Flying into Lisbon at sunset, with the clay-tiled roofs spread out below, felt as familiar as arriving home in San Diego. As soon as I stepped off the plane, the warm late-June air and the sun on my face welcomed me, and I knew I would quickly find comfort in the rich Portuguese culture.

I was invited to an intimate gathering in central Portugal and set off with little expectation. As we drove through the winding roads of Las Montanhas Mágicas, reality began to slip away. We sent quick messages to our loved ones in America, saying, "Here's my location; heading into nature. We'll chat in a few days!"
With the windows down, I felt the summer breeze on my face and took in the breathtaking landscape, a sense of peace washing over me.

In the days that followed, I embraced my favorite role: the foreigner.

Being one of the few Americans, especially from California, always sparked fascinating conversations. Over five days of little sleep, we immersed ourselves in Portuguese music, nature, and culture—a gentle reminder of the magic of saying "yes!" and the incredible experiences it can bring, especially in a place as enchanting as Las Montanhas Mágicas.

After our time in the mountains, I returned to my comfort zone: the ocean.
Leisurely beach hopping our way Algarve felt like a glimpse into old California, with its laid-back coastal life, unspoiled beaches, and few people. For two weeks, my days were blissfully simple: wake up, work, search (and often fail) for a chai latte, eat, beach, soak up the sun, swim, watch the sunset, feel happy, eat, sip, sleep, repeat.