A city crowned by the St. George's Castle

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its original layout.

Adjacent to the Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned by St. George's Castle.

Lisbon was under Roman rule from 205 BC, when it was already a 1000 year old town. Julius Caesar made it a municipium called Felicitas Julia, adding to the name Olissipo. In 1147, the Crusaders under Afonso Henriques reconquered the city and since then it has been a major political, economic and cultural center of Portugal.

During our trip in Portugal we spent time at the old quarters of Lisbon and enjoyed the city from it's "miradouros" (viewpoints) ... contemplating the layout of the city as it was in the XXII century.

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Something worth reflecting once more

Decisions are a big are part of life, we make so many in the course of our journey and so often, small ones and big ones! Because all of them have implications for us, learning to make decisions... I should say wise and inspired decisions is a something that is worth reflecting once more. A decision enters in the wise category when we devote careful consideration to the alternatives available to us and it becomes inspired when we prayerfully take what we consider the best option and counsel with the Lord in prayer before we take a final route. Here is a good link to a scripture that helps in this reflection: Doctrine and Convenants 9:7-9

It is simple and delicious

Today mom cooked a classic "Torta" for " Family Home Evening ", a recipe that for a century puts smiles in faces of those that taste it, a cake that her mother did always for the children. It is simple & delicious! Ingredients: 150g or 1 1/3 All purpose flour 300g or 1 1/3 Sugar 6 Eggs Tsp of baking powder Preheat over to 350º F. Beat egg whites until stiff. Blend egg yolks with sugar and add to it the white eggs, flour and the baking powder. Mix all ingredients. Pour into a 9" x 13" greased cake pan. Bake for approximately 40 minutes until the wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Immediately loosen cake from edge of pan; invert on towel generously sprinkled with sugar. Spread on top strawberry jam or other jam of your choice. While still hot carefully role cake and towel from narrow end. Let it cool from 15 minutes and remove the towel. Enjoy it and have you also a happy "Family Home Evening"

"We hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles"

During the Brigham Young University luncheon for the honors students a quote from an unknown author was mentioned: Your schooling may be over, but remember that your education still continues . Miguel starts his Doctors program next week in the School of Medicine of the University of Utah in that sense education continues, but also life itself is a great school from which we never cease learning. As we reflect upon the experience we as family had during Miguel's graduation we make our words the words of another unknown author: "We hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known" Related links: Graduation Slide Show

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