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 in Lagos, which couldn’t have worked out better.
As luck would also have it, we got some of the best weather of our time in Lagos during the three days they were here.
Our Euro-African Journey (So Far...)
Lori and I are always excited for visitors, but the boys were over-the-moon to have two days with their Tio Dan and Tia Lauren.
A view of our apartment for the month, complete with windmill cafe.
Lagos was their final stop in Portugal before heading back to the States, which of course meant going out of our way to show them a good time. But we’d do that regardless.
For the first afternoon/evening, we did a little walk around Old Town, hit up some of the closer beaches, and ended at the marina for happy hour and dinner.
Tio and Tia introduced the boys to sardines.
We also ordered bacalao (the national cod dish of Portugal), but weren’t crazy about the way this one was prepared.
The tuna steak did not disappoint.
The next day was devoted to walking the Lagos cliff boardwalks. We’ve been waiting for a good excuse to do this again, and Dan and Lauren’s visit was exactly that.
We hopped on the bus down to Porto do Mos and slowly made our way back via the boardwalks, logging just under six miles.
The weather and sea conditions were absolutely perfect. It’s hard to believe we’re one week away from December.
Exploring Lagos’ famous Ponta da Piadade.
The sargassum has completely taken over the town’s beaches since the big storm just over a week ago. Praia do Camilo is virtually unrecognizable.
Someone visited Padaria Central… Credit goes to Lori for the presentation.
A quick game of Where’s Noe (and Riley…).
Every time we head to the park these days, Noe bolts up this tree like a monkey.
After a fun three days, it’s time to bid adios to Dan and Lauren, as they start their journey back to the PacNW.
But that didn’t mean the fun had to end. Today also happens to coincide with an obscure little New World holiday known as Thanksgiving.
In our family of four, Thanksgiving means two things: Devoting some extra time to reflecting on all we’re thankful for, and…
…Korean BBQ!
For Lori and me, it’s a tradition stretching back 14 years. It’s not every year that we succeed in finding a legit Korean BBQ joint (sometimes we have to settle for Chinese or Thai).
This year, however, the stars aligned and there just so happened to be a Korean BBQ place in little ‘ol Lagos of all places. And it was every bit as delicious as any other Thanksgiving of years past.
On the way back to the apartment, we took advantage of the fact we were out with the boys past dark to do a quick walking tour of the festive decor, which seems to have tripled since yesterday.
On Black Friday, we seized on the day to do what I’m sure every red-blooded American does on this day of days:
Go head to head against each member of their family in a dirty, all-out, no holds barred battle of…
…Mini Golf.
It was a good effort by all. In the end, Riley and I walked away with a decisive victory. Better luck next year, Lori and Noe.
