Wanderlust: Portugal

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.