Any parents in Lisbon, Portugal?

[Emmis]

Are there any mums or dads in Lisbon from whom I could get some advice on good areas to live in the area?

We have 2 children aged 4 and 7, are quite an alternative family (a tiny bit more surfing, yoga and organic food than plasma TVs and aerobics!) and are used to living in apartments in cities rather than big houses in the suburbs. We have seen that Cascais isn't too far from Lisbon and as my husband's a surfer that definitely seems a possibility, but as we usually love city living we'd also love to know some suitable areas in Lisbon itself. As we're with our two children it would nice to be near a park and somewhere with character and that is quite safe.

We've also looked into International schools as initially we don't know if we will be there for longer than a year, though if we do stay our intention would be to put them in local schools. We heard from St. James in Cascais, but would also love advice on any of the other international schools in Lisbon. We're not used to league tables and aren't too fond of competitive environments - their current international school in Amsterdam is very nurturing, structured and inclusive.

If you do have any advice, I'd be very grateful!