Portugal, For a Little Sun Before Winter

I think I suffer with Wanderlust (a strong desire to travel). I want to see and explore everywhere and anywhere, see new places, experience new things and taste new foods. And all my person wants to do is find a good surf. So my first European travel destination was Portugal. We went for six days at the end of November, before the UK winter hit, in an attempt to catch a bit of sun. We flew into Faro airport and stayed down south in the Algarve, in Portimão, right across the road from the beach. The way I had pictured Portugal wasn't found in Portimão. Portimão felt touristy, colourful and appealing in every sense, but I wanted to see the raw and earthy part of Portugal, to catch a glimpse of the rich heritage of these welcoming people. And I got a small bite of it...

My uncle and aunt invited us to their home in a little village, north of the Algarve, about 200km away from Lisbon, meant to be a four and a half hour drive from Portimão (but took us seven and a half because the Garmin was accidentally set to stay off highways!). But this is where I got to see the real, worked lands of Portugal. The drive up was eye opening. This land has struggled and is still standing. The people are respectful and humble and welcoming. They smile and encourage you to communicate what you are wanting or looking for. They wave back and greet you, even though you are a stranger, as if they have met you somewhere before. And it was amazing to get to see what my uncle and aunt have done on their little dorpie (farm). The grow their own fruit and veg (in abundance) and are able to make wine like the locals, they've transformed the falling apart house they purchased into a beautiful and inviting home. They showed us their neighbours property too, which is for sale, as a comparison of what their house used to look like. Although in desperate need of repair and modernization, the old building has so much historical value and character, makes one wonder the stories it holds. We then took a short walk around some of the village and my eyes just couldn't take in all the details this place has to share.

We had sunshine and we had rain, it was a relaxing holiday.

But now the travel bug has bitten and I have a visa, I want to see more, visit more places, have an adventure!