Thanks to a Sangha member for suggesting this tip.
You can see where grocery stores - as well as attractions, hotels, etc. - are on MapQuest, which seems to work much better for this than Google Maps.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get a direct link to work, but if you go to MapQuest, enter "Cascais, Portugal" in the Search box at top left, then click the Get Map button, you'll get a map of the Festival town. Click the grocery shopping cart icon above the map, then click Grocery Stores. You can then zoom in.
There are 2 grocery stores near train station, with the big Jumbo just inland from train station. You can even look online to see what Jumbo stocks.
The big shopping center, Mercearia Central De Cascais, which has the Pingo Doce Supermarket, is also nearby.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Lisbon Hotels
If you are sightseeing in Lisbon before or after Festival, or you want a hotel near the airport because you have an early flight out, when the Festival shuttles aren't running, here are some places Sangha have booked:
Central Lisbon
Airport
If you have an early-morning flight, another option is to book an airport shuttle from your accommodations in Cascais; for more information, see the post Transportation from Lisbon to Cascais.
By the way, there is more transportation info here.
For example, if you are staying in Lisbon but traveling to or from the airport at a reasonable hour, take the Aerobus.
Note for those who are getting these posts via email: I am hoping that others who book Lisbon hotels will send me info about where they're staying, so that I can add them to this site. Which means you will have to check here for updates. (Unlike a regular website, with a blog I'd normally make a new post for new info and give it the same label, but that seems unwieldy for this scenario.)
If you don't have my personal email, you can reach me at meredw AT Hotmail.
Central Lisbon
- Grande Pensao Residencial Alcobia
- Independente, which is both a hostel and a hotel
Airport
- Holiday Inn Express - doesn't have a shuttle, but is 1 mile so taxi affordable. Note that taxi scams are common, especially for the airport, and that one of the ways to prevent being overcharged is to know the direct route, so here's a map showing the trip from this hotel to the airport. For more about taxi scams, see the post Transportation from Lisbon to Cascais.
If you have an early-morning flight, another option is to book an airport shuttle from your accommodations in Cascais; for more information, see the post Transportation from Lisbon to Cascais.
By the way, there is more transportation info here.
For example, if you are staying in Lisbon but traveling to or from the airport at a reasonable hour, take the Aerobus.
Note for those who are getting these posts via email: I am hoping that others who book Lisbon hotels will send me info about where they're staying, so that I can add them to this site. Which means you will have to check here for updates. (Unlike a regular website, with a blog I'd normally make a new post for new info and give it the same label, but that seems unwieldy for this scenario.)
If you don't have my personal email, you can reach me at meredw AT Hotmail.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Know Anyone Needing a Room at Festival?
I know of a couple of openings. Contact me.
If you don't have my personal email, you can reach me at meredw AT Hotmail.
Likewise if you have a room and are looking for a roommate. I will try to facilitate the connection.
If you don't have my personal email, you can reach me at meredw AT Hotmail.
Likewise if you have a room and are looking for a roommate. I will try to facilitate the connection.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Transportation from Lisbon to Cascais
Note: Except for what I added here at the bottom about the bus and taxi from the airport to Cascais, if you signed up for the KMC Washington Portugal Festival enews group, you've already gotten this info in email.
A very kind Sangha told me about an affordable shuttle she found, which can pick you up at your door and take you at any hour to Lisbon Airport. You don't even need to prepay, although you can.
A very kind Sangha told me about an affordable shuttle she found, which can pick you up at your door and take you at any hour to Lisbon Airport. You don't even need to prepay, although you can.
According to her, it "is 56 euros for 1-4 people. You can prepay in USD using PayPal or give cash to the driver. It's 72 euros for 5-9 people."
This option probably works better for everyone who has an early flight or accommodations that aren't booked through the Festival. (Another option would be to book a hotel in Lisbon the night before your flight, especially if they have an airport shuttle that runs in the early hours, although you could take a taxi. Warning: I've read of many taxi scams from Lisbon Airport, so you have to be careful. See, for example, How to Catch a Cab from the Airport without Being Ripped Off. The Lisbon Metro (subway) doesn't run between 1am and 6:30am, according to their website,
The bus is more complicated. On the official website of the main bus company in Lisbon, STCP, it says they have "services that run all night." You'd want to investigate further before planning on the bus.)
If you're arriving early in Lisbon, before the scheduled Festival shuttles are running, and they don't add a shuttle time that works for you (which you can request from your booking cart), it sounds like the train from Lisbon to Cascais is the best option: affordable and scenic. When you go to that train link, you'll see in the diagram of the route, at the right it says Cais do Sodré, which is Lisbon. According to Wikipedia, "Cais do Sodré is the railway station in Lisbon, Portugal, serving westbound suburban route to Cascais resort. It is adjacent to the Lisbon Metro station of the same name which is the terminus for subway's Green Line (Linha da Caravela). ... The complex is situated at Duque da Terceira square in central Lisbon on the bank of the Tagus [river]." For the Green Line, see this useful Lisbon Metro map.
Some travelers online have said that taking a taxi from Lisbon to Cascais is reasonably priced. Again, you'd want to be careful about being overcharged.
There's also a bus between Lisbon and Cascais. I started looking into the bus, but it's complicated! Lots of bus routes, websites only in Portuguese, various companies that go to different places ...
There's also a local bus in Cascais, run by Scotturb, that goes to places like Sintra, and it's not simple either. No wonder there isn't more info yet on the Festival Transportation page!
Visiting Lisbon? Aerobus between Airport and City Center
If you're planning to visit Lisbon before or after Festival, I've read in various places that the Aerobus is the best option for transportation between the city and the airport. As it says on their user-friendly website:
The local Carris bus company runs a bus transport service connecting Lisbon's airport to the city centre passing by the main transport hubs such as Comercio Square and Cais de Sodré.
This service is called AeroBus and passes by dozens of Lisbon hotels, thus providing tourists arriving at the airport with easy access to their accommodation.
An alternative to the bus is the metro.
TIMETABLE
07:00h to 23:00h (departures from Airport)
07:45h to 22:30h (departures from Cais do Sodré [the Lisbon train station])
FREQUENCY
Every 20 minutes (every 30 mins after 9pm)
PRICE: €3.50
The local Carris bus company runs a bus transport service connecting Lisbon's airport to the city centre passing by the main transport hubs such as Comercio Square and Cais de Sodré.
This service is called AeroBus and passes by dozens of Lisbon hotels, thus providing tourists arriving at the airport with easy access to their accommodation.
An alternative to the bus is the metro.
TIMETABLE
07:00h to 23:00h (departures from Airport)
07:45h to 22:30h (departures from Cais do Sodré [the Lisbon train station])
FREQUENCY
Every 20 minutes (every 30 mins after 9pm)
PRICE: €3.50
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Save Money: Easy ATM Card without Fees
Most of us are on budgets, so I wanted to recommend getting a Charles Schwab ATM card that doesn't charge fees, even abroad, which is rare. Even credit unions charge flat fees and/or percentages, as does the bank hosting the ATM where you're withdrawing money.
In my experience, the best way to get foreign currency is at ATMs in the country you're visiting, so you can save a lot of money if you're not paying extra fees.
The only place I know of that offers this is Charles Schwab. I just signed up for an account, and the process was easy. In fact, I was very impressed with their support. (I had a more complex situation, so I used their chat, and they had someone phone me a few minutes later, on Sat afternoon!) For most people, you can easily fill out an application online.
The minimum deposit is $1, and there don't seem to be other fees associated with the account.
They told me I would get my ATM card in 1-1/2 or 2 weeks, so there's still time to do this.
If you just want a checking account, you can read about it and sign up at http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/banking_lending/checking_account
If you want a linked brokerage account as well, which has $0 minimum balance, or might want it in the future, go to
http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/investing/accounts_products/accounts
(Schwab told me that it's impossible to add the brokerage account to an existing checking account later.)
If there's a Schwab office in your area and you prefer doing it in person, you can go to their office and someone will walk you through the application process; take your checkbook with you.
Note: I have no stake in whether you go to Schwab or not, and of course you should review the details carefully because finance is not my area and you need to see if it will work for your particular situation.
In my experience, the best way to get foreign currency is at ATMs in the country you're visiting, so you can save a lot of money if you're not paying extra fees.
The only place I know of that offers this is Charles Schwab. I just signed up for an account, and the process was easy. In fact, I was very impressed with their support. (I had a more complex situation, so I used their chat, and they had someone phone me a few minutes later, on Sat afternoon!) For most people, you can easily fill out an application online.
The minimum deposit is $1, and there don't seem to be other fees associated with the account.
They told me I would get my ATM card in 1-1/2 or 2 weeks, so there's still time to do this.
If you just want a checking account, you can read about it and sign up at http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/banking_lending/checking_account
If you want a linked brokerage account as well, which has $0 minimum balance, or might want it in the future, go to
http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/investing/accounts_products/accounts
(Schwab told me that it's impossible to add the brokerage account to an existing checking account later.)
If there's a Schwab office in your area and you prefer doing it in person, you can go to their office and someone will walk you through the application process; take your checkbook with you.
Note: I have no stake in whether you go to Schwab or not, and of course you should review the details carefully because finance is not my area and you need to see if it will work for your particular situation.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Jetlag Remedies
NoJetLag
There's a natural remedy called NoJetLag that was recommended by Mel, who used to do a lot of long-distance international travel (Seattle to Australia, for ex), and I've found it really works.
There's a natural remedy called NoJetLag that was recommended by Mel, who used to do a lot of long-distance international travel (Seattle to Australia, for ex), and I've found it really works.
For example, it used to be that when I went to Summer Festival in England, I would be falling asleep at the introductory teaching Friday night, constantly jerking my head up to try to stay awake. With
NoJetLag I had no trouble with sleepiness and felt good overall, not "laggy."
You can check out the ingredients - they seem healthy and natural. Scroll down on their Ingredients page to see nice drawings and descriptions of what it contains (arnica, chamomile, etc.):
For some reason, I've never found it in a drugstore, but they sell it at AAA and REI.
You can see here where they sell it in your area: http://www.nojetlag.com/
It's about $12 for a pack that should cover a few trips.
Salt & Soda Bath
Another Sangha friend recommended taking a bath in salt and baking soda to detox from the airplane crud as an aid to getting over jet lag when you arrive at your destination. Some websites say you should use a cupful of Epsom salts and baking soda in a tub of warm water.
Other Tips
Other basic advice is to drink lots of water; don't drink coffee or alcohol. Some people recommend melatonin or a sleeping pill but others disrecommend them.
For more information about jet lag, see this National Sleep Foundation page.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Summary of Money Advice
Start by reading Rick Steves' advice, Cash and Currency Tips, then click to read his pages with more information about cash vs. plastic, ATMs and credit-card fees.
I was told there's still time, although it's getting tight, if you want to get an ATM card and/or a credit card that doesn't charge transaction fees abroad.
For more tips, click the Money link in the LABELS list in the right column of this blog page.
I was told there's still time, although it's getting tight, if you want to get an ATM card and/or a credit card that doesn't charge transaction fees abroad.
For more tips, click the Money link in the LABELS list in the right column of this blog page.
Packing Thoughts & Lists
I'm a bit of a Girl Scout (motto: Be Prepared!), but I've found that when it comes to travel, it's been helpful over the years to start thinking ahead about what to bring, and the Festival is only a month away.
On the other hand, when a bunch of us were headed off for Summer Festival, my first Dharma Teacher laughingly said that we think a lot more about what we bring on a trip in this world than we do about what we're taking with us to our next life. I've always loved the teaching about being travelers in this life, just passing through - no need to get so wound up about everything.
I also find the baggage metaphor helpful. When you have a big ego, it's like carrying around a bunch of bulky shopping bags, struggling to carry and keep track of them, and always bumping into things and people. In fact, I used to have a recurring dream about traveling where somewhere along the way, overwhelmed and exhausted, I had to stop and deal with all the luggage I'd accumulated. At first I'd spend some time working on how to bungee it all together. Then I'd find myself thinking, "How did I end up with so much stuff?" and realize I needed to pare it down, letting go of the things that were bogging me down and even unnecessary. Hmm ... I wonder what those dreams mean? : )
There's certainly a middle way, and people have different approaches that work for them.
I use a list. I have a standard packing list as a Word document that I use as a starting point and modify for each big trip. Knowing I have a good list, I feel confident about packing at the last minute if I need to. One part of the list is what to pack, with a section of what to wear and carry on, and another on what to put in my main bag, knowing that it might be checked or deciding ahead of time that I will check it. (By the way, even though almost all airlines charge for checking a bag for domestic travel - unless you're a frequent flier or have the airline's credit card, which may allow you to check the first bag free, as United does - on international flights usually you can usually check one bag without paying. Do check with your airline.)
Within that list of carryon's is a subset of essentials, such as passport, money (cash, credit card, ATM card) and tickets - and *medication.* As long as I have those, I know I can buy whatever else I need when I get there. (My husband and I have a ritual when we're leaving the house on a trip where we ask each other: Money? Tickets? Passport?)
I also have a folder that I carry on that has all my travel info: Flight, hotel, car rental, etc. Now a lot of that can be stored on a device like a smartphone or a iPad if you're savvy that way. If you're traveling abroad, however, make sure you'll have access to them.
There's also a subsection for Dharma items. Don't forget your mandala kit! Of course, I bring my mala so that I can recite mantras, especially on takeoff and landing. You'll be able to buy Dharma items at the Festival shop, but if you already own the books, sadhanas and office supplies (notebook, pens, pencils, etc.) you need, you can pack them. In the past the Festival registration email would include suggested sadhanas. At Portugal the empowerment is Prajnaparamita, so I'm bringing The Yoga of Great Mother Prajnaparamita (not The Great Mother, which is for those who don't have the empowerment). I always bring Wishfulfilling Jewel and Geshe-la's Long Life Prayers, so that I can loan them to someone sitting nearby who doesn't know them and didn't get a loaner copy when they entered the Temple. I heard we're also getting commentary on the new Vajrayogini sadhanas, The Blissful Path and The Uncommon Yoga of Inconceivability.
The other page of my packing list is preparations beforehand, such as stopping the mail, arranging care for pets and plants and buying anything I think I'll need. I've also heard that it's good to call your bank beforehand to tell them you're going abroad so that they allow credit-card transactions to go through. The State Dept has some good advice about what to do before you leave, although I don't agree with all of it (I bring cash but not travelers' checks, for example).
Travel "guru" Rick Steves (who has popular travel shows on PBS and happens to live in the Seattle area and even has a travel store just north of the city) has excellent travel advice on his website, including packing tips here. It's a good starting point, but his suggestions are for travelers who are making multi-city visits, so a lot of the emphasis is on packing light. For the Portugal Festival, if you're not traveling before or after, I'd recommend bringing more stuff so that you're comfortable, but not overdoing it. I've never regretted having a lighter bag. There are going to be Festival shuttles to take us from the airport to Festival accommodations and back, so you shouldn't have to carry your baggage too far.
By the way, I've found that Rick Steves' travelgear is well designed and affordable. (I'm considering getting his Civita daypack, which is only $25 and looks like it's a good size but packs small. It isn't waterproof, however.)
On the other hand, when a bunch of us were headed off for Summer Festival, my first Dharma Teacher laughingly said that we think a lot more about what we bring on a trip in this world than we do about what we're taking with us to our next life. I've always loved the teaching about being travelers in this life, just passing through - no need to get so wound up about everything.
I also find the baggage metaphor helpful. When you have a big ego, it's like carrying around a bunch of bulky shopping bags, struggling to carry and keep track of them, and always bumping into things and people. In fact, I used to have a recurring dream about traveling where somewhere along the way, overwhelmed and exhausted, I had to stop and deal with all the luggage I'd accumulated. At first I'd spend some time working on how to bungee it all together. Then I'd find myself thinking, "How did I end up with so much stuff?" and realize I needed to pare it down, letting go of the things that were bogging me down and even unnecessary. Hmm ... I wonder what those dreams mean? : )
There's certainly a middle way, and people have different approaches that work for them.
I use a list. I have a standard packing list as a Word document that I use as a starting point and modify for each big trip. Knowing I have a good list, I feel confident about packing at the last minute if I need to. One part of the list is what to pack, with a section of what to wear and carry on, and another on what to put in my main bag, knowing that it might be checked or deciding ahead of time that I will check it. (By the way, even though almost all airlines charge for checking a bag for domestic travel - unless you're a frequent flier or have the airline's credit card, which may allow you to check the first bag free, as United does - on international flights usually you can usually check one bag without paying. Do check with your airline.)
Within that list of carryon's is a subset of essentials, such as passport, money (cash, credit card, ATM card) and tickets - and *medication.* As long as I have those, I know I can buy whatever else I need when I get there. (My husband and I have a ritual when we're leaving the house on a trip where we ask each other: Money? Tickets? Passport?)
I also have a folder that I carry on that has all my travel info: Flight, hotel, car rental, etc. Now a lot of that can be stored on a device like a smartphone or a iPad if you're savvy that way. If you're traveling abroad, however, make sure you'll have access to them.
There's also a subsection for Dharma items. Don't forget your mandala kit! Of course, I bring my mala so that I can recite mantras, especially on takeoff and landing. You'll be able to buy Dharma items at the Festival shop, but if you already own the books, sadhanas and office supplies (notebook, pens, pencils, etc.) you need, you can pack them. In the past the Festival registration email would include suggested sadhanas. At Portugal the empowerment is Prajnaparamita, so I'm bringing The Yoga of Great Mother Prajnaparamita (not The Great Mother, which is for those who don't have the empowerment). I always bring Wishfulfilling Jewel and Geshe-la's Long Life Prayers, so that I can loan them to someone sitting nearby who doesn't know them and didn't get a loaner copy when they entered the Temple. I heard we're also getting commentary on the new Vajrayogini sadhanas, The Blissful Path and The Uncommon Yoga of Inconceivability.
The other page of my packing list is preparations beforehand, such as stopping the mail, arranging care for pets and plants and buying anything I think I'll need. I've also heard that it's good to call your bank beforehand to tell them you're going abroad so that they allow credit-card transactions to go through. The State Dept has some good advice about what to do before you leave, although I don't agree with all of it (I bring cash but not travelers' checks, for example).
Travel "guru" Rick Steves (who has popular travel shows on PBS and happens to live in the Seattle area and even has a travel store just north of the city) has excellent travel advice on his website, including packing tips here. It's a good starting point, but his suggestions are for travelers who are making multi-city visits, so a lot of the emphasis is on packing light. For the Portugal Festival, if you're not traveling before or after, I'd recommend bringing more stuff so that you're comfortable, but not overdoing it. I've never regretted having a lighter bag. There are going to be Festival shuttles to take us from the airport to Festival accommodations and back, so you shouldn't have to carry your baggage too far.
Note that it's still possible to sign up for the shuttles by adding them to your booking cart; see the "Fall Festival confirmation letter" you should have gotten after you registered and click on the link called "your booking cart" toward the bottom; in the booking cart at the left, click Add an option. This is also the process for adding lunch or for pre-paying for recordings of Festival teachings, two new options that haven't been offered for Festivals before.
You may have seen the NKT e-newsletter about the lunch option, which said: "Each day during the Festival, teams of Festival volunteers will provide a wide selection of healthy, affordable vegetarian lunch options. These will be served at the Festival site in a food court style dining area. As there will be a limited number of meals available each day, you will need to pre-book through the Festival booking system if you wish to benefit from this new option.")
By the way, I've found that Rick Steves' travelgear is well designed and affordable. (I'm considering getting his Civita daypack, which is only $25 and looks like it's a good size but packs small. It isn't waterproof, however.)
Weather in Cascais in October
According to Accuweather's historic average for Cascais, the low is 12 Celsius (54 F) and the high is 18 (64 F).
Of course, it's best to check the predicted forecast shortly before departure, because we all know it's highly variable these days.
For example, here's the 10-day Forecast on the Weather Channel, or you can use whatever weather site you prefer.
According to first-hand reports, as well as a site called Holiday Weather (which I've never seen before), Lisbon averages 11 days of rain in October and November.
Probably it's from living in Seattle, but I always pack a rainjacket (helpful for wind too) and sometimes a small umbrella.
On the other hand, it may be warm and sunny, so I'm also going to pack a sunhat and even sunscreen (because my skin is sensitive to the sun).
Of course, it's best to check the predicted forecast shortly before departure, because we all know it's highly variable these days.
For example, here's the 10-day Forecast on the Weather Channel, or you can use whatever weather site you prefer.
According to first-hand reports, as well as a site called Holiday Weather (which I've never seen before), Lisbon averages 11 days of rain in October and November.
Probably it's from living in Seattle, but I always pack a rainjacket (helpful for wind too) and sometimes a small umbrella.
On the other hand, it may be warm and sunny, so I'm also going to pack a sunhat and even sunscreen (because my skin is sensitive to the sun).
Car Rental
From a travel-savvy Sangha member:
If you're planning to rent a car, which isn't necessary unless you're going to be traveling before or after Festival, and trains and buses won't work for you (and in Europe, of course, public transportation tends to be very good, unless you're going to more remote places), book it with American Express card if you have one because it offers lots of advantages, particularly on insurance.
I've also read on the Internet that a lot of travelers say not to rent from Hertz abroad.
If you're planning to rent a car, which isn't necessary unless you're going to be traveling before or after Festival, and trains and buses won't work for you (and in Europe, of course, public transportation tends to be very good, unless you're going to more remote places), book it with American Express card if you have one because it offers lots of advantages, particularly on insurance.
I've also read on the Internet that a lot of travelers say not to rent from Hertz abroad.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Cheap Internet Device + New Heart of Wisdom eBook & Video + Portuguese Travel Phrases App
More tips from Sangha:
For people who would like Internet access but don't have a really portable device, Barnes and Noble has lowered the price temporarily for the Nook HD and HD+ to $129-$179 for a wifi-only tablet.
On the Tharpa site there is a beautiful YouTube video when you look at the New Heart of Wisdom ebook page. Very inspiring!
There is also a Nook Fodor travel phrases app for $1.99. With this app you click on a phrase and can hear it spoken.
For people who would like Internet access but don't have a really portable device, Barnes and Noble has lowered the price temporarily for the Nook HD and HD+ to $129-$179 for a wifi-only tablet.
On the Tharpa site there is a beautiful YouTube video when you look at the New Heart of Wisdom ebook page. Very inspiring!
There is also a Nook Fodor travel phrases app for $1.99. With this app you click on a phrase and can hear it spoken.
More on VISA card with Chip
From a Sangha member:
I am getting a chip and pin VISA card from Andrews Federal Credit Union
https://www.andrewsfcu.org/credit_cards_and_loans/credit_cards/globetrek_rewards.html
The card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, no cash advance fee, and can be used in ATM's. I joined the American Consumer Council (online, for free) and were then eligible to join Andrews Federal Credit Union. I filled in an online application and mailed them a signature card. I completed the application for credit cards online and received documents to sign digitally via email. I should be receiving the cards shortly.
I am getting a chip and pin VISA card from Andrews Federal Credit Union
https://www.andrewsfcu.org/credit_cards_and_loans/credit_cards/globetrek_rewards.html
The card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, no cash advance fee, and can be used in ATM's. I joined the American Consumer Council (online, for free) and were then eligible to join Andrews Federal Credit Union. I filled in an online application and mailed them a signature card. I completed the application for credit cards online and received documents to sign digitally via email. I should be receiving the cards shortly.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Rick Steves' New Report from Portugal and Spain
From his friendly, funny June enews letter:
Dear Traveler,
I've just wrapped up a trip through Spain and Portugal to update my guidebooks for that wonderful corner of Europe [I don't mean to be pushing his stuff, but FYI the Portugal 2013 updated book, the 7th Edition, is available now for $20 ($15 on Amazon)]. I especially enjoyed spending time with the local guides we recommend. It occurred to me that a guide should not only be a fine teacher, but also a window into how the locals think and communicate.
For instance, as I was exploring a tiny Algarve village with my guide, I commented that anyone who lives here must know what everyone else is up to. He said, "Yes, when you kick one person in this village, everyone limps." Later, sitting down to a nice plate of sardines and salad, I kept asking questions. Finally, the guide interrupted: "My mamma said when we eat we fight against death. So let's stop talking and eat!" In Portugal, on a popular beach, I heard a local refer to the sun-burned English travelers as "steaks." Did I hear right? "Yes, steaks! We call them 'beefs' too. The English get very burned in the sun."
Opening these little windows into other cultures are some of the delights of travel that you can never really plan for — but they are guaranteed to happen when you travel as an extrovert, and find ways to connect with people along the way. Great local guides — like the ones in my books and on my tours — can help make that happen.
Dear Traveler,
I've just wrapped up a trip through Spain and Portugal to update my guidebooks for that wonderful corner of Europe [I don't mean to be pushing his stuff, but FYI the Portugal 2013 updated book, the 7th Edition, is available now for $20 ($15 on Amazon)]. I especially enjoyed spending time with the local guides we recommend. It occurred to me that a guide should not only be a fine teacher, but also a window into how the locals think and communicate.
For instance, as I was exploring a tiny Algarve village with my guide, I commented that anyone who lives here must know what everyone else is up to. He said, "Yes, when you kick one person in this village, everyone limps." Later, sitting down to a nice plate of sardines and salad, I kept asking questions. Finally, the guide interrupted: "My mamma said when we eat we fight against death. So let's stop talking and eat!" In Portugal, on a popular beach, I heard a local refer to the sun-burned English travelers as "steaks." Did I hear right? "Yes, steaks! We call them 'beefs' too. The English get very burned in the sun."
Opening these little windows into other cultures are some of the delights of travel that you can never really plan for — but they are guaranteed to happen when you travel as an extrovert, and find ways to connect with people along the way. Great local guides — like the ones in my books and on my tours — can help make that happen.
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