I Went To Portugal.

So much has happened in the 6 weeks since I last updated.

I went to Portugal on my spring break, for one thing. I feel all apologetic about it for some reason, like I have to explain how it all came about or how it didn't cost that much money (which would be an outright fabrication) or how I'm not one of these people who jets off to Europe all the time.

I AM A COMMONER, LIKE YOU.

A commoner who just happened to spend 8 days in Portugal recently.

Portugal rocks, y'all. Cancel that trip to Disneyland. Go to Portugal. I got a bed and breakfast for you in Lisbon that you will never want to leave. You will fall a little bit in love with tall, beautiful Pilar, the young receptionista. Her boss, Francisco, will sit with you in the morning for coffee and ask you about your family and tell you about his, and how he grew up in an apartment building that contained all his aunts, uncles, and cousins along with his own parents and siblings. And you will want to talk to him all day.

My sister Sarah and I thought we would die from the cuteness of laundry hanging from every window in Portugal. NO ONE in Portugal has their own washer and dryer, y'all.

(Please pause and feel spoiled. I did.)

We saw a lot of...stuff. True confession: I don't give a shit about castles, museums, or statues.

Here is what I liked:

The old men at the cafe tables, each one leaning in to hear the other, nodding and laughing. 

The young waiters and waitresses, fluent in 2 or 3 languages.

The huge and immaculately tended community gardens on the outskirts of Lisbon and in all the small towns.

The couple on the subway with the toddler, cooing and singing songs to her in Portugese.

The tiny little grocery stores tucked into every block, where you could buy absolutely anything you needed.

Sitting at a table on a narrow winding street, drinking sangria.

Good Friday in Évora, where the entire town gathered at the church at around 10pm and lit candles for a somber parade. 

And so much more. I would go back there in a heartbeat.

My sister and her husband. You guys wouldn't even believe how much we walked in Lisbon. The proportion of walking time to sitting around at a cafe table drinking sangria time was totally skewed in the wrong direction. My brother-in-law is a stern taskmaster when it comes to exploring a city.

In the small town of Comporta I was overcome with delight by the storks that were nesting everywhere.

Storks! STORKS!

Josh at the Moorish castle ruins in Sintra. He's the assistant manager of the worrrrrld!

A rather glum-looking lad, playing his accordion. Awfully young to be doing this, in my opinion. His father or grandfather was doing the same thing just down the street so I guess it's a family business?  I gave him some euros and asked politely if I could take his picture, but he just didn't seem too happy about the whole arrangement. There were many people like this in Lisbon, doing some kind of entertainment for tourists.

Ah. Disaffected youth. Gotta love 'em.

We arrived home on Easter Sunday and work started for me on Tuesday. Since then I have been up, down, sideways, and occasionally in a fetal position. But I can say, cautiously, that I think I am feeling a little better, a little less bruised by the events of the past 9 months. A little less fearful of what lies ahead.

Thanks, as always, for your kind comments, emails, and prayers. There are days where they have made all the difference to me.

Comments

[Karenth]

The women talking out their window, hanging laundry, watching the hood! The color, in every sense of the word!
AND YOU SAW THE STORKS! I have watched them on live cams, nesting, incubating, birthing, etc. Truly magnificent.

I love that you INTERACTED WITH PEOPLE! Can't believe how many people don't try it, don't feel comfortable, or feel that "seeing" everything is more important.

Mostly, I love that you all went, took care of your OWN souls for a bit, smiled. And after the strong temptation NOT to, you came back! Thank you!

[Margaret]

So good to see this post.

[Laura]

Welcome back Traveler Mary! I missed you!
Great photos and story. So glad you had fun.

[Margaret]

I've heard wonderful things about Portugal, but have never been although I've skirted around it to France and Spain. :) It sounds low-key and just what you needed! xoxo

[blackbird]

Oh, Mary.
I'm glad you've had some time away.
I've been thinking of you.

xo
bb

[kris (lower case)]

never feel guilty about traveling.. glad you are feeling better and hope things go well for you and your family.

[MsCellania]

You would've been #1 Nominee for a much-deserved trip, but you didn't wait for the vote - you went!
Love your descriptions. It sounds like heaven on earth. But, um, I kinda like my own washer. Do they hang their underpants out in the breeze for all the world to see, too? Or just square-ish items?
I would like to eat my way around the world. Me and the Bee - we could do that.

[Gretchen]

What a wonderful getaway! You deserve it, don't apologize!

[Maggie]

Oh Portugal is on my list of places to visit in life. It sounds wonderful!

[Leeloo]

My partner's brother is going to Portugal on Wednesday. He loves it there - I've never been but plan to this year. Your photos are beautiful!

Nice to see this post, so glad you're taking time for yourself and got to have a well-earned rest. Your blog is great, keep writing.

X

[FC]

Portugal is always a good excuse. So glad you had some fun!

[Cathy S.]

Wow! You never do things halfway do you? Glad you had a great trip. More pictures, please. Especially of the food and wine!

[the bee]

That looks fabulous ! I even love the storks but all the talk about walking has made me sleepy. You look fabulous in Europe !

[liz michalski]

So glad to see this post. So sorry there wasn't more sangria.

[Anne]

Aside from Margaret, I can't think of anyone who deserves a vacation more. Love the pics--so charming and colorful, especially you in your snappy, red coat.

Hope you write some more about your trip, with more pics!

[robin andrea]

Looks like it was a wonderful journey. I never travel so I do enjoy a vicarious adventure! Great pics.

[laura]

Portugal looks absolutely adorable! I'm sure they love it when the gringos say that. I'm glad you went and had a fabulous time!

[Vicki]

Ciconia ciconia are the ones that bring babies. Be careful.

The things you enjoyed on this trip are very similar to those we enjoyed during our time in Tuscany. I want to go back.

[Fay]

I am so in love with that b&b! It is now officially on The List.