Full disclosure: I’ve been sick on this trip. Since day one, I haven’t felt great. And I owe it to myself and Philippa to still have the best time that I can. So, I went to local pharmacy, spoke someone and they gave me meds. All the meds. They worked. And right in time for our road trip to start.
The weather in Lisbon hasn’t been great. We haven’t had a truly “magical” day in Lisbon. Many magical moments but they were booked with rain. So, when the weather looked promising we took it as a sign to go on an adventure.
Fun fact: I love driving in foreign countries. It provides the opportunity to explore on your own terms and see parts of the world that maybe a tour guide, local transit or a book can’t show you.
Driving in KMs is always a blast, get to drive 120 … and be the slowest person on the highway. It’s wild.
Car packed for a day trip and we set out west, to Cascais. [note: however you think you pronounce that word, is NOT how you pronounce that word.]
This. Town. Is. A. Dream.
Pastel color buildings. Narrow streets. Flowers everywhere. Tile street and sidewalks. Palaces. Castles. The water. The sand. The luxury coastal town vibes. But warm and welcoming.
Close your eyes (after this next sentence). Think of the most perfect day you’ve experienced. (Close them and think, I’ll wait)
Well, on Monday, March 11, 2024, I experienced the most perfect day. The weather, the town, the food, the people. it was 67 degrees. Sunny with a light breeze. Minimal clouds. Clear water. Clean beaches. And parks, trees and flowers galore.
We took the opportunity to explore side streets and shops. Cafes and snack shops. Oh and we took all the photos. I’m not a “let’s take photos in front of things” kinda gal. But when your travel companion is and gets excited about snapping pics, you join in and embrace the memory creation. I’ve also gotten really good at taking photos because of Philippa.
After hours of strolling and taking in the vibes of Cascais, we decided to walk down a side street and found a little Italian spot. The owner and chef was there. He sat us. He assumed we spoke Portuguese … initial thought, “do I look Portuguese!? Could I pass for a local!?!?”
Philippa is a foodie. She travels the world and looks to explore cultures by food. I am on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I’ll try some local cuisine, but I’m a sucker for the things I like. But we’ve made it work.
While, Italian isn’t a local delicacy, it was one of the best Italian meals we’ve both had. Having both spent time in Italy and P being a New Yorker, we have a bit of a basis to go off of and this place was it. Gnocchi made in house. The owners Nona was certainly in the kitchen making the sauces from scratch.
We met Sean and Siobhan O’Brien from Cork, Ireland. A 50 to 60 year old couple, of 4 grown children, who travel and enjoy the world. They were lovely. We chatted like old friends. In moments when I meet new friends while traveling, I’m reminded that I am Roy and Diane’s daughter. They both have an ability to disarm people with their kindness and genuine want to learn about and meet people. It’s not surprising they have made friends/connections on every trip they’ve made.
I want and will go back to Cascais. It was spectacular. The pictures don’t do it justice. (But be sure to look at the Gallery that’s posted.)
I’ve really enjoyed not having a planned trip. Taking each day as we go. I think we’ve been able to see part of Lisbon and Cascais, that maybe we wouldn’t have been able to see, if we’d had a planned.
A great reminder to BE PRESENT. To do what feels right. To do what brings JOY.
And Cascais was right. Cascais was joy.
a NOLA girl in a Big world 
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