Sightseeing in Sintra

So we were 25 in a hostel with backpacks, signing up to see whatever the big sight is for that city. We did that for years, getting onto weaving bus tours of the Duoro Valley, or sleeping overnight between European capitals.

Now that I'm in my 30s, I have only one nemesis: crowds. Crowded spaces. Crowded lines. Crowded nightclubs. I don't want to be pressed up against strangers, or shuffling slowly to get to the front of a queue.

So with Jo's parents in town, we made the exception and took the family on a day to Sintra to see the big sights. The girls were surprisingly fabulous. No tantrums. Everyone in good spirits. Nora even started to understand what areas she could and couldn't walk through in the castle exhibits.

I, on the other hand, was a demon. Sweaty. Tired. Clausterphobic. Anxious when a security guard moved us to the front of a 200 person line as we have kids. Bleh. The whole experience, as historically important as it might have been, was crowded. And I'm not good in crowds. Nor am I subtle about that.

After six hours touring, we got home and ordered pizza, which we ate on the floor. So at least there was that.