Postcards from Portugal

To me, there's something so special about soaking up all the beauty the world has to offer through its sights, food, cultures, and people. Back in high school, I remember verbalizing I wanted to study abroad in college. Funny enough, I didn't even know which college I'd end up in, but one thing was clear — I wanted to explore new places while learning. This summer, I had the opportunity to live out this dream with a month-long program in Portugal. 

Inside the Jerónimos Monastery

Now, this was my first time traveling to Europe, and truthfully, I didn't know many students on the trip all that well. I lucked out by finding a couple of Chi Omega sisters who were on the same adventure but our paths had not crossed much before this trip.

So this was my first time traveling to Europe with no one I knew super well. What did I get myself into? Well, excitement, my friend. Excitement is all I felt. Sure, I was a little nervous about getting pickpocketed on the Metro, but apart from that, my heart was pumping with pure excitement because this adventure had been a long time coming.

This experience wasn't just about seeing new places, it was about personal growth, making amazing friends (both with my sisters and other awesome people along the way), and of course, tackling some classroom concepts in a whole new setting.

The majority of the trip, I spent in the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s capital and largest city, Lisbon. Now, picture this — I, a gal who had barely hopped on the New York subway once, was suddenly feeling like a pro navigating the Metro, trains, trams, buses — I swear, Lisbon had every mode of transport under the sun. Each day was so full, hopping from place to place. Trying to sum up this jam-packed month of traveling is no easy feat, but I'll give you some highlights.

This is the Pastel de Belém bakery where the original pastel de natas are made with the secret recipe!

One spot I absolutely adored in Lisbon was this place called Belém. Belém is the birthplace of the irresistible pastel de nata custard tart, a well-known Portuguese sweet treat that became my quick favorite. This district housed a monastery, Jerónimos Monastery, where the monks who lived there used to use egg whites to starch clothing garments, make ink to write, and bake communion bread hosts for Mass. The monks were left with a ton of egg yolks so, naturally, they decided to use them to make a sweet treat — my kind of people. Long story short, the pastel de nata was born, and a bakery next to the monastery, Pastel de Belém, took over the baking for the monks and to this day continues to bake with the prized secret original recipe. 

During a break from our classes, a few friends and I decided to take a trip south to the Algarve/Lagos area, known for its beautiful beaches and caves. I was able to kayak through the caves with some really cool tour guides who taught me all about the cave structures. These caves looked like one of those default desktop wallpaper images – jaw dropping beauty! I also was able to slow down a bit more and really connect with the people I was traveling with in Lagos.

Towards the end of my trip, the group journeyed north to Porto, famed for its Port wine. My friends and I found this viewpoint called Jardim do Morro where hundreds of people gather each evening to watch the sunset and cheer and clap once the sun sets – what a tear-jerker, let me tell you, so many people celebrating a beautiful ending to the day got me emotional. Another highlight from Porto was our class trip to the Douro Valley, where all the vineyards that produce the Port wine are located. Here, we visited the vineyards and cruised through the Douro River and took in the stunning landscape. It was on the bus ride there that I glanced out the window and reflected on the trip and how long I had prayed for this moment and all the beauty of Portugal I had witnessed through this month.

Some sites of Porto! Sunset spot and studying with friends!

This trip definitely left an imprint on me, deepening my love for travel and teaching me about myself, others, and the vast world out there. Trips like these make you treasure all the beauty this world has to offer in its sights, food (especially pastel de natas), and its diverse people.

Here’s to many more adventures ahead! Obrigada, Portugal.

Xoxo,

Rachel (MC 22)