I knew I wanted to do something really spectacular for my 50th birthday, so I planned a trip to Morocco and Portugal.
I had never been to Morocco or Africa for that matter. Up until then, my global travel experience was limited–I’d been to a few countries in Europe. I did know one thing: I couldn’t wait to go and see and do!​
​I rounded up a group of my closest friends and we planned the nearly two-week adventure. Most of the group of nine was meeting up in Lisbon (after Morocco), so for the first leg of the trip, it was me, my husband, Jeff, and my girlfriends, Ellen, and Kristin.

Let me say this about Morocco, specifically Marrakech. The people, the food, the hospitality is like none other. They were delightful, helpful and accommodating… just truly the best. That’s why we’re anxious to go back!

Jeff and I had done our research before traveling and read about and learned their customs and culture because it’s important to know what you're getting yourself into so you don’t offend anyone. We heard things like, women need to dress modestly and cover their shoulders, there’s no alcohol, etc.
Don’t worry, we found alcohol AND we kept our shoulders covered.

We stayed inside the city walls or what’s known as the Medina. There are precious boutique-type hotels called Riads. We stayed in this one. Tea service upon arrival.

After we settled into our new surroundings, we ventured out into the city.
OH MY GOSH THE SHOPPING!!

I bought this rug on Day 1! Nothing gets by me! 

He was such a great guy! And a good salesman!
See that yellow decanter behind his left arm?
I bought it.
​Did I mention everything is SUPER cheap? 

Also got to pet a baby camel!
(He doesn't look too happy about that part of the job, does he?)

Our guide for the week, Muhammed!

​Besides the shopping and the sightseeing, y’all the food. They cook in these ceramic pots called tagines. And the restaurants are GORGEOUS!! Ain't nobody afraid of color here. 

​A funny note about some of the restaurants. If you ask for a side of fruit you might get this.

A giant bowl of fruit.

This was one of the best moments. We saw this cat sitting in front of the chicken shop, waiting for his turn. The butcher was having none of it.

Yes, there were cobras. A little note about me: I’m TERRIFIED of snakes. Like, if I’m going to have a nightmare, snakes will be involved. So why did I pose so casually in front of this scary dude? Because I was in the moment, living out loud and facing my fears. I’m glad I did this. Now I don’t have to do it again. BUT YOU CAN! 

​I could go on and on, or you could just go with me and see all of these things for yourself. Come on, let’s go! Wait until you learn what a hammam is.

Click here for more details on joining Shauna on the next Moroccan adventure!

We are big fans of travel here at SGD. We love discovering new places, immersing ourselves in new cultures, trying out traditional food and drinks and drinking in all the sights and sounds the world has to offer. Portugal has been on Shauna's list for a while, and she is even more inspired now that Kalen has just returned from there gushing about how amazing this country is. We spent most of the time in Lisbon and Porto with a side trip to Tomar to see the 12th century convent built by the Knights Templar. Put Portugal on your travel bucket list. You won't regret it. 

​Lisbon
After being mostly demolished by an earthquake in 1755, rebuilt Lisbon is characterized by the glazed tiles that adorn building facades all over the city. Food is reasonable and amazing pretty much everywhere you go. The traditional cocktail is a Port and Tonic; port wine, tonic, lime and mint served over ice. Trust me, you'll love it. 

Tomar
A sleepy village that reaps the benefits of tourists visiting the nearby 12th century convent built by the Knights Templar. 

Porto
With Porto on one side of the river and Gaia on the other, there is plenty of exploring to do in this town. Nicknamed the Portugese San Francisco because of the hilly terrain and their own version of the Golden Gate Bridge, Porto is the Austin to Lisbon's Dallas. Port wine bodegas are on the Gaia side of the river and worth the hike for tastings and a killer view.