Two Nights in Tavira
We could have stayed a lot longer in the Algarve if we weren’t going into winter. With the temperature dropping and the rain becoming a feature of everyday life, a … Read more
Portugal
Final Week in Lagos
It’s hard to believe that we’re nearing the two-month mark in Portugal, which means we’ll be leaving Lagos shortly. Some highlights from our final few days. We really wanted to … Read more
Silves: Capital of the Algarve Kingdom
Most of the Algarve’s best-known destinations hug Portugal’s idyllic southern coastline. But historic Silves is an exception. For nearly 700 years, Silves was the capital of the Algarve Kingdom, which … Read more
Visitors & Festivities in Lagos
Lori’s brother and his wife had planned a trip to Portugal before we knew where we would be and when we would be here. Ultimately, we ended up crossing paths … Read more
Barão de São João & Beach Days
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities for the boys to hang out with other kids. Bonus points if they speak a common language and are doing something similar to … Read more
Sagres: End of the World
A day trip to Sagres, known throughout Europe as the “End of the World”. We explore its beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and historic fort and cape.
Storm Claudia & Friends
Just as we were settling into Lagos and getting [too] used to the Algarve’s wonderfully warm and sunny November weather, a nasty storm formed in the Northern Atlantic with its … Read more
Lagos Beaches & Boardwalks
It’s Saturday morning, the sun’s out, bird’s are chirping, and the plaza below is abuzz with activity. It’s time to hit the town! We’re headed to the big Saturday market … Read more
South to Lagos and the Algarve
On Thursday, we wrapped up our time in Lisbon (29 days flew by!) and moved four hours south to the Algarve on Portugal’s sunny southern coast. Lagos wasn’t our first … Read more
Belém: Relics of the Age of Discovery
Before wrapping up our month in Lisbon and moving south, there’s one last major attraction we’ve been holding off on visiting—more like a cluster of historic sights spread out over … Read more
Sintra: Portugal’s Versailles
Visiting the town of Sintra is more or less a must-do if you find yourself in Lisbon. Lori saw this place 20 years ago and wanted to make sure we … Read more
Kid Days in Lisbon
Riley, up for another sunrise and some big days ahead. Both boys journal on a daily basis as part of their “worldschooling”. The boys still love Cover Your Assets, though … Read more
Tram 28 Electrico
The original idea was to find a nice balance between sightseeing, doing school with the boys, working on projects, and laying low to keep things within budget. The weather forecast, … Read more
São Jorge Castle & Alfama
When I was planning my backpacking route through Europe 25 years ago, Portugal wasn’t on my radar. From Athens to the north of Scotland, I don’t recall meeting another traveler … Read more
Around Lisbon
Lisbon has been an ideal place to kick off our European travels for the next year. There’s so much to see and do, and the prices seem very reasonable by … Read more
Cascais: The Portuguese Riviera
The weather here in Lisbon in early/mid-October has been nothing short of perfect. That was all due to change in a couple of weeks, so we aimed to take full … Read more
Arctic Route (Arrival in Portugal)
We made it to Portugal! It’s a beautiful day here in Lisbon as we get ready to head out for a day of exploring. This is the view from the … Read more
Sea Change
We hadn’t planned on being back in the Pacific Northwest this year until mid-August (just about now). Our Mexico residency was up for renewal (or conversion, rather) beginning in late … Read more