Cynthia:  Now that our European Magical Mystery Tour is over, let’s discuss what we liked and didn’t like about each place we visited while it’s fresh on our minds.

Edd:  We may not agree on this, but at the end let’s also rank them worst to best from a “retiring abroad” point of view. Our first stop was Lisbon, Portugal.

C:  There’s not much to dislike about Lisbon. It’s beautiful. The weather was great. Prices are low. Public transportation was outstanding.

E:  That last point is key when thinking about living there. The bus and metro systems are so well integrated, it’s easy and inexpensive to get anywhere in town. Trams and trolleys service the historic and hilly sections, and the train station for destinations outside the city is easily accessible.

C:  Right. We were staying in an older area downtown. When we got together with friends who used to live in Cuenca, we were surprised their...

Cynthia:  I’m getting excited about where we’re headed next. What a dream trip this is going to be!

Edd:  I’m pumped too. You know what, since our departure is in less than 10 days, it’s time to share the details with our subscribers.

C:  Less than 10 days?? I’ve been so focused on our family visits, I haven’t thought much about it. Time to shift gears and start getting ready to go. Planning to be gone for 2 ½ months doesn’t seem as overwhelming this time around.

E:  Well, it helps that we’ll only be in one climate. Packing for last year’s trip to Mexico was tough with oppressive heat and humidity on the coast and springlike weather in the highlands.

C:  Especially with only a roll-aboard and backpack each. Which is the way we’ll be traveling this time as well.

E:  She says while rolling her eyes. Hats off to you for agreeing to downsize. It’s really made airport logistics easier....