I first became enamored with the seaside town of Nazaré as a young teen, and then had the chance of getting to know this traditional yet cool place several years ago during a weekend getaway — where the powerful waves made their mark, the famed peixeiras dressed in their sete saias {fisherwomen dressed in seven…
Traveling to … São João Weekend :: Porto Part II
I‘ve been to the vibrant city of Porto several times, each visit always a new experience; the city expanding and evolving with time and change of cultures. But the first time I experience and took part in the iconic São João celebrations was in 2018, before the Covid pandemic and before the climate crisis was…
Traveling to … the Enchanting + Inspiring Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston
Be forewarned, this special place has since become one of my favorite travels for its sheer amount of inspiration, gorgeous indoor garden, art and architecture — but really its enchanting and mysterious unsolved case of stolen paintings that draws in all the intrigue! I always love learning about any new place I travel, and before…
Traveling to … Revisiting Old Favorites :: Moliceiro Boat Rides + Scenic Lighthouse Views || Aveiro Part II
Last time I spent a day’s adventure in Aveiro, I was with my cousin … riding the moliceiro boats along the famed canals, once used for transporting salt, walking and gazing at the varying architecture including the city’s known nouveau style, to ending it all with a sunset dinner of local seafood and fish delights…
A Bridal Shower Inspired by a Boho Greek Desert Garden
What first began as a bridal shower inspired by a boho dessert rose garden, quickly transported us to desert-like mountain gardens of Greece once bride to be, Sandy saw Elia’s lovely room — a simple, airy space but with a stunning climbing bougainvillea, rich in pink magenta hues that had taken over the ceiling. That…
Traveling to … Autumn in Lisboa & an intimate Fado evening in Amália Rodrigues’ Garden
You may know the beautiful quote “into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” by John Muir, it’s one of my favorites. For me, it also applies to whenever exploring a new city — especially one rich in history, and particularly Lisboa. It’s certainly near and dear to my heart,…
Traveling to … the historical brick row houses & cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill
Something about Beacon Hill’s historical brownstones, black shutters and old iron streetlamp lined cobblestone streets, still dressed in varying shades of lingering summer greens and colors now metamorphosing into warmer tones — that simply evokes Autumn. Don’t you think? It may have been the last day of August, but it certainly felt September had emerged from…
Traveling to … Revisiting Old Favorites :: Belém + Baixa de Lisboa
For the last few years every time I am in Lisboa, I naturally spend some time with my loving aunt and uncle in Charneca the Caprica, a quaint neighborhood of the Costa da Caparica beach coast. And whenever possible I always like to take advantage of location to see and do something new within Lisboa….
Traveling to … Serra da Estrela Living :: Part I
What is there to say about a minha linda Serra da Estrela. Spending my summers here, growing up, as a young girl submersed in nature, food and family, it intertwined itself into very much who I am. My soul and heart are blissful when I’m here. How can one not be? Surrounded by lovely mountain…
Traveling to … the Castelo de Penedono & Senhora das Necessidades de Sernancelhe
What can I say, my heart loves scenic countryside views and terracotta roof tiled homes… As travel begins to pick up, rather quickly and ferociously from the looks of it {I mean I can’t blame anyone for wanting to just hit the road and adventure — as long as it’s being done safely}, there…
