One Love Flowing On…
Ola and Adios from Lisbon Portugal…
Although we did not save the best for last, we did indeed have some of our best experiences here in Portugal in this last week. I would contribute a lot of our last week’s adventures on the fact that we have become more in the flow of Portugal as our friend Ana would say.
Charles and I packed in a lot of adventures during our last week and still managed to get some rest. We traveled outside of Lisbon, walked around a castle, took a hippobus tour and topped it all off with a movie, WICKED of course. I do believe we achieved our objective to finish strongly here in Portugal.
During our Thanks-Living Celebration in Obidos, we met an amazing couple Charity/Maylene. We started this last week in Portugal with a wonderful visit to Caldas de Rainha which is the town where Charity/Maylene resides. We had the most amazing time, filled with laughs, food, and lots of beautiful sights. Caldas de Rainha is loaded with historical sites, arts, and fashion. Many of the people there looked as if they were about to take the runway including the children and seniors, it was a delight to see.
Getting to Caldas de Rainha would require us to once again take a bus for just over an hour. Charles and I enjoyed the bus ride despite not really caring for the city metro buses. Given the choice we prefer the subways, at times we have even chosen to walk versus transferring from a subway to a bus.
The holiday vibe here in Portugal takes us back to childhood memories filled with lights, laughter, and people gathering in joy. Portugal is full of Christmas Markets and lights throughout the city and it’s a magical scene to experience. We have literally seen chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Who knew that was a real thing? NOT ME!
Portugal has given us a beautiful perspective and experience of Europe which we will cherish forever. Charles and I brought One Love to Portugal and received a lifechanging Portuguese love from the people, places and experiences.
WARNING ALERT FOR USING THE ATM:
Generally, $200 Euros is the most you can withdraw at once! On day 1 we went to the ATM and took out $200 Euros. I was charged $240.32 for the transaction because when asked if I wanted to pay for the transaction in my home currency (I accepted; big mistake) the conversion rate marked up 13.50% (I was outraged because my research concerning getting Euros all pointed to the ATM’s being the best place to obtain Euros. (Bank ATM’s not the independent ones) Well, your girl got online and did some more digging and that’s when I found the information on Declining when asked if you want to pay for the transaction in your home currency. Beware that once you decline you will be asked again, and you need to decline again! DECLINE/DECLINE! That was a valuable lesson that I am glad that I can share forward!
ONE LOVE HUMAN CONNECTIONS HAPPENED IN PORTUGAL
Here’s a few #LoveDrops from our adventures:
Be kind and remember smiles are universal
Obrigado/Obrigada/Thank-You goes a long way here
Last #LoveDrop be open to experience new things and say yes to the adventures, you’ll be surprised at where your feet will take you!
*Comfortable shoes are a must; the cobblestone and inclines are no joke!
As we close this chapter of Portugal we know look forward to returning to Portugal next year and exploring more of this amazing place! Until then we are off to Paris, France and my heart is overflowing with gratitude. (If you know; you know)! If you would like to know read “We Can Go Now”
One Love Diane/Charles!
Stay tuned for our next update from Paris, France! Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting!
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN PORTUGAL!!!