Grateful for My Time in Portugal
It's been over a week since I left Portugal and arrived back in Nova Scotia in the midst of the province's largest and most destructive wildfires. Flying through the clouds, tainted by the smoke consuming the skies and landing to the sounds of emergency alerts as passengers turned on their phones felt surreal. Especially after barely coming down from the high of a fabulous trip to Portugal...one that was well overdue for so many reasons.
As I think about the fires and how communities have come together to support one another, I'm continually brought back to how grateful I am about so many things in my life...including the luxury of being able to travel, build memories and meet people, while taking part in amazing adventures. Travel re-energizes me...right down to my soul. It has taught me so much about myself, others and the world, and has provided me with the opportunity to give back, while also creating lasting friendships.
With this in mind, I thought it would only be appropriate to wrap up my trip to Portugal with a list of things I am grateful for...
- I am grateful to have found a little oasis nestled in nature, full of positivity and good energy - thank you Quinta Camarena, Vera and Cam.
- I am grateful for the people I met along the way, especially those who instantly welcomed me into the mix and who quickly felt like longtime friends.
- I am grateful for the incredible meals that were made with love and passion, then shared over great conversation...and of course wine.
- I am grateful for the impressive coastline, the ocean in all its splendor, sand between my toes and the many trails I found along the way.
- I am grateful to have found the time to sit in nature surrounded by trees, the ocean or open fields and embrace a sense of calm and relaxation.
- I am grateful for getting lost on so many occasions, only to find little surprises around every corner.
- I am grateful for the sounds of the day as it begins - birds chirping, light breezes, people rustling, dogs barking and of course Mr. Right - the faithful rooster.
- I am grateful for finding the most magical location to experience the music of a traditional Fado in such a profound way.
- I am grateful for the vibrant street art, tile mosaics, winding streets, hills, colourful flower gardens, old architecture, vineyards...and majestic horses.
- I am grateful to have been able to share and listen to all the travel stories of people I met along the way - Portugal, Canada, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Ireland and the US.
