Hello New Month!
Last month was filled with lots of travel and adventure that I am wrangling into wonderful memories.
I visited several countries and cities in Europe 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 🇵🇹
London to Paris, then onward to Barcelona, València, Madrid, Seville then over to Lisbon, and other cities in Portugal.
In Paris, I was able to check out the grounds of the Louvre Museum. The museum itself was closed and I didn’t mind. I can return to see the Mona Lisa another time. Later on, I enjoyed a lovely and peaceful snack break on the grounds of Notre Dame, currently undergoing renovations in the aftermath of the devastating fire there.
When I FINALLY reached Spain, I was too thrilled! I hadn’t been there since 2011, my first visit. This time, the priority was to visit places I’d never been. An unexpected favorite emerged over Barcelona and Madrid. This gem was Valencia! Just beauty at every single turn.
I saved the bulk of my remaining trip for Portugal. Lisbon and Sintra were everything!!
Those HILLS though, NOT SO MUCH! Some places in Lisbon were ridiculous, like damn near vertical, I understand now the importance of the iconic trollies she’s known for.
Ditto for the heat which literally took my breath away. I later learned that the constant breeze I felt when I returned to Spain while walking on base in Rota came from Africa. With temps nearing 100F, it literally felt like hot embers being blown into my face. YIKES!
I also enjoyed Cascais, Coimbra, and especially Sintra. Sintra was especially poignant because we visited a place called Cabo de Roca. It’s the westernmost point of Portugal and the westernmost point of continental Europe!
The views are absolutely breathtaking! When I return it will be with my professional photography gear. The iPhone and the point-and-shoot camera I had, didn’t do this place justice. It’s been referred to as, the “edge of the world” and I could see why.
Cabo da Roca or Cape Roca is a cape that forms the westernmost point of the Sintra Mountain Range, of mainland Portugal, of continental Europe, and includes a lighthouse that started operation in 1772.
The Cabo da Roca lighthouse overlooks the promontory towards the Atlantic Ocean. While on this tour I met a lovely couple and their daughter. I also sat next to a woman from Douala, Cameroon, and her daughter
It was at this moment I thought of my ancestors who may have been captured and taken to Portugal or captured at any of the Barracoons along the African coasts, and their sudden view of the Atlantic
Tourists were offered the option to purchase a commemorative certificate, which I did. Although our time there was a brief 30-minute stop, it was one of the highlights of my entire trip! I even met two other Philadelphians and fellow Eagles fans, Fly Eagles Fly 🦅
Once it was time to make my way back home, a Space-A flight returning to the US appeared on the 72-hour flight schedule out of my desired departure point, NAS Rota, Spain 🇪🇸
While aboard the Naval Station, I stayed at a brand new Navy Lodge, it was fabulous and a DEFINITE upgrade from the lodge when I stayed there in 2011. Well done! (I’ll be doing a separate post just for all the accommodations I stayed in during this trip).
I showed up the day before and marked myself present. Returned for showtime which was actually 3 hours earlier than the published time, and departed around noon.
Six and a half hours later, we landed at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and I made my way back home.
Military Space A travel is truly an adventure! It’s one that rarely brings me back to the place I departed from but when it happens, such as my trips in March and June it’s magical! I’m truly grateful for the life I’ve carved out and have continued appreciation for any continued blessings.
It’s this spirit that fills me as I usher in a new month, already plotting the next adventure while savoring the last
Welcome, September✨🌸🌱
