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  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Awesome kitchen at the hostelDining RoomChill areaIdea of how flat it isMarine life we could see....What has been spottedOur boat! I sat at the back🤗BoardingLove the hat Kendra!!!🥰View of Faro from waterHarbourI found another stork!!!!EveningSunset harbourBeautiful restaurant with love music made me think of Mexico11

    Day 22 Faro and the Dolphins

    April 25, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Pretty loud and crazy last night so did not sleep very much . This place has the feel of Playa del Carmen🥳🥳 I later found out they were celebratng " Freedom Day."

    I gott ready for the dolphin boat ride.
    Perfect day with hardly any wind🫶
    I dressed with long pants and my jacket and I am so glad I did as it was chilly There were so many young girls with hardly anything covering their body....

    We were accompanied by a marine biologist who was super excited at the prospect of seeing some whales passing through. This is a prime time to see them as there are a lot of tuna.

    You can also see tortugas, loggerhead ones in particular. Interestingly they come from the Gulf of Mexico on their way to the Mediterranean to nest. Unfortunately, we didn't see any.

    What we did see were 2 groups of bottle nosed dolphins They are in groups for different reasons. Some are females with their calves....

    I loved the ride, scenery and of course the beautiful dolphins who are very social and curious with regards to boats..

    We also saw striped dolphins that are the opposite and swim away from boats.

    It was a full day on the water from 11:30 to 1500 hrs.

    The biologist was disappointed that she didn't see any different marine life.....but "that's Nature" as she said.

    I was amazed at how calm the ocean was. We were fairly far out....you can see on the map. So if there were any whales you could spot them for sure!!

    Wonderful day. Walked around town in the evening🤗🤔

    Please note on the videos you can enlarge the picture size to see more of the dolphins😉    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Love the green doorStart on the trail to see famous Bengali CaveMy groupFace Rock protector of all that visit the areaBengali Cave1ShorelineMoorish influence on architectureCool rocks lots of iron deposits2Cool pirate shipSurge channel like Devil's Churn in Oregon1Boardwalk along coastLooking the other wayVery unusual for how lush this bush is. Very wet SpringAnother beach1Beautiful coastlineI love how it looks like it is going to smash into the cliff

    Day 23 Bengali cave and Algrave Coast

    April 26, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    It was much quieter last night which made for a great sleep💤💤

    On the van at 0900. We were a group of 8. The drive was 50 minutes west of Faro. I saw a huge Ikea on our way....interesting😂

    Stopped at Bengali Cave area first. Hardly any people or boats on the water.

    Really challenging walking . My photos are not great because you would have had to go beyond a barrier to get the super ones

    The next area is where I got the picture of me in the hole in the rock. The group went Cliff jumping after that which I didn't do....no surprise there🤣😂🤣

    Next beach was PACKED with tourists. So many kayaks and boats..... I think visiting at Daybreak would be better and cooler. Surprisingly it was only 21 C but felt like 35C
    There was an area that had an A frame type little house in the trees. It housed stray cats. Food and water was left for them The group seemed pretty chill with people. I am sorry I didn't get a pick of them. Next time right😉

    We got back at 5 pm. Very long but great day I was thrilled to see some of the Algrave Coast. There is a trail that one can take all along it.....Hmmmmm
    Sounds like a great idea perhaps🤔😉😂🤣♥️♥️    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Huge German Hotel Bus at Beach yesterday
    Farmers Market🥰1Love escargotsThey will cut bacon for youSuper nice ladies that kept giving me more and more....I thought this English translation of Antiques was hilarious1Cool playground at the huge mallThese look like bottle brush flowers ?My delicious freshly baked Limel with fresh berries cookie (galleta)Such a cute shop and delightful ownerCool door and tilesMatte anyone? You don't see many gourds at hostels😂1My delightful dinner courtesy of the market1Unknown fruit that looks awful but tastes like apricots. Usually 3 little pits inside1So.....this looks like a beet but...it is a beet bun!!! How about that2Artwork on Hostel wall ....love the stork of course🥰♥️

    Day 24 Out and About Faro

    April 27, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Taking it easy today..
    Was going to take a Bolt ( like an Uber) out however the driver kept getting lost. You can see where he is on the map......

    As I was waiting, people started to pass by me with fresh produce. I looked around the corner to see a huge farmers market.

    I ditched the Bolt and went to the market. Such fun
    The people are so kind and generous with their offerings. I always wanted small amounts of items and they kept filling my bags up.....needless to say I will leave what I can't eat in the free bin👍

    The sweet potato I got tasted great. It had a purple skin. The veggies were garden fresh all ready for a soup but I made stir-fry . Delicious with fresh strawberries for dessert.

    I did have one problem today....cramping of my feet. I think it was due to dehydration from yesterday. I didn't have any electrolytes and this nice guy gave me some fresh market cucumbers that are supposed to help....I had missed 2 days of my Calcium Nd Magnesium so that wasn't good either. Anyway I went to the Farmacia and got some powdered electrolytes and I am good to go

    Moved to a 10 bed mixed dorm for tonight. Seville tomorrow.....so excited!!!    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Castle de Jorge
    My fav bus😂 Leaving FaroVery flat ...huge river we crossed just entered SpainScenery from busWalking to hostelStreet in SevilleCool painting on buildingBeautiful archetechtureQuiet now everyone at work or schoolFlowers everywhere.Bush at start of bridge over to TrianaBeautiful tile work1Common street corner. The signage for a lost Canadian is WONDERFUL for navigation. Very clearEvening masses of people out and about. Much cooler than in the dayEvening walk over bridge

    Day 25 Faro to Seville

    April 28, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Arrived by bus to Seville. Very busy at the station. Walked towards the Hostel and noticed police were directing traffic? There was a lot of highway congestion coming into the city.

    When I arrived at the Hostel, I was told there had been a massive power outage across Europe!!!
    People were trying to get money out of ATM's and there were store and restaurant closures everywhere. One of the grocery stores were letting people in a couple at a time and helping them find what they needed by using the flashlight on their phones.

    It lasted for over 5 hours. When the power came back on internet was still very sketchy. We had no way of knowing what was going on.....

    Later we found out it was only Spain and Portugal that were primarily affected.

    I did go walking in the evening and captured a few sites.

    Everywhere you look you see beauty in Sevilla    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    1Queens Sewing Basket Accommodation for guards
    Cute shop near the hostal11Playing touristCool buildingMetro on the right going straight down streetEnormous ceiling Gothic CathedralStained glassCloisterChristopher Columbus tomb in cathedral1Tower outside of CathedralTorre del OroTileworkAt the plaza de EspanaPlaza de EspanaPlaza de espanaBird I heard at the plazaExample of many different trees therePlaza de Espana

    Day 26 Exploring Sevilla

    April 29, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Very warm today
    A lot of the attractions are too far to walk so I took the sightseeing hop on and off bus.

    It helped for sure.
    Saw many sites . Sevilla is a beautiful but very busy city..

    The hostel was very comfortable except my only complaint was blaring 80's music throughout the place even outside The only place that was quiet was your room
    ..
    Vanessa who I met during the power outage and lives in Port Alberniiv( she is a Nurse) is going to a Flamingo tour tonight She planned this well in advance $110 euros very pricey. We get along very well She did a hike around Malta. After Sevilla she is going to surfing places in Portugal.

    I met a young girl from California and a couple from Bosnia. It is a very international place for sure.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Looking through a doorway
    Beautiful balcony decorationsPlaza1Even Burger KingStunning sky last night Castille de JorgeSevilla cathedral in the background1Atriana (gypsy, moor, influence)You can see how wet it isBeautiful Jacinta church ..... Not open unfortunatelyI just love this Castille de Jorge1The guy in the boat is yelling at the men obviously the CoachNorwegians Many rowing teams train here on the river.

    Day 27 Rain in Sevilla😱

    April 30, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Not too much to say today. It was pretty wet this afternoon .

    Went across the bridge for a walk in the evening. Saw some row teams training with their coach behind yelling commands.

    Also saw some different kinds of ducks and ducklings.Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Marque Pompell plaza at metro stop
    Scenery from busPlantation of treesOur busPretty cloudsComing into Lisbon1Metro from bus station to hostel

    Day 28 Sevilla to Lisboa

    May 1, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Not too much to say today The bus trip went well all 7 hours of it. We stopped for 30 minutes to have a bite.

    Very easy to find my hostel via Metro. There was only 1 transfer. They make it easy for people who lack navigation skills.....me😂

    The hostel itself...... More negatives than positives for sure. Basically it was way too many people for the space available. Not to mention how many were coughing and sneezing!!!! Yikes!!!!

    My goal was to get up tomorrow am before anyone at 6. Have my shower and coffee and then leave.

    I    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Walking on path to cabin
    Take off LisbonSo brautiful LisbonComing into Bordeaux FramceScenery from the trainSt. Foy La Grande train stationMy room for the next week.View from my befThich Naht Hann sayingOur cabin from the pathOutside the cabinThe field where I listened to the Tawny Owl at nightOther cabinsBamboo in background. Our Bathroom/ Shower Hut on leftSunsetLisbon

    Day 29 Lisboa to Plum Village France

    May 2, 2025 in France ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    I left at 9 from the Hostel and was at the airport by 10:15 which was great.

    My flight to Bordeaux is delayed by 40 minutes so I will have to change my train tickets to an hour later .

    It is 30 minutes from the airport to train station but I luckily caught the express bus. Then an hour to St. La Foy de Grande.

    I am on the train to La Foy de Grande. I have a fellow who is picking me up there and then driving me 30 minutes to Plum Village.

    I am going to this Buddhist Monastery called Plum Village, for a week long retreat. I will be offline as well during that time.

    This place is where Thich Nhat Hanh lived. You can Google about him. He basically was the father of the "Mindfulness Movement." He also was Tara Brach's teacher if you know her.

    " Being in the Present" by using the breath.... Mindfulness training is what I am here for.

    I arrived at 7:30 pm and missed the orientation. I will receive it tomorrow morning.

    All I heard was birds.
    It is so peaceful and quiet here out in the country.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Huge Bell1Pagoda in front of large meditation hallFront porch of meditation hallSigns everywhere to remind you of mindfullnessRegistration buildingMonastic buildings beautiful cloudsBeautiful roses creep up the wall but my main focus was the clouds1Cat Sangha (community) They are all abandoned. The sisters have a large shack for their homeFlower gardenCountryside aroundBeautiful rosesBlackie" another original name🤣He is super friendly"Ginger" is super shy but has the most adorable face🥰1Beginnings of a new garden.Deer... Unsure of what kindSunsetField1Poem A Morning Offering by John O'Donahue

    Day 1 Retreat

    May 3, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    ***So Sorry for this long post***

    II woke up at 5 am. It actually wasn't too difficult.

    The bathroom was very busy.....
    The meditation was a led one and I was familiar with it . Very nice♥️

    Afterwards I walked back to my cabin. Breakfast was at 8.

    I was trying to figure out where the dining hall was as I hadn't been orientated..... A Sister approached me and said it was at 7:30!! She directed me and all was well kind of I didn't know that it was Noble Silence until after breakfast....

    Anyway, the Sisters make their own baguettes and honestly they were the best whole grain ones I have ever had!!!! Perfect texture and not a struggle to bite and chew like some.

    The food in general was a Vegan's dream come true 🥰💕♥️👍👏

    BRRAKFAST
    Porridge
    Fresh Baguettes
    Home made plum jam and peanut butter or some seed?
    Fresh fruit of all kinds
    Seeds
    Flax seed
    Rice Milk
    Soy Milk
    There was no white or brown sugar

    After breakfast we had orientation.

    Walking meditation was everyday at 11:30. We always sang a variety of songs before it and Service Meditation

    Walking meditation lasted for 45- 50 minutes

    Lunch was at 12:30
    Sooooo.....it was Vietnamese style food every day!!!!🥰
    Like I said......AMAZING!!

    Every day was a different variety of dishes. Always rice, brown and white. Also fresh Vietnamese herbs and greens along with Lettuce from the Happy Farm.
    Also tomatoes, cucumbers, fennel and leeks.
    There was also 2 different types of soup.....The Bamboo Soup was so delicious!!!

    Chickpeas were always available along with Nutritional Yeast, and Flax and seeds.

    They actually make their own tofu!
    It takes over 4 hours to do.

    They also had pickled radishes Vietnamese style🤗👍

    We had afternoon rest at 1400. Service Meditation was at 1500
    Physical exercise at 1700 and Dinner was 1800.

    Dinner was like lunch....🥰

    Noble Silence began after dinner until after Breakfast so roughly 13 hours.

    A meditation sit was at 2000 but not every night

    So lights were out for me by 9

    A very full and enriching experience ♥️    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    New Hamlet PagodaGathering for walking meditation1Walking meditation up the hill (at least 160 participants)New Hamlet buildings1Example of my tummy lunchNew Hamlet groundsJust beautiful!!This is their large Pagoda ( bell)Beautiful flower beds1I just noticed the fire extinguisher.... My cabin again1Our grounds- Bamboo grove on the left sideThe back of our bathroom/ shower hutStained glass in Large Meditation Hall. Thich Naht Hahn' s saying behind flowers "Here and Now"Thich Naht Hahn's memorial1Our meditation hall

    Day 2 Mindfullness Day New Hamlet

    May 4, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    So 5 am wake up.
    Today we had a chanted meditation and an early breakfast at 7 am .

    We then were transported up to New Hamlet in vans to join the other 2 Hamlet's for Mindfullness Day. All of the Hamlet's gather twice per week Sundays and Thursdays alternating Hamlet's.

    There are 3 Hamlet's:

    New Hamlet ( don't know)
    Lower Hamlet (women)
    Upper Hamlet (men)

    Honestly I figured out there must have been 200 participants.

    The meditation hall was packed.

    We sat for a Dhamma talk which lasted an hour and a half.

    Then walking meditation and lunch.

    We arrived back at our " Lower Hamlet" at 4:30.

    Dinner was at the usual time.

    We had a Lazy Night which I will explain tomorrow😉🤗    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Delicious Vietnamese Cookies
    1Grove of banbooOur tea selectionSign for Plum VillageRoad leading into retreatAnother flowerbed1Walking meditationFrom That's Calligraphy BookVery special meditation practice to drink tea1Fresh delivery of all Organic fruit and veggiesLooking out from dining hallWalking to dining hallUpper Hamlet groundsSpecial bamboo screen used for celebrationsFront of the meditation hallWalking to 2000 meditationSunset

    Day 3-6 Retreat

    May 8, 2025 in France ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    So I followed the same schedule basically every day.

    I forgot to mention that they have a lazy day every Monday.
    Now this isn't to be used to do laundry etc but to do nothing. Rest, read, journal, walk, sleep....meditate and so on if you catch my drift it actually is difficult to not do things....I learned I do like structure and following a schedule. Very interesting....

    I forgot to mention that they would ring the bell all day long and it was for us to stop what we were doing and breathe and be present in our body..... There were also signs everywhere as a reminder to get out of our heads and into our body🤗

    The first service meditation was in the kitchen. The chef was hilarious!! The first thing she said was: " No Cooking....No Chopping...Just Scrubbing!!!!"
    She gave us 3 carts filled with large service pans that were very laden with grease......the fix was vinegar, baking soda, steel wool and elbow grease. We were having so much fun until one of the Sisters told us to be quiet and work in a meditative fashion.....

    That same day I was chatting with Anna and a Sister reminded me of the Noble Silence and ralso to wash my dishes as if it were a baby Buddha.....

    I also should mention that every night I had to get up to use the outhouse.....But....it was thrilling because not only did I see the beautiful stars 😍 I heard the Owl.

    I continued to hear the Owl every night but it's call was not loud enough to be picked up on Merlin....until one night👏🥰

    I identified it as a Tawny Owl. There were several in the area calling to one another......such a thrill!!!
    I also heard the Nightengale as well😍 I think my next trip should be a bird call ID trip😉 It is so gratifying identifying their calls.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    1Olivia took this pic she went with me on the train to Bordeaux
    More beautiful groundsSo pracefulMeditation Hall1Eco friendly outhouse I used in the middle of the nightOur reading areaFood was buffet style in the front and tables in the backLove Thay's CaligraphyBetter pic of dining hall . The door on the left is where we washed our dishesCattery....very deluxeSmall meditation building. Roses everywhereRegistration areaBordeaux train station1Boarding the flight to LisbonBordeaux

    Day 7 Last day of Retreat

    May 9, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Beautiful sunny day.
    I had an early shower to beat the crowds and then went for my coffee as per usual

    I entered the dining hall to be met by the Chef....."Come now" she said and led me to a back table. There were small glasses, a very small teapot and a thermos.
    She said, " I make tea for you." She then poured hot water from the thermos into the tea pot and each glass. She then poured the water out of each glass and dipped the rim of each glass in hot water. Next she put the tea into the pot.
    " This tea comes from very old tree in North Korea." she said.
    She let it sit for a few minutes and poured it into my cup.
    She then said, " Don't drink just smell the fragrance.....then only use the tip of your tongue to taste it. Then you can drink it..."
    Our teacher taught us this ( meaning Thay....short form of Thicht Naht Hahn)
    How cool was that!!!! Amazing🥰
    Slowly other sisters joined us and other participants
    It was something I will never forget🫶💕💕

    We had hugs and happy tears as we said goodbye .....until next time    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    1
    Narrow streets.I don't know how the buses do it?The streets are a maze and one can get lost very easilyNot sure what the structure is....just looked cool1Those canopied vehicles were all over the place taking tourists around1Cool cloudsSaint Vincent's Monastery1Huge flea marketInside the monasteryView our a window1View from the roofYou can see the enormous Christ monument in the background1Narrow and more narrow plus stairsI don't know the name of this arch....Sitting by the river in the evening watching the sail boats

    Back in Lisbon

    May 10, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Rest day.
    No agenda just to take it easy.

    I did end up walking and saw some sights including a huge flea market.

    I went down to the river after dinner to watch the sail boats and other watercraft.

    It was packed with people.....Saturday night the city never sleeps!!!    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    The water was so clean and clear
    Beautiful bottle brush flowersStreet facing the beach1Indoor marketBakery items......😍1Looks like Lisbon doesn't it😂Walking up to the top of the hill1View from trail1Could be Oregon😉1Lighthouse at the end. No barriers anywhere along the cliffs1This is the other beach with the Huge Surfing WavesRock cliff, Nazare in backgroundCool archetecture

    Bus to Nazare

    May 11, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    I was very excited to take the bus to Nazare today. It is a coastal city that attracts surfers from all over the world due to its enormous waves.

    The bus ride was just over an hour.

    I walked up to the lookout early and I am glad that I did because it got very hot!

    The views were spectacular. There were a lot of tourists.

    I spent the whole day there and got home around 7 pm    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Cool yellow building
    My Korean friends1My room bottom bunkWalking to Lavadaria1This is an elevatorNice fountain1St Jorge Castle from the train stationEating area very nice1Train station

    Fun things like laundry

    May 12, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    I was offered some breakfast by a group of 4 Korean guys. They told me that they started in Korea and rode on their bikes to Paris, then Bayonne, then St. Jean and did the Camino to Santiago and then did the Camino down Portugal to Lisbon!!!!! Absolutely incredible.

    Did my laundry and sent home more things.....I won't say how much it cost but probably the same as the airline charge honestly.

    My flight leaves for London at 6 :25 am tomorrow so I will take the Metro to the airport later tonight.

    Goodbye Lisbon😘    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    View of stream from bridge
    Petersfield train station UKSide of Aloka Cottage that I stayed at1Aloka Cottage1Killer stairs at cottageKitchen wondowShrine house1Country Lane I walked dailyMore of my walking laneGorgeous1Again the lane countrysideView of creek from shrineKuti where the monks are solitary for months on endInteresting teepee by streamCottage on the lane

    Over to the UK for 2 weeks

    May 13, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    So I landed at Gatwick airport and took the train to Petersfield. I then took a cab to Chithurst to stay at Aloka Cottage for a 2 week retreat in the forest.

    I had a lovely room to myself ( very appreciated) and a shared bathroom and shower.

    All I could hear were birds and the stream. No sirens, motorbikes, lawnmowers, power washers etc.

    I would walk up to the main house each day at 11 :00 am for our one meal of the day. We were able to have a small breakfast at 7:00 at the cottage.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    This is DonQuiote😂🤣😂
    Beautiful greenery everywhereMy walk uphill to main houseRocana Cottage where the Nuns liveMain house where the monks and lay men live1Main Shrine HallSide view of cloister1Little deer in our yardGorgeous twisted bark treeSide of cloisterBeautiful roses everywherCottage along roadSheep1My room all stripped just packing upMy Plaice fish n' chips and chips and Panko prawnsTrain to Gatwick airportLisbon at nightFlight home.. Ice crystals on the window1His name is Don Quixote not Hershey🤣

    More pics and then " The End"

    May 27, 2025 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    I have just included more pictures of the scenery that I saw each day.

    The weather was wonderful.

    I counted over 30 different bird calls while I was there. There was also a lake where the Mallards and family plus a blue heron were regulars.

    I left Chitthurst walking n the rain today. I wanted to catch the 11:25 bus to Petersfield early enough to enjoy English Fish and Chips before I left the UK

    .Unfortunately the fish was way too battered for my liking and I removed it all. But it was super fresh and the chippies with salt and vinegar were delicious. AND they had Heinz catchup!!! They gave me sweet and spicy Thai sauce for my Prawns🥰

    I have become quite a food snob as my diet has been Thai and Sri Lankan cuisine everyday with fresh fruit and vegetables. My taste buds have been doing hip- hop dancing in my mouth😂

    I caught the train to Gatwick Airport and flew down to Lisbon.
    I stayed over at the airport until my flight to Montreal left at 8 am the next morning. I had another 8 hour layover in Montreal until my final flight home to Vancouver.

    I am presently 2 hours away from landing flying into the sun which is slowly setting for the night....
    It really is a perfect ending for an incredible adventure!!!
    TBC..... 😉😂🤗    Read more

    Trip end
    May 28, 2025
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