I spent the majority of my vacation here in San Sebastián, Spain as the locals made their way outside to enjoy the start of summer in a place that is definitely not the sunny Spain you hear about further south. Here on the North Atlantic coast it rains almost daily, well in to June, but if you can spot a few clear days, between the beaches and being one of the worlds greatest gastronomical destinations (San Sebastián is home to half of Spain’s Michelin-star restaurants) this is a must visit for everyone.
Olà
I was quite lucky to end my summer 2022 travels with a 48-hour jaunt in Lisbon. I have been to Portugal before and now after this second visit, I'm more than ready to explore more. I mean, how could I not want to spend more time in a place where I can get a glass of port for €4? And walk into any old shop off the street and have the best seafood of my life? Or find a gelato shop serving my favourite seasonal fruit flavours (and, you guessed it, charging way under typical prices for it)? I could talk your ear off about the seafood and the wine and the piri-piri chicken, but I'll let you feast on some photos instead.
Inferno
I made a quick trip in the evening to Cascais hoping to avoid the national rail strikes that were affecting Portugal. It’s a quick 30 min from Cais de Sodre to Cascais and an additional 15 min walk to Boca de Inferno (translation: Hell’s Mouth). I am told the best time to visit is in the mornings during high tide when the chasm is filled with water and the light shines beautifully through the gap (mouth). I only had a couple days in Lisbon so I couldn’t explore more, but as a repeat visitor to both Lisbon and Cascais I would recommend allocating extra time for both places. I’m already looking forward to being back.
Rare
Winter Stations
Got out to the Woodbine Winter Stations. After weeks of sustained spring-like conditions, we had a snowstorm last night. Unfortunately the weather didn’t heat up until much later in the afternoon so I was left out there freezing while waiting for the kids to finish climbing all over the structure.
You can learn about the structures here.
