a fabulous trip

I got back late last night from a two week trip to Portugal and Spain. I intend to blog for the next couple of weeks about some of the specific experiences I found most interesting and, if all goes well I will include some pictures. But this evening, while I'm still jet lagged, I'll just comment on a few general observations. First the Spanish word for restroom is aseos.  This proved very helpful to know and only took me about half the trip to figure out. I never claimed to be a linguist. I didn't ever learn the Portuguese word, just followed the crowd off the bus. I've never claimed to be a linguist. Second, I'm pretty sure the Spanish invented steps and they are very proud of this invention. They use steps everywhere. If someone tells you that the aseos is to the left when you go into the roadside restaurant they really mean it's to the left and down three flights of stairs. If your guide tells you that you are going for a walk in a famous park assume that the walk will be mostly up and down steps - many, many steps. Third, most of the cork in the world is grown in Portugal and cork can be made into an amazing variety of items including purses, aprons and shoes.  Who knew?