We are now back in New York and readjusting to the time zone and a much different pace. Sorry for the absence of a post in the last few days. While on The Way, we got into the rhythm of a self-imposed daily deadline. It is amazing how quickly we returned to our old non-writing, non-walking, slacker ways. This update was 90% ready 3 days ago…but I just didn’t get around to posting it…as the distance from our couch to the iPad on the dining room table was extremely far. So here is our last European post…soon to be followed by Canadian posts in June as our larger group of “Walking Smiths” will be heading to the Rockies…
After a few days at the seaside in Cascais, Portugal, we spent last weekend in the city of Lisbon. We were joined there by our good friends from Germany, Jens and Stefanie. You have probably noticed a pattern here. We plan trips to explore new places in the world. We invite our more experienced and knowledgeable friends to join us. As a result, we are more efficient in sightseeing, more fortunate in restaurant choices, and we have an even better time…with good friends. Plus, I can cast blame on Jens or Yayo or Maiko or Peter or (insert name here) if I drink a bit too much wine. Thanks, gentlemen.
Lisbon is another great European capital. Although hit hard by the economic crisis a few years ago, it is coming back strong…primarily on tourism and foreign investment. The weather was great and the streets were full of weekend energy in preparation for an upcoming festival.
Sarah arranged for us to see an evening performance of “Fado” at a traditional restaurant. Fado is Portugal’s unique music genre. It is generally known for its expressive nature and as being profoundly melancholic. It is best described by the Portuguese word “saudade” which means “longing” or a feeling of loss. We were warned of the emotional nature of the music…and I found the 1-hour performance to be very compelling…but I was glad that it was over after 60 minutes. Here is a brief clip that I was able to take…before I succumbed to spasms of sobbing and increased wine consumption.
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We returned to New York on Sunday. I did not have the presence of mind to take photos of our triumphant arrival home. The customs and immigration official did not seem particularly overjoyed to see us…but we were successfully allowed in…probably because we judiciously avoided using the 7 words of Spanish we learned over 5 weeks.
We are glad to be back…and looking to sharing news from our next Buen Camino.
We close this European chapter with one final, poignant, representative clip from our trip to take you into the weekend. All the best, the Walking Smiths.
If your ever in Bolingbrook (Tourist call it ‘The Brook’), I would be happy to take you and Sarah to all the hot spots. We have a restaurant called Chili’s, which is pretty unique!
Jim, I have heard of Chili’s. I cannot believe it did not make Trip Advisor’s “Top 10 Things to do in Bolingbrook, Illinois”.
Welcome home! It was great to read about all of your adventures!
I’m looking forward to talking once you’re settled!
❤️
Welcome home!!! Loved following your blog. Glad you made it!! I’m going next time!!😜😜
Congratulations on your returning from such a great trip. We enjoyed keeping up with your adventure. Your blogs were very interesting with the pictures music and descriptions. Hope to see you both soon in Saint Augustine.
Thanks, Lynda and Fred!