I am off to Portugal soon for the fourth time. This will be a completely different visit for me. On previous occasions I have been very dilligent in planning an itinerary, noting restaurants and noting which places I would like to visit.
This time I am going on a wing and a prayer. In some ways it is kind of liberating.

I am just happy to be returning. We are joining a house party with family and friends with whom I have vacationed several times. We will take turns cooking, find nice restaurants to savour the food and drink lots of good wine.

So we are staying put near the Lisbon coast for two weeks plus. I wanted to post this because you guys are always excited about all travel and many here in the small town in which we live that we are a curiosity.

I read itineraries that shuttle people from place to place with hardly a chance to take a breath and I think how luicky I am to be able to just be somewhere we enjoy and do nothing if we wish.

Anyway. Thanks for the indulgence.

Sounds good to me, hope you will enjoy your stay.
Will be in Lisbon for a week with friends next month, and then we will move on to Carvoeiro for another week.
While I did a three week road trip thru the US last month and changed places almost every or every other night (and loved it), I am also looking forward just to explore Lisbon at a slow pace and "waste" my days sitting in cafes or strolling aimlessly thru town.

Have a great time!!!

Cowboy, me too.
Adrienne, thanks.

i think it's neat to get to call the shots on a whim. have fun!

Have a great time. Say hi to Lobo and family.

Hi, Sher,

Hope you have a wonderful time with lots of relaxation. Lisbon is such a great place to "enjoy and do nothing." I'm quite a pro at that myself.

Keep us posted on how you "waste" your time. Abracos, Laurie

I have my restaurant choices all lined up.
That is the most ambitious I plan to be.
Nikki: will do for sure.
Laurie: planning on Paco de Arcos the very first night!

Hope you like the restaurant, let us know. We had a huge grouper (I think that's the closest to what dourada is) for 4 and it was amazingly good. Can't go wrong with those fresh fish. Enjoy enjoy!

I cannot wait if I make it.

I want to clarify my last remark.
My Mom has been very ill and up until this point I wasn't sure if I was going be able to go.
But things have worked out very well.
So this is what I meant.
I am very excited and more than that I am actually packed.
Will write when I return.
Tnhanks to all.

Sher, So glad that you didn't have to cancel the trip. This style of travel is my fave.

Cowboy, where are you staying in CVO? We own a house there.

Hello from Lisboa, enjoy your visit!

Nutella. I always enjoy my time in Portugal, thanks.

Sher, Have a wonderful trip!! I am heading to Lisbon on Oct 3rd, so I will be anxious to hear all about your stay. My visit will be very unstructured too, no dashing around to do the "must sees". Mostly just strolling, people watching while sitting in cafes sipping wine and eating some great food in little small family run places.

Sher, are you already in town? You are all anxious about meeting you all again.
Hi Barb, long time no see

Sher,

If you see this, can you share your Lisbon restaurant experiences?

Hi, Sher,
Hope you are enjoying a slow and relaxing time in Portugal.

Lobo, not sure if you have me mixed up with another Barb, because we have never met, but..... if you are interested, maybe we could meet up for a coffee or wine while I am in Lisbon. I will be there from Oct 4-12. Any others who want to gtg, the more the merrier!

Lobo, not sure if you have me mixed up with another Barb, because we have never met, but..... if you are interested, maybe we could meet up for a coffee or wine while I am in Lisbon. I will be there from Oct 4-12. Any others who want to gtg, the more the merrier!