Sinners & Saints in Midlife: Summertime Vibes in Portugal

Summertime and the livin’ is easy. Boas ondas, which literally translates to “good waves,” is a Portuguese phrase for “good vibes.” Just when we start to forget, life reminds us how good it can be. There has been much to be grateful for these past weeks leading up to summer. Here, a photo peek at moments of joy and boas ondas around Portugal.

Sinners

Just sinfully delicious. Portugal’s juicy, fleshy, plump, and sugary sweet cherries are a treat for the tongue and oh-so-addictive. We simply cannot stop stopping at the roadside stands that shamelessly tempt us with 2kg (*about 4 pounds*) boxes brimming with these scrumptious cherries for 10€ (*roughly $3 a pound*).

Fresh-squeezed orange juice from bags of sweet Portugal oranges naturally demands mimosas for bubbly brunches that lead to late-morning frolicking. *Lickety-boo*.

Dinner at sunset overlooking the ocean always calls for a bottle of wine to wash down starters of *azeitonas* *temperadas* and *pão de massa mãe* *(seasoned olives* and *sourdough bread)*.

And the ubiquitous street festivals always call for boozy Caipirinhas, the national cocktail of Brazil. *Farturas* — sweet, greasy, and delicious deep-fried dough — are another must-have, sinfully unhealthy festival treat.

Saints

Ummm… *Sinner??*
A festival sponsor advertisement for a popular brand of hot sauce here.

Books and Art

The annual Lisbon Book Fair began in 1930. It’s held outdoors in Parque Eduardo VII.

The fabulous MUDE design museum in Lisbon — housed in a former bank — is a must for any product design nerd. Exhibits thoughtfully examine the impact of form, function, furniture, and fashion.

*Source: Cropped and edited color photo from Google Maps was used to make this black-and-white image.*

The museum’s rooftop offers beautiful views over the city.

The MUDE’s fashion exhibits brought back memories of my Melbourne museum fashion day.

Made from reclaimed wood, this rocking chair reminded me of my son’s work using reclaimed and recycled wood and industrial parts to create furnishings.

Another industrial design product challenge: *“Design structured and stable pieces of furniture with all components nested to reduce waste.”*

A tote bag made from recycled felt tip markers.

The chair for someone you ~~don’t like~~ hate.

This dainty wood chair features a seat made of cork from Portugal.

This shelving unit also reminded me of my son’s work.

This huge three-day art fair featured more than 80 galleries filled with displays. It brought artists and visitors from all over the world.

On my wish list. Brilliantly created from carved recycled flip-flops. Photos don’t do it justice.

This artist’s photography works are also on my wishlist.

Source: Sabrina Amrani gallery

Parks and Poets

Nothing beats the simple, free pleasure of a summertime stroll in a shady neighborhood park. This small park in Lisbon is particularly lovely.

What parks are made for. Sitting and reading.

Parks in Oeiras are also made for learning about Portugal’s famous poets…

…and enjoying free jazz concerts all summer long, in a different park each month. Wonderful!

Water and Wonder

Our new *pied-à-terre* flat in Lisbon has us spending weekends wandering the city and its surrounding areas. We took a ferry across the Rio Tejo to Cacilhas for lunch with a heaping side of lovely views.

I still think this backyard view from the windows at my Silver Coast home is hard to beat, though.

Another thing at home that makes me smile is my son’s Mothers Day card that finally made it to me in Portugal this month after a bit of excitement. The card triggered metal detector alarms, and the postal service siezed the envelope to inspect the contents. FYI, do not try to slyly send earrings overseas inside a greeting card. Even if they get through the U.S. Postal Service, Portugal’s customs authority will hold them until the recipient pays potentially steep customs duties and taxes. Also, do not use U.S. international mail to send musical greeting cards, which, apparently, can have metal parts.

Thank you for reading! ❤️ Wishing you a weekend filled with delight, joy, simple pleasures, and gratitude.

*Boas ondas.* Relaxing at home with headphones, jazz, and sunshine.

All images are my own except as noted.

The Hot Goddess

If you enjoyed this please remember to Share, Like, Follow, Comment, Subscribe. (This is my “call to action” I’m supposed to include in every post. Thanks so much for your support!) ❤