Loule

On our last day in Portugal, we drove to Loule. The city was preparing for its big Carnaval parade and festival. Unfortunately we missed the parade because we had a plane to catch, but it was fun watching everyone getting the floats together and putting up the decorations. Loule is a beautiful city--there is a castle in the historic district! What more could you ask for in a city? The sidewalks are all paved in white and blue stones placed in intricate patterns. It makes walking in heels a little tricky, but it's so pretty that it is worth it! I loved the historic district with it's narrow streets and quaint shops around every corner. Our visit to Loule was the perfect way to end our vacation! Now it's time to dream of where to go next...Amsterdam? Stockholm? Rome? Prague? Actually, I'm going back to upstate New York on Sunday for a week--no, it's not very exotic, but it will be nice to see friends and family again!