badgerjenvstheworld

Padrao Descobrimentos Friday afternoon, our last day in Lisbon, we headed back towards Lisbon. Unfortunately, it was raining, but that did not stop us from doing a bit more sightseeing. We stopped in Belem, which is home to two of Lisbon's most iconic and famous structures. On the banks of the Tagus River is the Padrao dos Descobrimentos (the Monument to the Discoveries) originally built in 1939/40. The monument celebrates the Age of Discovery in Portugal during the 15th and 16th centuries. The first statue was temporary; however, in 1960 an expanded version carved out of  cement, rose-tinted stone and limestone was erected in it's current location. The monument is meant to emulate the prow of a ship, with Henry the Navigator at it's apex. On each side, a ramp with 16 statues follows the line of the prow. The statues represent figures from Portugal's Age of Discovery- monarchs, explorers, scientists, cartographers, artists, missionaries. All of them looking forw...

Portugal Happy December! As always, the days are flying by and I've not posted in a while. This whole "blogging" thing is work! Just thought I would do a little catch-up and post some pictures from recent events as well. At the beginning of November, I went with a few colleagues to Lisboa, Portugal for a NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Conferences) training conference. Basically, it was to get certified as a visiting consultant in accreditation. Why? Because my school is planning on starting the accreditation process in the spring and it's good to know what NEASC is looking for. Also, this trip served as a mini- workshop/ professional development workshop to brainstorm on a bunch of policies and mission statements, etc. And it was a very WELCOME break from school. Estoril Beach Resort It seems my class is having a hard time dealing with our school rules. And the fact that I expect the rules to be observed. This first semester has bee...

Almost 4 months ago, I fulfilled one of my life list items (yes, I refuse to call it a bucket list) and attended the Summer Olympics. Again, this opportunity was made possible because I have had the chance to meet some incredible people in my journeys abroad. Without the hospitality of Elena, I would not have been able to afford to be in London during the Olympics. AND she was able to set us up with actual tickets!! Of course, no trip that I take is EVER without it's excitement..... I flew from Colorado to Philadelphia and then on to London. However, of course there was about a 2 hour delay (this is after a 8 hour layover); however, you could tell that most of the people on the plane were going over for the Olympics as everyone was dressed up in USA gear and in good spirits. Until they starting boarding us. Then it was a mad dash to the jet way. Seriously??!!! We're all going to the same place....we all have assigned seats....relax. It delayed us another 30 minutes because ...