Portugal
Then it was off to Lisbon , Portugal . I quickly exchanged my hiking pants for a sundress and my appetite for baguettes for fresh fish . Flying in we noted the views of the ocean , and upon exiting the airplane , we could feel the heat of summer .
Eric and I navigated the metro and then walked the rest of the way to our stay . After settling in and admiring our view of the Sea of Straw off the terrace , we visited a highly praised restaurant called A Cevicheria , recommended to us by two friends and Lisbon locals we met on our trek . I devoured the tuna while Eric enjoyed the octopus . We finished with a glass of Port , a dessert wine made in the Douro Valley region of Portugal . Our time in this historic country was off to a great start .
The following day , we meandered through the seaside city where we discovered the São Jorge Castle . This castle served as an important part of history and has had a presence in the city for hundreds of years . We continued exploring as we strolled up and down the city ’ s infamous hills .
São Jorge Castle , Lisbon .
All of the walking created an appetite like none other , which led to a stop at the TimeOut Market . A quick Google search of things to do in Lisbon and you will find this market at the top of the list . Tourists and locals alike can be found , mouths watering , choosing cuisine from dozens of restaurants and bars . Visitors can find some of Lisbon ’ s best dishes here and try a variety of delicacies under one roof . We filled ourselves to the brim with sushi , a savory veggie burger and the legendary pastel de nata — an egg custard pastry the city is renowned for .
As if we hadn ’ t filled ourselves enough , we walked back to our stay and prepared ourselves for the food tour that lay ahead of us that evening . We met our guide and embarked upon a culinary voyage across the city . We learned about Lisbon ’ s history , along with the global influence on local cuisine . We consumed many egg yolk-based desserts , different types of fish and other traditional dishes . Food is an important part of culture , and we relished the opportunity to gain knowledge about Lisbon ’ s culture through what its residents typically eat .
The next day was less food-oriented and more focused on sightseeing . We took a half-hour train ride to Sintra , which is
a small village known for its colorful , storybook-like palace and its quaint winding streets . We started off straight away for the Pena Palace where we roamed the extensive and remarkable grounds . Then it was time to try a travesseiro — a signature Sintra pastry soft as a pillow with fillings such as Nutella or almond cream . After exploring a bit further , it was time to head back to Lisbon where we were meeting up with the Lisbon locals we had met on our trek .
Our friends gave us an address to meet at , and from there , they led us to a small , unmarked restaurant known for its grilled sardines . Sardines are only fished for a few months out of the year , and we visited at the perfect time . These sardines did not resemble the canned sardines I was used to seeing . They were much bigger and exceptionally delicious . We ate and talked into the wee hours of the night .
When Eric and I travel , we prioritize meeting new people and learning their stories . It allows one to expand their own view of the world and take in new ideas and beliefs . We feel blessed to have made wonderful friends throughout our travels .
Another activity we prioritize is the simple act of wandering through a city and letting spontaneity guide our days , which is precisely what we did on our last day in Lisbon . We discovered new foods , stores , views and architecture as we let our feet lead the way . We went to bed with smiles on our faces and excitement in our hearts for our early morning flight to the land of emerald green .
Ireland
Eric and I thought our time in Europe couldn ’ t get any better ; that was until we arrived in Ireland .
From the kind people and comfort food to the cozy atmosphere and striking landscapes , this lovely country immediately stole our hearts . We started off our Irish visit with the acclaimed tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin . It was well worth the stop , and afterward , we followed our noses to a pub where we shared toasties and bangers and mash to kick off the last portion of our European journey .
Guinness Storehouse , Dublin , Ireland .
130
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE