I have not posted all of last week here. And for a great reason too 🙂
I was visiting Portugal for vacation to catch the last few moments of summer with my family.
We visited Lisbon, Porto and a day trip to the stunning town of Sintra.
It was a whirlwind trip of six nights and we were exhausted but happy. Our feet were shot from all the walking on cobble stones, all the day long- my Fitbit says I walked 101 kilometers last week!!
So much to take in, all the sights to see, all the treats to enjoy, and a whole lot to learn. We feel blessed to have had this experience together, and now, it’s back to everyday life- school, work, groceries…
But the trip is obviously very much on my mind. So I thought I’d list some of the highlights for this post…and that way I will have this list to look back on long after the trip is just a distant memory in my mind…
Here are some of them:
Chugging along the old town of Lisbon on a rickety old tram 28…
We waited a long time in the harsh sun to catch this tram in a long lineup. Because it’s a big tourist attraction. Because it’s cheap. Because it takes you on the inside streets and alleys you may never make it on your own, on limited time and knowledge.
Walking the alleyways of old town…
And getting lost, and taking paths that seemed interesting. No agenda, just walking, just taking in the sights.
Views from the top of the town- the castle on the hill…
Nothing attracts humans than going to the top to catch the views, right? It feels like we took photos every 2 minutes from all the different angles possible going around the top of the castle and the watchtowers…
The stunning architecture…
Both outside and in. My favourites were the old stock exchange of Porto, the Jeronimo monastery in Lisbon, and the Monserrate Palace in Sintra.
I don’t know how human beings are capable of such beauty and workmanship. But I am so glad we are- and there is all this physical legacy for us to enjoy…
All the egg custard pastries…
that we stuffed ourselves with every single day! We even made it to the birthplace bakery of these Pastel de Natas, and they did not disappoint!
My very unexpected tears!
I have never cried looking at a piece of art. I couldn’t stop my tears and overwhelm looking at the Arabian room in the old stock exchange of Porto– the grandeur, the art, the sheer richness of this room- my jaw simply dropped and tears just came. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t not cry. It was the weirdest feeling…
Sunset over the city of Porto
From the other side of the river…it was a party! There was music in the park, the crowds had gathered with picnics. And there was even a marriage proposal. All in front of the sun doing it’s everyday thing!
The food market in Porto
The produce, the food, the cheese, the music, the hubbub- so very festive. This was in Porto’s historic Bolhao Market. We took some food with us for our dinner on the train as well, and it was a lot of fun. A picnic dinner on the train 🙂
Sintra…
The whole town is stunning. Located in the mountains and five major sites to see. The downtown was full of shops and pastries and restaurants. But going uphill seeing the sites on the way, the views get better, and the environment peaceful. The soft mist added to the magic of the quiet and the mysterious.
Always, people…
Something I cannot capture in photos- just the kindness and welcome of people. Everyone was super helpful with information and ideas. We did not feel like it was an alien country at all…Thank you Portugal!
All the beautiful food…
Vegetarian food was never a problem, and it was SO GOOD! Having the environment to grow amazing produce helps, I guess. And the growing demand for vegetarian food is also at play, I would think. But we felt really well taken care of in terms of our meals. And, it was very well priced- that never hurts, right?
A great trip, lots of memories, and a heart full…now it’s time to get back to some work with a new lease on life, creativity and inspiration.