Lagos (São Sebastião)

Location and ambiance really affect our enjoyment in a place. In this case: a beachy relaxed mood, pleasant afternoon breezes, a very comfortable AirBnB (washing machine!), walking distance to restaurants/grocery stores, good prices, drinkable water, a removed distance from the tourist chaos, and a multicultural neighborhood. This was: Lagos, Portugal. Sidenote: And Ken would add: they sell oat milk. And Hillary would add: they sell tampons. And Everett would add: good WIFI. So, by all objective measures, Lagos, Portugal is now a top contender on our “Places to Retire List.”

Not much was on the agenda at this stage of the game. Several beach and cliff walks. Laundry. Relaxed mornings drinking coffee on our balcony combined with afternoon sangria at the cafe next door. Cobblestone walkways and quaint streetside shops. The only Portuguese we picked up - “Obrigado.” Ken was not-too-excited to admit the landscape was strikingly similar to his hometown, Palos Verdes (ever heard of Portuguese Bend?). Around the world visiting 50 countries, only to land where you started? A full circle moment.

We hopped yet another bus to Lisbon and landed at a hostel in a very diverse neighborhood. On a random chance an old work colleague (Joe Keating) was in Lisbon as well, and Ken was able to meet him for drinks. There is always such a surge of joy for these “random” run-ins! Everett and I had our own “date night” at a Nepalese-Portuguese restaurant: yes, biryani and paella do mix.

Everett was excited for his favorite activity – plane spotting – this time at the Lisbon Airport. The lounge was closed for maintenance so we sat at a coffee shop outside our gate. A sign read: “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” Wow.Read more