There is a restlessness in me that always pushes me to travel and to discover new horizons because that is the life I’ve led for so many years.

Two years of Covid felt claustrophobic and stale. Realising I could no longer take a plane at will and go wherever I felt like it, was not easy to say the least. Since those obstacles have been lifted, I have started to travel again but there is only one place on this earth where I can recharge my spiritual batteries. That is Portugal, my beautiful country.

Whenever the plane starts its descent towards Lisbon and the red rooftops and the sea suddenly pop up, it gets me every time. There is this emotional energy that comes over me in anticipation for what I know I will find.

At the little café next to the luggage belts I am always greeted with smiles. The scent of the coffee and “pastel the nata”, a small custard cake, confirms I’m home.

As does the sight of the yellow sand to which I always run to even if its late, so that I can feel the breeze in my face and the strong scent of the algae embraced by the salty waves.

I’m here, I’m back! I repeat to myself. It’s past midnight, there is silence around me. My family is asleep resting from the day’s travels. I hang on a little while longer, listening to the ballad of the waves close by.

The morning greets me with a glorious sunshine. Everything looks colourful and bright. My soul is happy anticipating what’s coming.

The long walks along the shore. All my favourite foods. The family gatherings to catch up. The book binging.

Pure relaxation, no set plans, no pressure to take great pictures. Just living in the moment. Giving myself time to recharge my spiritual batteries and make new memories.