a report from Estoril Portugal

A note on some experiences; the hotel I am staying, the Palacio Estoril (http://www.palacioestorilhotel.com/) is a grande old dame, 76 years old! James Bond filmed a movie here in the 80's and it has a very Bond-ish quality. I can imagine CIA, KGB & all the other spy organizations here. Yesterday, I was stunned and facsinated by a extraordinarily beautiful old palace home; Quinta da Regaleira (http://www.cultursintra.pt/). The gardens were just magnificent. In the afternoon, we took lunch at the Grande Real Villa Italia (http://www.granderealvillaitaliahotel.com/) or (www.lhw.com/granderealvillaitalia) which is just the perfect combination of new chic, hip, comfortable and stunning hotel with the recovered estate houses of the deposed Italian King Umberto II (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umberto_II). At supper, we were at the Hotel Tivoli Palacio de Seteais in Sintra (http://www.tivolilisboa.com/hotels-portugal/destination/hotels-in-sintra/hotel-palacio-seteais/list.aspx). I was sitting looking at the entrance door of restaurant and my jaw dropped when I notice Mike White (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_White_(scriptwriter) walk in. You would recently know him competing in the Amazing Race 14 with his Dad, Mel, but he is also an accomplished screenwriter with the credit of one of my favorite movies, "School of Rock" with Jack Black. We asked the waiter if he would come over to say hello and he did. Very very nice gesture on his part and we all appreciated it so much. I forgot to ask for my picture with him, but I did get to express appreciation for his creative work.

It was an amazing day.