

(Music by Tucson's own "Ryanhood")

Bath, Cardiff and Bristol Weekend

In March Matt and I took a whirlwind trip over to Bath, Cardiff, and Bristol in the U.K.  We have been to England before but not these cities and it was our first time to Wales.  Cardiff was a nice little city, very clean and friendly people.  My favorite thing about Wales was the Welshcakes.  I mean I figured they would be good but they surprised me with how good they were.  They taste like a cross between a minnie doughnut and a sugar cookie!  We also had great fun eating Cornish pasties everyday and partaking in cream tea with scones and clotted cream and Bath buns at the Jane Austen house.  My husband is such a good man to put up with going to such places!  Jane Austen is my favorite fiction writer so it was cool to visit her museum in Bath.  I also really enjoyed visiting the John Wesley chapel in Bristol.  It housed a very nice museum on his life. What an amazing man of God!  Anyway, here are some pictures from the trip.  Do you recognize the song?

Things in Tucson

As I have been getting ready for my upcoming visit to Tucson I have been busy scouring the internet for all things Tucson.  I have come across a few things I wanted to share with you.  First of all there is a great band out of Tucson called Ryanhood.  They are an acoustic guitar duo.  I would liken their sound to that of Caedmon's Call or the Indigo Girls (a few of my favorites).  I downloaded their latest album "The World Awaits" from my favorite site for new music called Noisetrade, last month.  I can't stop listening to it and dreaming of Tucson.  If you love acoustic guitars and harmony this band is definitely for you. They recently released a live album which you and all your friends can download for free at: Ryanhood- "The World Awaits" Live in Tucson

Second, I came across another Tucson artist named Leila Lopez.  She is a folky, jazzy type who has the voice of Fionna Apple and guitar skills of Ani Difranco.  She is also giving away her album called "The Roots and The Crops" on another site for new music called New Groove Music.  Follow this link to get her album: Leila Lopez "The Roots and The Crops"

Third, I came across a great blog called "Tucson Daily Photo."  The author is New York import to Tucson but she loves the Old Pueblo so much that she posts a photo taken from somewhere in Tucson each day.  Follow this link: Tucson Daily Photo

And fourthly, this blog will benefit all my Tucson mates. "Tucson on the Cheap" describes itself as a bargain hunters guide to inexpensive fun in Tucson. Can't wait til I can use this blog myself!  Follow this link: Tucson on the Cheap

From Under the Ash Cloud

Greetings from under the ash cloud.  Unless you've been living under a rock you've probably heard about the volcano that erupted in Iceland which is causing all kinds of havoc in the European skies.  Flights have been grounded since last Thursday when it happened.  I am extremely thankful to God that we were home when it happened and not off on one of our little holidays.  We returned from Italy just 2 days before the eruption and Sandi left us just one day before this volcano was awakened by the Lord. There are no traces of it in the skies above but we know its still hanging around up there as there are no planes in sky. I am praying for this ash cloud to be blown far away as Matt and I are supposed to be flying out to the U.S. next week.  Matt is to leave on Tuesday and I am off on Friday.  I am so excited to go to Tucson that the thought of not getting to go is just not an option.  I have already started packing and have made many plans for when I am there.  We have a bit of work to do on the house as well as other more pressing appointments such as Matt's lunch meeting with his future boss in Tucson to discuss any up coming jobs in Tucson and, depending on how that meeting goes, my meeting with my old boss to discuss the possibility of getting rehired before my peace officer certification runs out in August.  Matt and I were discussing this last night.  In order for me to be able to go back to police work before my certification is up he would have to find at least part time perfusion work in Tucson.  His job requires him to keep up his certification by doing a certain amount of cases each year so we are hoping for and I am praying for God to provide in this way.  I am also praying for wisdom as this is a big decision for me.  When I left the PD I didn't plan on returning but the nearer my certification draws to expiration the more I miss police work.  So, these next few weeks will be decisive in regards to our future.  The biggest obstacle is a job opening for Matt in Tucson.  Please pray with me for God to work providentially to this end so we can come home!

The Lighter Side of Johnny Mac

I've been raised in my Christian life on the Bible teaching of the great John MacArthur. If you're familiar with him you know what a serious and in depth Bible teacher he is. Click on the link below to see a side of him you've probably never seen or even imagined before!

Johnny Mac Celebrates 25 Years at the Masters College

Malta

Matt and I took a trip to the Mediterranean island of Malta a few months ago.  We rented a car and drove all around the island which is only about 17 miles long and 8 miles wide.  While there we saw St. Paul's Bay where St. Paul shipwrecked in Acts 27-28.  I love visiting Biblical places so this was my favorite place to see on the island.  My next favorite place to see was the old city of Birgu, also known as Vittoriossa.  Birgu is a really beautiful old harbor where one of my favorite movies, The Count of Monte Cristo, was filmed.  This harbor also houses the most beautiful vessel I have ever seen called the Maltese Falcon. When we came around the corner and saw it our mouths just dropped open.  Who could own such a ship?!  We had a great time in Malta, eating lots of pizza and pasta, Maltese pastizzis which are ricotta filled puff pastries, and drinking local Maltese wine.  It is a beautiful island covered in forts and overflowing with natural beauty.  Malta also has more churches than I have ever seen in one place.  The day after we left was the annual festival of St. Paul's shipwreck.  It would have been fun to be part of that!

(Song "These Times" by The Normals)

The Hat that Brings Out the Mountain Lion

Matt got me this cute hat for Christmas last year.  The funny thing is whenever one of us puts it on in the house it drives our Bengal cat crazy.  She turns into a miniature killer mountain lion and puffs all out and makes this scary guttural warning noise that I have never heard before.  Even after we take the hat off she is stressed out for the next few hours and carefully scours the flat to make sure that big gray cat is nowhere to be found.  What can I say except that not only do cats make the best house pets but they also provide great entertainment!

McMom is Here!

Matt's Mom is here visiting us in Dublin for the third time.  It is so nice to have a visitor from home, especially when we are so homesick!  Today I invited over a few friends- Catrin, Edwina, and Lois- to experience McMom's famous "monkey bread" which is small bread dough balls rolled in cinnamon sugar, covered in melted butter and brown sugar, and then baked in the oven.  This is one of our favorite things she makes and we always insist on having it when we see her.  Needless to say it was hit.  Here is a picture of it straight of the oven.

I'm Back!

About a year and a half ago I started low lighting my hair as I had decided to go back to my real hair color which is a medium brown.  In the beginning of this experiment I liked the look and was happy that I only had to go to the hair dresser every 5 months instead of every 3.  But over the months as my hair got darker and darker I began not to like it.  Looking over old photos from my blond days made me long for my blond hair so here I am- back where I belong!

8 Years Ago Today...

Eight years ago today Matt and I married. It was so long ago that all the pictures I have from our wedding photographer are real photos, not digital.  These pictures you see here were emailed to me by someone at the wedding and are the only digital photos I have (sorry I don't have better ones to post!).  People I meet are always surprised to hear how long we've been married.  They always say,  "you must have gotten married so young!"  We were 22 and 23.  It didn't seem young at the time. Out of all of our friends who are our age we have been married the longest and we joke about being the old married couple. Anyway, I have to say God has been so very good to us these last 8 years of marriage.  I feel closer to Matt and love him more than ever.  I am often amazed by God when I think about how He, in His wisdom, gave me just the man I needed to compliment me, challenge me, and shape me.  Marriage is after all, as Martin Luther said, a school for character.  Thanks honey, for all the love and grace you show me and model to me.

Paddy's Day 2010

Today we went to over to our friends Betsy and Dave's house to join them (and Betsy's sister and brother in law) for breakfast before we all went downtown to see the Paddy's Day parade.  Betsy and Dave have been a huge blessing to us over here.  We've spent many a holiday together and there is nothing like being with fellow Americans for holidays while we're away from home.  On top of holidays the four of us also hang out regularly- having dinner, going shopping, or smoking cigars around the fire bowl. It will be so hard to say goodbye to them this summer when they move back to New York :(

Brazilian Pastel Night

Last night Matt and I were invited to have Brazilian Pastel made by our Brazilian friend Cristiane.  Pastel is a crispy deep fried pastry filled with savory or sweet fillings.  Cristiane made two kinds, minced meat and cheese.

I met Cristiane a few months ago  through my friends Edwina and Sandra who are flatmates with her.  She is from the south of Brazil and has been here for almost three years.  I have really enjoyed the Brazilians and Australians I have met over here as I find them to be very friendly and American compatible.

Sandra and Edwina as well as Edwina's fiance, Ebe, and another friend of Cristiane's joined in the pastel extravaganza also. The 7 of us had a great time devouring pastel and laughing about all kinds of things.  As the Irish say,  it was good craic!  Pictured from left to right, Cristiane (Brazil), Sandra (France), Matt, Edwina (Ireland) and Ebe (Ethiopia). 

Our New Flat

Here are some pics of our new flat so you can see how a typical Irish flat looks.

Ephesians Conference Day

This weekend I went up to Belfast with a group of ladies from my church to attend a day conference.  The speaker was Peter O'Brien, an Aussie who is an Anglican clergyman and professor at Moore Theological College in Sydney.  He gave three lectures on the book of Ephesians and answered some questions at the end.  The lectures were very good and Ephesians was made anew to me.  On the way home we stopped at the Banbridge Outlet mall just outside of Belfast where we scooped up deals like Gap jeans for 7 pounds!

The picture from left to right: Lois (Australia), Deirdre (Ireland), me, Catrin (Wales), and Alley (Australia).

The Sound of Tucson!

Today I woke up to find out that we can now live stream our favorite radio station from Tucson, 92.9 The Mountain.  I was so excited that I had to text Matt right away and say "guess what I am listening to?!"  I've tried to stream this station a number of times since we've been here and it never allows me to because I'm outside of the U.S.  Well I don't know what changed because we're still outside of the states but we can now hear the sounds of Tucson at home- YIPPEE!

After this exciting news I received a knock on my door. It was 2 Jehova Witnesses.  A man and a woman, French.  I rushed them off as fast as I could but not before finding out that I did not qualify to become a JW.  They likened it to becoming a surgeon. Hmm.... I am sure glad I qualified to be recipient of God's saving grace in Christ by being a sinner!

Pining Away for Tucson

Today it is 46 degrees and sunny in Dublin.  This is nicest day so far this year as it has been an unusually cold and snowy winter here.  We are anxious for warmer temperatures as our new apartment is poorly insulated and very cold.  I spent the weekend pining away for Tucson and today's sunny weather only served to make me want Arizona all the more!  One of my New Year's resolutions this year is to pray everyday for a perfusion job to open up in Tucson for Matt.  I have wanted to move back to Tucson for what feels like as long as I have been over here but it wasn't until the turn of the year that I became serious about it in prayer.  Don't get me wrong, we have had an amazing time traveling over here but the truth of the matter is there is no place like home and I am more anxious than ever to get back to Tucson.  Today as I was doing my house work I was dancing around to Paul Simon whose music is the perfect soundtrack for Tucson in my mind.  I dream of the desert, the cactus, the mountains, the Arizona sunsets, the sunshine, the warm breezes and the beautiful smells of Tucson's spring .  I cannot wait to get back to family, friends, my home church, and our new house which I affectionately call "my adobe."  As you can probably tell, and as I often say to God in regards to moving back to Tucson, "tomorrow couldn't be soon enough!"  Please pray with me.

Blogs

I am probably the only person on earth who is not on facebook.  I take that back, my husband isn't either.  I really find facebook to be a mindless waste of time.  No offense to my facebooking friends.  I have my other loves that many of you may think are a waste of time- such as my blogs.  I love blogs.  I love having my own blog and reading my friend's blogs.  I really wish all my friends had them.  Of the few friends who do have them I have come to find out some interesting and surprising things about them from their posts.  I find blogs to be quite personal and depending on how open the author decides to be blogs can be quite telling. Its nice to see people's pictures and to know what they've been up to but I especially like reading what my friends write.  I also read a very small handful of blogs from people I don't know.  My favorite stranger blog is Take Your Vitamin Z

So speaking of blogs I want to announce a few new ones.  My husband has recently started up a blog regarding one of his favorite things- cigars.  This new blog is called My Blue Heaven. I have also started up a blog in the last few months on one of my favorite things- food.  Its called The Traveler's Table. Feel free to drop in and look around.

And get off facebook and onto blogger, people!

Pancake Tuesday

My friend Sandra came over today and suggested we make pancakes for Pancake Tuesday. Pancake Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday in Ireland and Britain, is the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. 'Shrove' stems from old English word 'shrive', meaning 'confess all sins'. It is called Pancake Tuesday because it is the day traditionally for eating pancakes as pancake recipes were a way to use up any stocks of milk, butter and eggs which were forbidden during the abstinence of Lent. Neither of us observes Lent but we thought it was a fun idea to eat pancakes today with the rest of the country.

Portugal

Matt and I took a trip to Portugal near the end of last year.  While there we visited three towns; Evora, Sintra, and Lisbon.  I wanted to go to Evora to see the "Capela dos Ossos" which in English is "Chapel of Bones."  It was built by some Franciscan  monks who were worried about the materialistic and secular state of the people.  In order to get the people to think of the transitory nature of this life they built the chapel of bones.  There is a famous poem about the chapel written in Portugese by Fr. António da Ascenção .  Here is the English translation:

Where are you going in such a hurry traveler?
Stop … do not proceed;
You have no greater concern,
Than this one: that on which you focus your sight.
Recall how many have passed from this world,
Reflect on your similar end,
There is good reason to reflect
If only all did the same.
Ponder, you so influenced by fate,
Among all the many concerns of the world,
So little do you reflect on death;
If by chance you glance at this place,
Stop … for the sake of your journey,
The more you pause, the further on your journey you will be.

I really like this poem as it so true and the Chapel of Bones was my favorite site to visit in Portugal.  After spending a night in Evora we went to Sintra where we toured the Pena Palace which was a very beautiful castle.  While in Sintra we stayed at a hotel on the coast.  The waves of the Atlantic were crashing and magnificent.  The next day we headed to Lisbon where we visited the sites of Belem and the three famous neighborhoods of Lisbon, Chiado, Baixa, and the Alfama.  Portugal is a beautiful country, very green and lush.  I loved seeing the horned bulls in the countryside and the cork trees which when peeled of their cork have a rust red colored under-bark and so are easily identified.  The hand painted tiles all over Portugla were also beautiful and reminded me so much of Mexico.  I would like to go back again just eat some more queijadas and pasteis de natas!

(Slide show song "Pretty the World" by Matt Nathanson)

Bon Anniversaire Sandra!

Last night we went out to celebrate my French girlfriend Sandra's birthday in Dublin city center. Here are my chicas from left to right: Cristiana (Brazil), Edwina (Ireland), me, and  the birthday girl Sandra (France).

Betsy and Dave (New York) also joined in the birthday fun as Sandra came to know them by coming with us for Thanksgiving dinner last November at their place.  A  good time was had by all!