“There’s no place like Home…”

SURPRISE, I’M HOME!! My next destination ended up being, none other than, my little hometown in Rhode Island. There really is no place quite like home, especially during the holidays when family is around. (That’s a picture of me cheesing because I’m finally back with family I haven’t seen in a long time). However, after being able to travel Europe for two months, I have to say… as great as home is, there are some pretty phenomenal places out there in the world as well and I will never stop traveling and experiencing things abroad. If there is one thing I’ve learned over time though, family is forever and one of the most important things in a person’s life. As crazy and weird as mine can be, I love them all to death and given the opportunity I had to come back home a little early to surprise them for Thanksgiving, I decided to take it.

As soon as I got back to little Rhody, my family surprised me right back and said we were switching things up and all going to New Hampshire for the holiday. So I unpacked and packed my bags all within 12 hours of arriving home and then I was off again! The traveling never ends (I’m not complaining).

We spent the holiday in Lincoln, New Hampshire and it was beautiful! The mountains and cold fresh air were certainly a switch up from the warm environment I had been surrounding myself in the past couple of months. I love New Hampshire though and it’s one of my all time favorite New England areas to spend time in. Being surrounded by nature and mountainous landscapes is always the perfect get away for a long weekend.

My favorite town in the area is North Conway, and for anyone that knows the area, there is the cutest little General Store called Zeb’s. I. LOVE. ZEB’S. As a child I used to love roaming this store and browsing all the candy selections. Now I enjoy quite literally the entire store, not only browsing the candy selection, but the local jams and canned goods, the local honey and syrups, the dozens of jerkey varieties available, the candles and soaps, and of course…my all time favorite… the pickle barrels!! Among my many food loves, is pickles. I love pickles. So whenever my family and I come up to NH and we stop at Zeb’s, I make sure to make my routine visit to the pickle barrels where I scoop out a large dill pickle (or two) and I usually finish it by the time I’m leaving the store. There’s just something about a large homemade, crunchy dill pickle?! It’s weird but now it’s tradition.

Now that I’m no longer traveling Europe (for the time being), I plan on traveling around the US some more in my spare time until my next “out of country” experience comes along. This upcoming weekend I’ll be heading to Syracuse and Buffalo, New York to spend some time with my best friend and to attend a Patriot’s Football game which I’m so so excited about. One thing I missed while traveling in Europe was football Sundays… Somewhat silly because really, for me, it’s just a fantastic lazy day of eating comfort foods, drinking and watching sports while being all cozied up inside on a couch. I love it. So cheers to being back in the states for now and adventuring around the US.

I NEVER back down from a challenge…

I’ve always been terribly competitive. It’s not only one of my biggest strengths but one of my biggest weaknesses. You challenge me to a game of chess, a race from one end of the yard to the other, who can eat more hotdogs…I mean you name it, and I’m game (as a quick side note, I’d like to note that I’m terrible at chess, no longer a fast runner, and well I can still eat a gross amount of hotdogs…). Now the thing is I don’t always win, because I’ve learned the hard way that I’m not perfect and can’t be the best at everything (whatever). However, I don’t go down without a fight. Blessing and a curse.

Goodness knows the next time I’ll be able to visit this city so figuring it was one of my last nights here I wanted to celebrate in true fashion and treat myself to a nice dinner. I ordered probably one of the best steaks I’ve ever had (and expensive…I had no idea) and then I ordered a glass of sangria from my waiter. Except they don’t sell individual glasses, apparently only by the pitcher… I asked how much it was and he said 12 euros. That’s practically the same price for a nice glass of sangria in the states where I’m from?! So since I had my heart set on sangria I told him I would take the pitcher. He thought I was joking.

“Er miss, that’s a LITER of sangria. I’m sorry we don’t have just glass of sangria. Would you like a glass of wine instead?”

So kind of you sir, but I’ll still take the liter of sangria. He still thought I was joking and we went back and forth for a bit. Before I knew it, he was yelling to his bartender and the lady working the cappuccino machine in Portuguese, I’m assuming about a lady like myself ordering an entire liter to herself, because they all burst out laughing and shaking their heads. The whole waitstaff started speaking to each other extending all the way into the kitchen and taking quick peaks at me. After a few minutes he eventually came back with my liter of sangria and told me that if I finished it, which most of the waitstaff he informed me had placed bets on the fact that I wouldn’t, it was on the house. GAME.ON.

For the first time in my life I was receiving high fives throughout my meal and being cheered on by certain bystanders that were complete strangers… I’ve never been so humiliated in my life! And yet the sense of achievement when I did finally finish the liter… I’m a champ. I promise I’m not an alcoholic and I’ll most likely never try that again within a span of 2 hours. I’m not going to lie I didn’t feel tremendous by the end of it. It may not even sound like a lot to some, but for a lightweight like myself, it was plentyy. Thank youu for the free sangria though…so worth it?

Past that, my last day in the city was spent near the water, soaking up sun, drinking cappuccinos and then at the Mercado da Riberia (by suggestion of one of you kind followers!) I was pretty sure I died and had gone to heaven when I stepped into this place. I’m not kidding. This food court was the epitome of what I want in life every single day. It’s also known as the “Timeout Market” and it’s basically a farmers market and then there’s also a food court of various dishes that are UNBELIEVABLE. I couldn’t help but try something from as many stalls as possible. I had croquettes (which have become one of my favorites), pastries, tuna tartar, smoothies, pizza, a burger…These are the kind of places I live for. The food was phenomenal and this place is a must go-to if you’re in the area.

I truly don’t think I could have had a better last day in the city. Now tomorrow I move on to my next destination and I couldn’t be more excited.

I’M STILL ALIVE!?

65 days. That’s 2 months and 3 days of not getting kidnapped, not being drugged, not being mugged, not being robbed, not picking up some foreign disease and dying a slow death…(Knock on Wood). That’s over 2 months of being on my own for the most part and experiencing some of the most amazing cities in the world.

It’s been over 2 months since I quit my job and left the comfort of my hometown that I’ve lived in pretty much my entire life and I”M STILL ALIVE. Sure, I’ve had to deal with some set backs throughout it all like a terrible bed bug infestation, a bad cold, and getting lost a couple times…but I mean all things considered, those are pretty minor set backs? I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

I’m currently back in Lisbon, Portugal after having spent the last 4 nights or so further up north in Leiria, Portugal. It was a small cozy town but there were plenty of places to dine at so that’s what kept me around. I ate at every possible restaurant within walking distance of my hotel and the only bad experience I had was from eating at a sushi place. In their defense I suppose…the reason I probably got sick was due to a miscommunication of me accidentally ordering a bowl of ramen soup, ceviche, and then an entire boat and a half of sushi. I was sitting at the bar right where the chef was preparing it all and I felt bad not eating practically all of it when he suddenly placed it all in front of me?! It was basically like I ate 2 large raw fish by the end of the night. Yeah, I wasn’t feeling so hot by the end of it needless to say, but hey, I’m making memories?

I plan on staying in Lisbon for another 3 days or so before I move on. I’m staying in a cute little flat that overlooks the city with these huge doors that open up to a balcony and stares straight across a beautiful green park space. I can’t imagine traveling without Air Bnb throughout this trip to be honest. I have been able to get entire apartments/flats/rooms that are so incredibly affordable (most likely due to the off season of tourist traveling) and I’ve been able to truly experience the heart of every city I’ve stayed in. All of my hosts have been more than accommodating and so helpful with the best places to go and eat. You really do get a more genuine experience by doing AirBnb or hostels verse hotels (not to say that I haven’t treated myself to my fair share of hotels as well, every now and then).

I’m looking forward to wherever the wind blows me and continuing to live a life I can say I genuinely love and am happy with. Gratefulness continues.

A Few of my Favorite Things…

First: Nature. Hot Springs in particular are one of god’s gifts to earth. I’ve never been to a hot spring until recently and turns out they are just as wonderful as one might expect. Who wouldn’t enjoy lying back in a natural hot spring surrounded by incredible luscious greenery and good company? I had the chance to experience them for the first time in São Miguel while still with my good friend. Together we shoved in as much sight seeing as we possibly could within the short time frame we had left together, before she had to head back to the states. We finished off our stay on the island by visiting a few more popular areas like some of the hot springs (Caldeira Velha and Dona Beija) and then we went to see the two crater lakes (Sete Cidades) and hiked out to one of the most famous viewpoints on the island. Unfortunately, the only day we had left to visit these last two places was a completely foggy one and we couldn’t see 5 feet in front of us… The hike was still incredible in an eerie and -not knowing what lies below us while hundreds of feet high- kinda way. We actually broke into the park even though it was closed to hike up to this viewpoint…we felt like quite the rebels let me tell you. Nothing like breaking the rules in the middle of nowhere in a foreign country?! The fact that it was drizzly and foggy might have played a factor into why the area was closed…maybe that should have been our first hint. Ah well. No regrets. I’d also like to note that the general scenery in São Miguel is breathtaking and so vividly green that it’s hard to believe someone didn’t just paint the landscapes you are driving through. HIGHLY suggest visiting the islands.

Second: Food. We of course had to try the infamous Portuguese dessert known as Pastel de Nata aka custard tarts. I have to say, they are now one of my favorites. I’m a big fan of creme brûlée and flan and so this was just another version of some custard deliciousness and I haven’t stopped having them daily. While on the island we also tried Furnas stew (reminded me essentially of St. Paddy’s day with boiled meat and veggies, very tasty home-like meal). I also thought I would try one of the traditional appetizers while here, “blood sausage with pineapple,” because I’m a HUGE sausage fan…yeah maybe I should have realized that when they put “blood” in part of the name they’re not kidding. I barely stomached two bites. Now I know. Once back on the mainland, we made sure to finish off this trip with the classic steak and eggs with rice and fries.

Third: Architecture. My friend and I spent a couple more days on the mainland of Portugal between the cities of Sintra and Lisbon. We visited a few of the famous castles and their gardens and it was such a unique experience. I was sure they would be just like all the others I had seen so I really could have cared less. These were surprisingly different though? One of the more famous ones we visited was called Pena Palace and it reminded me of Disney to be honest. It was so colorful and surreal walking in and around the grounds of the palace. The gardens we visited were great walks as well and had some of the most unique designs.

Fourth: Futbol. I love soccer (as we Americans call it). I was born playing it and I’ll probably die playing it. It’s a passion that I can’t let go of and I miss playing competitively so so much. I had the chance here in Leiria, Portugal to attend the USA vs. Portugal friendly game and it was one of those surreal moments that I’ll never forget. Even though the US is already out for the World Cup this year and Ronaldo wasn’t playing (so the game overall wasn’t terribly competitive) it was still such an experience to be surrounded by these dedicated fans cheering on their home team. I wore and represented USA but I was so obviously part of the minority. The number of Portugal fans there was almost overpowering and they have such a love for the sport I couldn’t help admiring them and their team.

I’m currently enjoying my stay in Leiria, Portugal and recovering from a quick cold I caught after freezing my butt off at the game the other night. I’ve been traveling for 2 months now and I am not prepared in the least for the cold nights here AT ALL. I might actually have to invest in warmer clothes? No more bikinis, crop tops and shorts. It’s down to mid 30s and 40s at night here…I’m not sure my body can handle New England temperatures anymore?!

Traveling Solo vs. Traveling with a Friend

If you haven’t learned it for yourself by now, you can’t just travel with anybody and deem them a good travel buddy… You could be best friends with a person and realize that they are THE WORST person to take on a road trip or travel abroad with. I’ve even learned the hard way that not all “significant others” are great travel buddies (but maybe that was a sign that we were not meant to be and why I’m no longer with any of them). All I’m sayin is, choose wisely when it comes to finding a person you’re willing to share your possible -once in a lifetime- experiences with during a vacation or travel period.

I am so happy to say that one of my best friends, going all the way back to elementary days (crazy to think it’s been that long) was able to fly out and spend a week with me in Portugal and it’s been a blast so far! She is absolutely one of those travel worthy buddies that goes with the flow and loves to eat and adventure just as much as me. Bless her soul for putting up with me 24/7 and not flying home early (Just as an FYI, in my own humble and biased opinion, I’m a damn good travel buddy, I don’t think I’m that intolerable??).

We started our adventures in Lisbon, Portugal doing some very quick sight seeing for the one night we were there. The next day, bright and early, we hopped onto a quick flight to the Açores, the island of São Miguel in particular, where we have been driving around in our cute little economy sized car. If you’ve never been… I HIGHLY suggest visiting. It’s one of those underrated, beautiful lush green, sub tropical islands that just has you mesmerized with its beauty the entire time. There are large rolling hills everywhere with cows grazing and an ocean surrounding you that seems to go on forever. Absolutely incredible landscapes and we’ve only been here for 1.5 days.

So far we’ve already tried a handful of traditional Portuguese dishes like the Steak with Egg, a special Paella Marisco dish, the local fishes, and of course the wine, beer, and cheeses. We started our tour of the island walking around a pineapple plantation where we saw all the cute, small pineapples being grown in greenhouses- different from the large ones we typically see at markets in the US. Then we visited 1 of the 2 only tea plantations in Europe and learned about the traditional tea making process they use (of course we tested the tea and it was absolutely divine).

We’ve also had a chance to see the Arnel Lighthouse, check out one of the more popular waterfalls – Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, and we visited one of the black sand beaches with huge waves coming from all different angles. We were actually walking high on the shore when we accidentally got caught in a 1 inch swell (from no where) that literally, in a span of 3 seconds, turned into a 3 foot wave and soaked the both of us fully dressed…lesson learned- never turn your back on the ocean even when you think you’re safe…durr.

Tomorrow we continue experiencing everything the island has to offer and navigating our car through the tiny, narrow streets of São Miguel. Looking forward to throwing on swim suits and testing out the hot springs!

Bonjour! Ciao! Zdravo! I mean Hola?

I’m now at that point where I have no idea what country I’m in, what I’m speaking or what I’m trying to say. My life is so hard I know. Do you know how long it takes a person like me though, to learn and remember a few simple phrases like “hello, bathroom?, very good…” And then how fast it is forgotten. It makes traveling to countries of different languages very difficult.

I met a friend today through “blablacar,”this fantastic cheap way of hitching a ride with a kind stranger to get from one place to another…sorry mom and dad. Yes, I hopped into a car with a stranger and trusted them to transport my body, dead or alive, to another country. Yes- the driver was a male, no- he wasn’t creepy, very kind actually, speaks 5 languages?! Owns like 3 townhouses/beach houses across Europe?! Does this gig to simply meet people from all over and help kill time for his weekly work commute, has a good job, a nice car, 42… sigh, no he isn’t single, unfortunately happily married with two daughters. I’ll tell ya (kidding I would never for those thinking I’m seriously interested!). Anyway, the point was, my driver pointed out how the only language you need to speak throughout Europe and most places is “bad English.” That’s what they call it and it’s absolutely true. Everyone, for the most part, speaks broken and choppy English and as long as you can do the same, you’re good to go! So now I find myself speaking like I’m stupid, don’t know my own language and all grammar has pretty much gone out the window. No point in using filler words, just need to get the point across.

This past week was spent enjoying being lazy and sight-seeing around Seville. I visited the world’s third largest Church, and by visit I mean I came, I saw, I left… I was afraid to go in because there were so many signs about dressing decent in God’s house so even though I’m positive I was fine (wearing a sundress that was basicallyyyy to my knees), I was immediately sweating like a hooker in church and decided to play it safe and view it from outside. I visited the Metropol Parasol which was strangely incredible, so modern in comparison to everything else in Seville. I, of course, ate like a crazy lady all the tapas plates I could fit in at each meal. And I also walked gardens around the city and picnicked with wine and cheese. Life is beautiful and I will never stop being thankful.

I’ve had a lot of time to reminisce this week (really throughout my entire trip but more so this week in particular), about my life in the past, present and future. I thought about my family, my past relationships, my friends, my past jobs, my passions, those I’ve hurt, those I’ve lost, my accomplishments, the things that make me happy… It was a really emotionally draining week for me?! I can’t stop thanking the universe for where it’s led me and all the experiences I’ve had, good and bad. I owe everything to my friends and family for helping me become the person I am and honestly, I’m damn proud of that person.

This last bit is about a special friend, written for them but also selfishly for me, trying to cope with my feelings from this news. Just yesterday, I was informed that one of my best friend’s lost a loved one. I can’t begin to express how much my heart hurts for them. I feel helpless and frustrated and mad. Silly because there is nothing I could have done to prevent life from happening but I only wish I could be there supporting them. From personal experience, I think dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through. I’m still angry about the loss of someone I loved and there’s no reason for me to be. I still haven’t figured out how to properly deal with the realization that they’re no longer here. I suppose sometimes you have to stop being angry though and not question things that don’t necessarily have answers. Live and let go with time. Always easier said than done. I’m keeping this short because I can be an over-emotional human being, but so much love being sent to my friend and their family ❤️.

 

 

Tapas + Beaches…Life is Good.

What’s better than a table, for one, being littered with 6 different dishes of tasty Spanish food ALL TO MYSELF?! I think this is what my kind of heaven would consist of. Plates of all different kinds, constantly being brought to my table and being able to try every single one of them. Spain is a place where you can order more than 2 dishes to yourself and not feel guilty or embarrassed about how many plates are on your table. I couldn’t help myself and ordered about 6 plates of tapas to myself when I first arrived to Seville, Spain. Turns out the dishes aren’t quite that small and I actually had some leftovers…the guilt I felt leaving some of that incredible food on the table for waste.

Paella.

Had and Cheese Croquettes.

Pork with Blue Cheese Sauce.

Ratatouille.

Grilled Peppahhhhs.

I’ve had a chance to try Spanish paella which is one of my favorite dishes (big lover of seafood) and I’ve ordered ham and cheese croquettes at, I believe, every meal. I LOVE those lil guys. They are these little fried, travel sized sticks, of cheesy goodness with pieces of ham in them. I’ve tried so many other dishes that it’s been hard to keep track of all the different things. I’m pretty sure nothing has disappointed me yet.

In other news though, not related to food, which is honestly mostly what my world revolves around these days… I was able to spend yesterday in the beautiful city of Cadiz. It’s on the very southern coast of Spain and since it was mid 70s and dipping into the low 80s, I thought it would be a suitable beach day. I took the train from Seville to Cadiz which was a scenic ride and experience in itself. When I arrived, I started making my way to one of the beaches I had looked up. It was small, but cozy, and located right next to a long beach wall that led out to a castle of sorts in the middle of the ocean. I didn’t look into the history too much and the gates were closed when I reached the end of the beach wall to this place, so I just turned back around and enjoyed the sound of the waves crashing all around me and the sun on my face. I can’t get over this feeling of gratefulness for where I am right now, physically and mentally. I can’t begin to express how important it is to appreciate where you are in life and what you have. You don’t have to be in Europe traveling around tasting great foods and wine to be grateful and blessed with everything that surrounds you though. I truly hope that anyone out there that loves to travel like I, has the chance to do so. It really is an eye opening experience, especially when you’re on your own, and I now personally feel it is one of the best things to spend money on. Don’t get me wrong, I am human and unfortunately like many of those expensive tangible things one can potentially have in life…but to spend your money on experiences is simply something that will last you forever and in my own humble opinion, a much deeper sense of achievement and satisfaction, as well as fun and entertainment. Travel more. Eat and drink more. Laugh more. Live more.