Can you believe I am wrapping up my fourth week in Portugal!
I hope the weather back home is warming up and you are enjoying your days with loved ones.
In this newsletter, I am excited to share some of Portugal’s hidden gems, how I am assimilating, and what’s up to next!
Hidden Gems:
Let’s be honest, us Americans don’tget much world geography unless we venture out to learn it ourselves. Luckily, I have encountered locals who are willing share their “secret”getaways! What I am going to share with you is not the mainstream cities that travel agencies would suggest, but what a local would recommend!
1. Sintra, Portugal
“In short, Sintra is the true and unique capital of Romanticism. –“Sintra is the only place in the country in which History has become a garden, because all its legends converge there and its very monuments speak less of the past than of an eternal present of greenery. “
“SintraHistory.” Sintraromantica.net, 2019, www.sintraromantica.net/en/2015-01-16-15-58-53/history.
Where to visit in Sintra, Portugal:
Quinta de Regaliara
Classified as a “WorldHeritage Site”by UNESCO (United nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization). The property consists of a romantic palace, grottoes, wells, fountains and horticulture.
Castle of Moors
Resembling the Great Wall of China this Military base dates back to the 8thcentury and invasion of the Muslim Moors from North Africa. The position was selected due to the advantage of overlooking the Tagus River, which offered protection to the town of Sintra, Portugal.
Park and National Palace of Pena
Also classified as a “WorldHeritage Site”by UNESCO .
My time in Sintra did not allow going in but the palace sits high on a mountain dedicated to Our Lady of Pena dated back to the Middle Ages. The palace is painted in bright red and yellow making it a popular selfie spot!
2. Ribeiro de Cavalo Beach, Sesimbra, Portugal
Translated to “Horse Head”because of the large rock resembling the head of a horse. Those willing to make a hike down hill and have brought a trusty local to lead the way only touch this beach.
WOW- this beach blew me away. Check out the pictures to see it for yourself!
Assimilating:
I have a list of the luxuries I took for granted back home:
-Washer machine/dryer
-Dishwasher
-Reliable Wifi
-Speaking the same language
-Walmart etc.
But most importantly…. My car.
A typical day in the states to get from point A to B always starts in the car. In Portugal, walking/ biking/ and public transportation are the most common.
Although my waistline and legs are looking better than ever, I dearly miss my car. Walking to the laundry matt with a 30lb backpack I discovered a new sense of humility.
On the bright side, I eat all the CARBS! WHY? I burn an enormous amount of calories with my daily routine. Did someone say dessert? YES, PLEASE!
What’s next?
Next week I am traveling to south Portugal in the Algarve area also known as one of the best coastlines in the world!
Mid April I am traveling to Madrid, Spainfor a few days to spend with my younger cousin!
Then I will jump into working with a new hostel in San Sebastian, Spainlocated in the northern region bordering France. Although I speak Spanish, I recently learned that San Sebastian has their unique language called Basque.Spain actually has five preserved traditional languages with Spanish as a second language taught in school.
EXCITING NEWS:
“I would like to thank my parents, my dog and most importantly God.”
Check out the surf camps new video on “How Not To Surf” to witness my big break.
WATCH ME:
**If you’re short on time quickly skip the video to 1:43 to witness a full 10 seconds of fame! **
Have suggestions? Thoughts? Questions? Feel like sharing something?
l love to hear from you so please reply to this email with anything in mind!
Enjoy the moments I have captured below:
With Wanderlust,
