Ideja bija ļoti vienkārša: “Meitenes, mums jāsatiekas.” Lai gan ne vienmēr viss notiek pēc plāna, tas vienmēr ir labs atgādinājums par to, cik svarīgi ir būt gatavai plānam B, bet šoreiz – ne par to.

Atskatoties uz ceļojumu, domāju, ka mēs patiešām lieliski izplānojām, lai redzētu pēc iespējas vairāk tajā laikā, kas mums bija.

1. diena – Atgriezties Porto un pavadīt pirmo dienu kopā ar Anniju bija kā atgriezties pazīstamā, tomēr maģiskā vietā. Porto, Portugāles otrā lielākā pilsēta, nevainojami apvieno vēsturisko šarmu ar dzīvotspēju un dzīvotspējas enerģiju. Pilsētas kalnainā ainava mudina doties izpētē, un tās lieliskās pastaigu iespējas ir viena no tās galvenajām priekšrocībām. Manas mīļākās vietas bija Ribeira rajons – krāsainais upes krasts, un ikoniskais Dom Luís I tilts, kas piedāvā apburošus skatus, it īpaši saulrietā. Netālu ir arī São Bento dzelzceļa stacija, kas ir īsts mākslas un vēstures paraugs. Porto kāpnes, piemēram, Escadas do Barredo, izaicina, bet atlīdzina ar pilsētas ikdienas ainavām. Neatkarīgi no tā, vai kāp augšup pa šīm kāpnēm, vai nesteidzīgi pastaigājoties pa Cais da Ribeira, katrs mirklis Porto ir piedzīvojums, padarot šo pilsētu ideālu vietu, lai to izpētītu. Es pati ceļojot bieži izvēlos nesteidzīgus un mierīgus plānus, un šī diena bija lielisks sākums tam. Runājot par naktsmājām, Lost Inn Porto bija lielisks hostelis, kur pavadīt laiku pirms turpinājām ceļojumu.

2. diena – Mūsu otrā diena Portugālē aizveda Anniju un mani uz Lisabon, kas ir trīs stundu brauciens no Porto, kur mēs satikāmies ar Gabi. Pēc Porto dzīvīgās enerģijas un aizrautības, Lisabon piedāvāja lēnāku, mierīgāku ritmu – ideālu kontrastu pilsētas parastajai dzīvotspējai. Mēs nevarējām atturēties no kārdinājuma nogaršot kādu no pilsētas slavenajiem sangrījas dzērieniem, izbaudot tās atsvaidzinošās garšas siltajā saulē. Vakars mūs iepazīstināja ar pastel de nata, ikonisko portugāļu krēma tartu, kuru pirmo reizi nobaudījām Praça do Comércio. Mūsu nakts beidzās São Vicente, vienā no Lisabonas gleznainākajiem rajoniem, kur mēs uzņēmu daudz selfijus ar sarkano jumtu un Tahu upi fona. Lisabon senatnīgā un mūsdienīgā apvienojums, no senajām tramvaja līnijām līdz moderniem bāriem, padarīja to par ideālu vietu atpūtai. Dienu noslēdzām ar uzturēšanos dīvainākajā “hostelī”, kādu es jebkad esmu pieredzējusi.

Day 3 – This day was divided into two parts. In the morning, we continued exploring Lisbon, soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere, wandering through charming old neighborhoods, and admiring colorful architecture. I was pleasantly surprised by beautiful spots like Calle Rosa de Lisboa and Lisbon’s famous traditional funiculars. The best way to experience the city is to simply walk around and soak in its magic.

The afternoon and most exciting part of the day took us to Cascais. This charming coastal town, just a short train ride from Lisbon, is known for its stunning beaches, historic sites, and laid-back vibe. Once a sleepy fishing village, Cascais has become a popular retreat, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. We explored the scenic coastline with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters and wandered through cobblestone streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 4 – Cascais is, without a doubt, the most charming city I’ve visited in Portugal so far. It provided the perfect blend of relaxation and fun that we needed. I absolutely loved our Airbnb, and the time spent with the girls—enjoying lunch, singing along to Mamma Mia, sharing laughs, and even a few tears—made it all the more special. Cascais is the ideal destination for anyone looking for a laid-back atmosphere, beachy vibes, and undeniable beauty.

Day 5 – The day began with packing up and heading to our next destination—Sintra. Known for its magical palaces and castles, Sintra offers a unique experience unlike anywhere else we’ve visited. The highlight is the Pena Palace, a fairy-tale-like castle perched atop the hills, surrounded by lush gardens and offering breathtaking views. The palace’s rich history, intricate architecture, and blend of different styles make it a true marvel. Exploring Sintra felt like stepping into a different world, with every corner revealing a piece of Portugal’s storied past. If you plan to visit the palace, be sure to book tickets in advance, as it’s often crowded with travelers. My biggest surprise was the hostel where we stayed, Casa Azul Hostel. It was the best hostel experience I’ve ever had—spotlessly clean, with a fantastic host and wonderful new friends we chatted with all night.

Day 6 – We headed to our final city, Aveiro. Often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is famous for its charming canals and colorful moliceiro boats. Along the way, we decided to try our luck with hitchhiking to the beach, adding a touch of adventure to our journey. We were fortunate to get a lift from friendly locals who gladly shared their ride with us. The beach was a refreshing break, where we enjoyed the sea breeze and explored unique coastal homes, from quaint cottages to vibrant, traditional houses. This spontaneous detour made our arrival in Aveiro even more memorable. The last night together was the perfect end to our trip with the girls, and we slowly made our way back to where it all began—Porto.

For me, the trip was only halfway through, as I then conutinued with a spontaneous trip to Madrid, Spain, followed by visits to Pescara and Florence, Italy, to see both of my girls again.

With each of these experiences, I’m learning to live more freely, savor the moments, and embrace new adventures along the way. Summer started off wonderfully, and I hope every future experience will be just as meaningful as this one.