A Family Holiday to Portugal 2013

A few weeks ago, I took a cheeky second holiday to Portugal for a long weekend and also to attend my aunt and uncle's 25th silver wedding anniversary. I went with John of course, not only for the holiday and the wedding invitation, but to also meet my family. I've been there before more times than I can count, of course with all my family living there but it was nice going back but with my boyfriend this time, so they could all get to know him as well as vice versa.
I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked to because I was too busy with people, and doing lots of things that I didn't get the chance to pick my camera up and be happy snappy everyday. So I thought sharing a the small few I did take would be nice.


We were there for five days, arriving Thursday morning and leaving Monday evening. We spent a lot of time in coffee shops and eating around family's houses that John eventually asked me if all we ever do is drink coffee, eat cakes and have dinner every hour! He wasn't far off, because it was like everyone wanted to feed us all the time!
The first day we chilled out and settled in since we'd had a long journey and said hello to a lot of people, there wasn't much that went on but we knew we had lots going on for the next few days. The next day we went to the beach and chilled out most of the day there. We all got a little bit sun burnt because it was windy and it didn't seem like it was hot enough to burn. The sea was so freezing cold your feet would go numb just letting the waves lick your feet, and the sand was on the other end of the temperature gauge being so hot you'd have to run across it on tip toes! Thus the day was lovely and relaxing, and we spent it with my family who had gone over a little earlier for proper holiday.


In the evening we went out for a taste of night-life at the local bars. It's a ridiculously small strip with tiny little bars, but it was alright. This wasn't new to me but going back was a realisation that our night life rocks, so I told my cousins they had to come over so we could show them what a real night out is about in the beautiful city of London! All the music was Portuguese so we felt a little out of the loop but enjoyed ourselves anyway. I also learnt that the Portuguese love Flaming Sambuca Shots and I like Somersby Apple Cider.


Saturday night was a little more special to me, as I was seeing my Dad and littlest sister Maria again. I hadn't seen them in a few years so I was excited, and especially for them to meet John too. I was soooo happy to see them, and the men hit it off well, which was a load off my shoulders! We had dinner at my grandmother's house and I sat there playing with my little sister, chatting with my dad and boyfriend, and the rest of the family who'd turned up after dinner to go to the cafe together. The night went by so so quickly, and unfortunately that was the only time I got the spend with them, but I appreciated every minute with them. I loved seeing them all and I couldn't of been a happier bunny.



Sunday rolled by quickly and we got up quickly and got ready for the wedding. The ceremony was beautiful, with the priest giving them thanks for everything they'd done for the community, and everything that was said and done was in celebration for my aunt and uncle being together for such a long time, and wishing them many more years together. I was lucky enough to be ring bearer and hand over the rings during the ceremony. It was beautiful, and I felt privileged as her god daughter to do that for them. Party time was not far around the corner with everyone driving to the venue, beeping horns and rushing in ready for dinner! We had pork, chicken, crisps and all sorts and then a buffet of desserts that lasted all night. That was my favourite bit. Dancing, karaoke, fireworks, pictures, speeches, smiles and laughter filled the rest of the afternoon and evening and made the day a roaring success. They had the most wonderful time, and I know because they couldn't stop smiling and crying with happiness.

Monday was quickly here and we packed away our things, and said our goodbyes. Many tears on my part from both saying goodbye to my dad and sister the day before, and to the rest of my family Monday. I miss them lots when I go, and it's something I have to deal with every-time which isn't nice but I'm always happy I have been to see them. Eventually, all the goodbyes were said and everything was packed into the boot of the car, and we headed for the airport. We spent most of the time at the airport in queues and talking about our holiday and how though we had a lovely time, missed silly things like our beds and tea! It was a weird feeling, but I was soon glad to be home and back to reality since I'd been out of it for about a month with all the holidays and things. But we landed home just short of midnight and everything was back to normal, including driving on the right side of the road!

I love going back to Portugal to see everyone, and remember all the memories I had there, and I loved sharing them with John too, as he'll be a part of my life for a very long time. We'll probably go back soon, but I'm not sure how soon since there are lots of places we want to go in the world, from cities for city breaks and exotic places for beautiful relaxing holidays.
Where should we go next?

2 comments

  1. Aww beautiful pictures. Wow, 25 years of marriage, that's amazing. xx

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    1. Thank you! I know, I'm so proud of them! XO

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