Sun, peace, sea, people

Sleep in. So until 7 o'clock, then I write the blog for the first two days, texts back and forth with Milo (but we can't find time to meet, but it was nice because otherwise how would I know that there is a country called Sao Tome and Principe) and then I set off for the city. I have to eat something small before I head towards Sintra.

I can get there and back for €5, I'm on time, but I can't find the meeting place, and no one can help me. Since I still haven't seen anyone at 1 o'clock - the time of the meeting - I actively search and find the vintage car, Diego, Michele, and Inge. The two girls are in their early 30s and from the Netherlands, they're excited like me about the rural fun.

Diego leads the experience and we immediately drive out of Sintra to the countryside, park the car and hike up and down to a waterfall (Cascatas waterfall). We enjoy the atmosphere and are happy about the silence. During the drive, we get to know each other better and learn a lot about the region. For example, the village of Mata Peguena, our next destination, has only 2 old couples living there, all other houses were long abandoned, now they are restored and perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. So when they say all other houses, they maybe mean eight houses. We only see one person, even on the drive to the village I can only count one woman and one cat. It is lonely, quiet, peaceful and warm. We girls "explore" (☺️) the village and are completely engulfed by the seclusion. Meanwhile, Diego prepares the meal - there is cheese to be eaten with bread and pumpkin jam, red wine, fruit, etc. We get to know each other better, among other things, I learn that Michele likes to travel with friends but also enjoys traveling alone. This provides a lot of material for exchange, inspiration for me. Diego and his wife Rita have retired from being fitness trainers and sports school teachers to work in this way. Whether that's worth considering?! I think about it. And Inge - Inge is a very calm and composed person, truly a lovely person.

We eat, drink, laugh and talk, that's how life should be. At some point, we move on, I don't want to know where, I'd rather be surprised. The houses turn white and blue and we drive straight towards the Atlantic Ocean. I'm very happy, as I love the sea very much. The waves breaking on the right are breathtakingly high, the perfect place for surfers. We eat a specialty, walk through the small fishing village, and for my part, I couldn't be happier being so close to the sea.

We go to the beach, the power of the water leaves us speechless, I talk with the others, observe surfers, skillfully or not skillfully catching waves, and others warming up with yoga on the beach. Do I want to leave? Somehow not, the place strikes a chord with me. Hence the consideration of coming here in April. Actually, I had given my mom a trip to Lüneburg, but as spontaneous as she is, she will surely be enthusiastic about it. Enthusiastic about Ericeira! It's not

Difficult - just fly to Lisbon and drive by car for 1 hour from there. It's worth considering.

Well, I can't put the sunset into words. But I already want my jacket now, when the sun is gone, it's not so warm anymore, surprise.

We drive back, silent, thinking, and each of us contributes something to the music playlist for the return journey.

The girls suggest that I accompany them to monkeymash, a bar, in the evening.

We say goodbye to Diego and see each other later in the bar. The bouncer examines the ID card, the vaccination passport closely, only then does she lead us downstairs. The bar is really nice, the waiters attentive, the drinks very special. Oh yes, and we also want to eat. If we still feel like having more classic cocktails, we just have to say so, then she describes the underground way to another bar. Everything very special, almost creepy, we decline.

I go to bed at midnight, I want to spend the last day strolling around. Said and done: I take tram 28, stroll through a flea market, have breakfast with a great view, and buy a ring that will remind me of the great time here.

Here, this is Little Africa, beautiful Lisbon, wonderful Portugal.