Portugal

Portugal: A Place That Feels Like Home

And we’re back with another adventure! This time, let’s talk about Portugal—one of my all-time favorite countries. My first visit was in 2015, right after I passed my second bar exam (cue the 2 Bars, 2 Chains voice). I was exhausted from studying and just needed to go somewhere. When my friend and I were deciding on destinations, it came down to Berlin or Lisbon. At the time, I was so deep into studying that I had no strong preference, but my friend was set on Lisbon. So, off to Portugal we went!

My First Time in Lisbon

We landed in Lisbon, and I was tired. My friend kept telling me to look, and I barely had the energy. But when I finally did, I saw something in the distance that looked like Christ the Redeemer. I was shocked—wasn’t that statue supposed to be in Brazil? Turns out, this was Cristo Rei (Christ the King), a monument built by the Portuguese people as a tribute to God for sparing their country during World War II. Portugal was one of the few European countries untouched by the war, and this was their way of showing gratitude. I had no idea it existed, and that moment alone made the trip feel special.

Returning to Portugal in 2022

Fast forward to April 2022—I returned to Portugal on a girls’ trip with two of my best friends. This time, I was more intentional about our experience, and one moment in particular solidified my love for the country.

I had made a reservation at a Black-owned restaurant, wanting to support our people wherever we go. When we arrived, we were told the restaurant was actually closed for a private celebration—the owner was hosting a birthday gathering for her mother. But instead of turning us away, she welcomed us into the celebration.

That level of warmth? Unmatched. It was the kind of hug you didn’t know you needed. We sat, we ate, we celebrated, and we connected with others, including two small groups of travelers who didn’t look like us but were also embraced with open arms. We met expats from the U.S. who had moved to Portugal, and hearing their reasons for choosing this country only deepened my love for it.

The food was exceptional, the cake was beautiful, and the entire experience was one of those serendipitous moments that make travel so special. It wasn’t just about the sights or the cuisine—it was about the feeling of home in a place I wasn’t from.

I haven’t been back to Portugal since 2022, but trust me—it’s high on my list.

Until next time,

Portugal!

Love & adventure,

Nnenna the Navigator