Sadly, our time in Portugal came to an end. We used Welcome Pickups (they operate in many cities world-wide we learned) again for our transportation to the airport and were pleased with their service. Communication with the driver was easy through their app as our original driver was caught in traffic, so he sent another nearby driver to get us and let me know through the app. He then checked in later to verify all went well. All four of us loaded up with the help of the driver organizing all our suitcases and bags, Dave and I to fly home and Keith and Paula to rent a car at the airport.

Our flights back were uneventful – just like you want them to be! The only thing I really remember is how cold it was on our long layover at Philadelphia airport. I got in a couple of extra miles just walking the concourses to try to stay warm!

Algarve Region

From the airport, Keith and Paula drove to the Algarve region (southern coast) for a couple of days before they returned to Lisbon to fly home. Here are a few pictures that Paula took on their Algarve visit.

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Reviewing our Trip

First, I’d love to go back to Portugal! Obviously, Dave and I didn’t get to see the Algarve in person and Paula’s pictures are so beautiful. I’d also like to visit the interior towards Spain as well as spend more time in the Douro Valley region. There are also many other small towns for day trips from both Lisbon and Porto which could easily be done.

What went well?

All the research and pre-planning that Paula and I did – from where we stayed to the fantastic guides and tours we chose as well as the things we decided to do on our own. Having local guides to drive, select fabulous restaurants, and help us to learn more about Portugal’s past and present was the best and most efficient thing we did. It enabled all four of us to enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving and navigating ourselves in a foreign place, experience new foods, and appreciate a different culture.

What should we have done differently?

Other than Dave and I getting in better shape to handle all the steep hills, not much. I think given the time we had and without pushing ourselves to see everything, but instead focusing on our top priority sights, we still did a lot! If we never go back, I’m satisfied with all that we were able to experience (and that’s even with me missing a few things due to my wrist injury). So, I guess I should add to be more careful on wet cobblestones and steep streets to the “do differently” list!

What did I pack that I didn’t need?

I think I threw in a pair of shorts, just in case there was an unexpected heat wave – there wasn’t! I also had a lightweight black cardigan in case we went anywhere “fancy” – but we didn’t! However, both those items take up minimal space and I’ll probably continue to pack them, even if I think they won’t be needed.

What didn’t I pack that I needed?

A wrist brace! LOL! I did visit the orthopedic doctor again this week who took more x-rays and said my distal radius fracture was healing nicely. In hindsight, I probably should have been wearing my Merrell hikers instead of my regular walkers but left them at home trying to pack light. And, well, Dave didn’t pack an umbrella (my fault – I told him he could buy one there), and he ended up buying a really nice one, but not before getting a little wet! But, we did both have rain jackets packed which we used more than once!

What would we do again?

The Douro Valley is probably my number one thing but spending a few days there instead of the day trip we did. However, if you only have one day in Porto, then either do the cruise/train/wine tour like we did or hire a guide to drive you. Having a local guide/photographer, like José, for our walking tour in Porto was an unexpected bonus – his pictures were much better than our selfies would have been! We’d also do the drive with a private guide, like Carla, from Porto to Lisbon (or reverse) again and visit different small towns than the ones we did (although those were great, there are many others just as interesting) and perhaps spend a night or two along the way. As I mentioned in Note 43, I’d like to spend more time in the Sintra region, too.

Finally, we will continue to hire local guides and take small group tours to optimize our travel experiences. Tour By Locals is now my starting point for researching tours and guides, but we also look to Trip Advisor and Viator for ideas and options as well as various guidebooks for wherever we are going.

Until next time – bom dia!