Finding Ourselves in Portugal

Nearing the end of our trip we were uncertain about visiting Portugal.. Just a little dip along the southern coast was the plan, that is until we found out about a family in Porto, northern Portugal, that we just had to meet. So, along the southern coast we pulled over in a little town, shopped the outdoor market for homemade snacks and then purchased 4 boat tickets. The idea was that we would take a boat to the beach – once the boat departed I realised that I had just assumed that this was it’s destination. Oh well, a boat ride anywhere is fine when it only cost 6 euro:) A light breeze and the sight of fishing boats in shallow waters, storks, cranes, and FLAMINGOES was incredible. After a 1/2hr we were dropped off and followed the crowd through a cottage village to a wide open, waves crashing, kind of beach.

A night in Lisbon (where we lost our keys twice and both times they were returned) was followed by a drive through quaint villages and a picnic at Casa di Inferno.

Welcomed by a family in Porto, Saphir and her family made us feel alive – and every sense was stimulated during our 2 days with them. So many of our interests were aligned. Beside sharing stimulating conversation, she introduced us to the old city and led us to an artists project that was just so perfect, we ate lunch at a macrobiotic restaurant (where for 5 Euro we were each served soup, a meal, desert, and tea on the patio), we cooked together, played in the city park, watched waddling geese .. and so much more.. yet not enough. A family we will cherish and meet again. A kindred spirit found.