This has been a busy, busy week.

I think the only thing that has gotten me through is the thought of spring break. <em>Spring Break</em>. Every time I think of those words it's like there's a choir of fat baby angels singing and carrying a white banner reading: "x" number of days left until Spring Break.

As of today, there's one day of school left and one day until I land in Lisbon, Portugal. I couldn't be more excited about going to visit Portugal. I understand that it is a beautiful country.

Today was supposed to be the first day of spring break but thanks (if that's even possibly the right word) to the "flu vacation" in January, I am teaching today. Luckily it seems gray and cloudy today so the kids will be a little bit easier to teach than when it's warm and the sun is shinning outside my classroom window. (For the record, I never in a million years could have imagined myself writing that sentence three years ago. That must really make me a teacher. Apparently a<em> grumpy</em> one at that--or maybe just a pragmatic one.)

But back to the point. This may be my most poorly planned holiday in the last three years. I bought an airplane ticket in early March and then didn't book hostels until last weekend. <!--more-->I have no idea what the weather is supposed to be like and I have yet to print out a map of any sort.

Last night I almost spent 40 leva (20 euro/$25) on a Lonely Planet guide book to Portugal because it seemed like the <em>easy</em> thing to do.  Frankly I am not sure when I became so lazy. Or busy. As I like to think of it.

Needless to say, I've got a few things to look up before I hop on my airplane tomorrow afternoon.

Like how to get to my hostel from the airport. What sights I should see in Lisbon. And I've got to stock up on a new book or two for my Kindle!!

Anyhow, I thought I'd see if any of my loyal and wonderful (have I mentioned that before?! Yep. That's pure, unadulterated flattery) readers have recommendations for me of what to see/visit/eat/buy while I am in Lisbon and later in Porto. You could post your favorites below in the comments section. Hint, hint, hint.