Travel and Leisure

Foz do Arelho: Portugal's Silver Coast Jewel

With a hypnotic and calm “lagoa” (lagoon) beach, contrasting the seaside tumult and rocky cliffs, Foz do Arelho is the quiet wonder of the Silver coast. Positioned directly west of the friendly city of Caldas da Rainha, Foz, as the local expats know it, offers everything one can desire i Read More

Grindelwald, Switzerland: The Best and Most Beautiful Place in Europe

Where does one start when describing, quite possibly, the most beautiful place in all of Europe? Do I begin with the luxurious chalets that charmingly clutch verdant mountain slopes? Maybe I should start with a multitude of activities which create an exciting and enjoyable setting. Possibly the Read More

Madeira: A Beautiful, Lush, Diverse and Fun Island

We were utterly unprepared for Madeira, at least from an automotive perspective. This unpreparedness was symbolic of the wonder of the Island of Madeira; let me explain. We rented a car, as we always do on vacation so that we could explore the island as it was meant to be explored. As usual, we rent Read More

Is Portuguese Food as Good as the Portuguese Think It Is

Is Portuguese food as good as the Portuguese people say and think it is? The answer to that question is simple, yes, …and no. Let me explain. After I first moved to Portugal at the beginning of 2017, many of my Portuguese friends would ask me, “How do you like Portugal?” Howeve Read More

Madrid and Its Amazing Food, Fun, and Must-See Sights

Bestowed with a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city, Madrid boasts many exciting experiences (food, fun, and attractions) for both its inhabitants and visitors. Besides being in Spain, a country with several other major attractions and cities like Barcelona and Seville, Madrid has alway Read More

Some Tidbits about the Language of Portugal

Travelers who want to be more in tune with the culture can learn the official language, European Portuguese, online. Podcasts, videos, and downloads are currently available. Whether you achieve fluency or familiarity, this is the quintessential Romance language. Teachers and translators are another Read More