Cornish Pasties and Spring Time

We have started a new food tradition. Cornish pasties. Traditionally from Cornwall and used for miners because they could eat the inside without needing to wash their hands which had coal dust on them. Dad and I got inspired to give them a try and after watching several videos of old British ladies making them, we found a recipe and set to work. We've made them a couple times since then and are perfecting the recipe.

Spring has also hit Naperville, finally! We took a trip to the arboretum to find the magnolias in full bloom and some of the daffodils bursting forth as well. Obviously, we're all enjoying the nicer, warmer weather. I'm also almost done with my program! Can't wait.

Porto

We almost did not make it out of the airport because Aunt Barby left her passport on the plane. Thankfully the immigration officers in Spain have a better sense of humor than those in the US and by the time Aunt Barby walked through security, all the officers were in one booth laughing together.

We have had wonderful weather so far. Today is our last day in Porto, a town in the north of Portugal on the coast and intersected by a beautiful river. We have tasted Port, laughed with the locals, and worked our calf muscles walking up and down the hilly, cobbled streets.

Tomorrow we leave to spend Easter Sunday hiking through a natural forest with waterfalls and castles, and then we will spend the night at a spa town outside of Coimbra. Communication has been no problem since most people speak either Spanish or English or talk with their hands.

Cafe com leite and pastry shops await .. to the museum of contemporary art!