Hello, dear readers! It’s been a moment since we caught up, hasn’t it? Life’s unpredictable journey has taken me through some unexpected twists, and my blog has been in a bit of a snooze. But here we are, on the cusp of a new year, taking a reflective pause amid the whirlwind of the past 12 months. Despite the challenges that 2023 presented, this year marked a triumphant return to one of my greatest loves – travel. The constant hum of airports and the rhythm of train stations became the soundtrack of my days, and what made it even more special was the delightful company of my greatest adventure buddy, my sunshine, my everything – my “baby” son, Romeo, who shares my love for exploration.
Romeo has embraced the spirit of adventure with infectious enthusiasm, almost as if the love for travel is woven into his very genes. His eyes light up at the sight of the packing ritual, a prelude to the excitement that awaits.
In 2023, our adventures took us to familiar corners of the world, places we’ve had the privilege to see before, and to new horizons:
Portugal 🇵🇹: We ushered in the year in the charming Guimaraes, a tradition to spend the holiday season with family.
England 🏴: Our home base witnessed new additions with visits to Bristol and Oxford, alongside the familiar embrace of London, Reading, and Windsor.
Belgium 🇧🇪: January saw Romeo and I hopping on the Eurostar to explore Ghent, Bruges, and Brussels for the first time. The waffles were a highlight, though encounters with locals had their share of challenges. This alone deserves a new blog… watch this space.
Romania 🇷🇴: In February, we touched down in Bucharest, greeted by a snowy embrace. Romeo’s first flight to Romania and my return to its wintry beauty lasted a quick 24 hours, mostly spent in cozy hibernation. The chilly weather outside turned our stay into a dreamy napfest, a brief but serene interlude before our next escapade to…
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦: Our exploration led us to Saudi Arabia, a first for both Romeo and me. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Yanbu unfolded before us, and Romeo, in particular, developed a deep affection for the country—still claiming it as his favorite. As for me, Saudi Arabia left me intrigued. Our journey even included a cruise, a tale yet to be unfolded in a future blog.
Egypt 🇪🇬: Our cruise kicked off with a stop in Egypt, marking my third visit and Romeo’s second. In just three days, we immersed ourselves in the ancient wonders of Cairo, Safaga, and Hurghada. Egypt’s cultural tapestry enchanted Romeo, especially the majestic pyramids. Yet, the real highlight for him was a submarine “scuba diving” adventure in Hurghada, indulging his love for sea creatures.
Jordan 🇯🇴: A fleeting visit to Jordan, our cruise brought us to Aqaba. It marked my second time in this fascinating country and Romeo’s inaugural visit. Despite having just a day to explore, Jordan’s allure captivated us both, leaving me yearning for a more extended stay in a country I hold dear.
Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹: May brought forth another first for Romeo and me as we ventured into the enchanting Caribbean. Trinidad, with its vibrant Port of Spain, and the picturesque Tobago, where we explored Bucco, Castara, Scarborough, and Crown Point, left an indelible mark. If you’re curious to delve deeper into this adventure, we’ve shared our tales in a dedicated blog.
Portugal 🇵🇹: Our summer retreat led us back to Portugal, where Romeo experienced the Algarve for the first time. We explored Faro, Tavira, Monte Gordo, Portimao, Sagres, along with our usual haunts – Guimaraes, Braga, Porto, Gaia, Ovar, Esposende, Espinho, and more – a perfect blend of seaside wonders and cherished family visits.
Spain 🇪🇸: Our neighbor next door, played host to our brief sojourns in Vigo and Madrid. While our stays were short, they were significant, often serving as gateways to new adventures as we jetted off.
Wales 🏴: Returning to the UK, we carved out time for a Welsh interlude, introducing Romeo to Newport. It was a surprising revelation that it marked only my second time in this picturesque part of the United Kingdom.
Croatia 🇭🇷: October unfolded a new chapter in our travels with a visit to Croatia. Split and the captivating island of Brac, with its charming locales like Supetar and Dol, offered a delightful mix of historical wonders and natural beauty.
Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦: Adding to our list of new discoveries, we found ourselves enchanted by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar and Ljubuski left a lasting impression, and we found much to love in these welcoming corners of the world.
Portugal 🇵🇹: As the year drew to a close, our footsteps led us back home to Portugal. The usual haunts—Guimaraes, Braga, Porto, Gaia, Ovar, Esposende, Espinho, Povoa de Varzim—were on the itinerary, mostly for heartwarming family visits, a cherished tradition to conclude our year-long adventures.
In these travels, Romeo’s infectious joy and the vibrant cultures we encountered left indelible memories. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here are some postcards from our adventures.
As we usher in 2024, I’m filled with anticipation for more escapades, more footprints in the clouds, and more discoveries with my son. Here’s to a year of joy, discovery, and boundless adventures.
But let me not forget the most significant part of this year – you, dear readers. Your support, comments, and shared experiences have made this journey even more special. Thank you for being part of our adventures, and we can’t wait to share more with you in the coming year.
Wishing each one of you a fantastic 2024!
Emma
