Scott and I have been planning a European trip for over two years and we picked Portugal. We had originally planned to go back to Italy and visit the Amalfi Coast or go up to Puglia, but since he had never been to Portugal, we decided to spend 10 days there instead.

When I was a child, I lived in Cascais from the age of four until seven, almost four years. I lived there with my mom. So many people have asked me why and I covered this in one of our recent YouTube Videos. See link here. I was excited to go back and try and retrace some footprints!

The Flights

Our journey started in Miami where we flew to Madrid, Spain on American Airlines. We purchased premium economy tickets for $2500 each. Scott is a million miler, so we try to fly American as much as possible. Business class tickets were over $5000 each, so it wasn’t worth it to me to spend that much. The seats were comfortable, but the minute the guy in front of Scott pushed his seat back, that left all of 6″ between his seat and Scott’s tray. Not easy to get up to use the restroom that’s for sure! The meals were not the best, nor was the service. We flew out at 3pm, yet they treated the flight as if it was 10pm and only offered beverage service twice during the first seven hours. The amenity kit came with a blanket, a pillow, headphones and then a take home kit that came with lip balm, hand lotion, a toothbrush, eye mask and socks.

Then about an hour before we landed in Madrid they came around with “breakfast” which was awful. One interesting note about our flight into Madrid. We actually arrived 45 minutes early (thank God!) at 5:05am. We had to go through customs and the passport control before heading to our gate. That process took us about an hour! On top of that, Madrid’s airport does not have good signage, so it’s difficult to figure out what terminal your flight is at. We finally got to our gate at 6:40am, 5 minutes before we boarded!

We flew on Iberia Air from Madrid to Lisbon which is less than an hour flight. Luckily no one was between us, because the seats were tiny and only had room for two people in a row of three! Another strange note is that when we landed in Lisbon, we did not have to go through any kind of immigration or customs. No paperwork, nothing – we simply walked out! While it was easy to order an Uber, it was confusing as to where to pick it up at – perhaps we were just so tired?

Arriving to Hotel Aurea Museum

Our Uber ride from the airport to the hotel took about 20 minutes. We stayed at the Aurea Museum Hotel a 5-star hotel along the waterfront. Scott and I chose this location as we didn’t want to have to hike up a steep hill every night after dinner to get to our hotel. The room was nice and we had requested a view (we were celebrating my birthday) and unfortunately they gave us the worst view room possible. Oh well. Sadly, for the next 5 days the service was also lacking which was disappointing. More on that later.

Since we arrived at 8am, our room was not yet ready (we found this to be the case at all of our hotels and I think they literally wait until check-in time to give you your keys.) We checked our luggage and then headed off in search of breakfast. Just down street, we stumbled upon Portela where we enjoyed some amazing coffee, a ham and cheese danish and our first pasteis de nata! Pasteis de nata is a mini flakey pie crust (think Phyllo dough) with a custard filling and then torched on top (like a cream brulee’). This particular one was served cold and had a very lemony flavor.

In Search of Lisbon

I often get asked how we planned out our itinerary. Basically I knew the top sites through various websites and travelers and then mapped out what was close to each other. Knowing this would be a short day (by the time we went to breakfast, we had been up 24 hours already), we kept the day’s itinerary short and sweet. See below.

Morning Walking Tour (Alfama/Baixa):
• 10:00 AM – Lisbon Cathedral (Sé)
• 10:45 AM – Walk down to Rua Augusta Arch
• 11:15 AM – Stroll Comércio Square

Lunch & Exploration:
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Time Out Market
• 1:30 PM – Ride Elevador da Glória
• 2:00–3:30 PM – Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara + walk down Avenida da Liberdade
• 4:00 PM – Head to Miradouro de Santa Luzia
• 4: 30 PM – Hotel Memmo – rooftop cocktails
• 5:30 PM – Dinner – Pizzeria nearby

One thing to remember about Lisbon is that it is the city of 7 hills and all you will do is climb hills and stairs for days! Yes, you can take a “tuk tuk” or the trolley but we walked every where we went. One thing to remember is to wear very comfortable shoes that can handle cobblestone roads. Our shoes were destroyed after 10 days of walking.

Center of Lisbon

The first place we headed to after checking in, was the Commerical Center. The most central and important square in Lisbon is Praca do Comercio, also known as Commerce Square. This historic and large square overlooks the Tagus River and is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, featuring the Rua Augusta Arch at its northern end. I was in desperate need of sunglasses and we hoped to find some shops – which we did.

Exploring Lisbon in Search of Miradouros

Scott and I headed straight up hill in search of the Lisbon Cathedral before we headed to our first Miradouro. The photos do not do this cathedral justice.

Miradouros

Miradouros are “viewpoints” and they are all over the city. Some have bars and snack huts and others have only benches. It’s definitely worth checking each one out if you can. There was some graffiti throughout the city but honestly, it did not bother us one bit.

Scott and I walked to a couple of Miradouros on our first day and then grabbed a cocktail at a wine bar to cool off. Keep in mind, when we were in Lisbon, the temperature was about 95 degrees every day.

Wrapping up our First Day

I knew there was a rooftop bar located in Hotel Memmo right above our hotel, so we went in search of it to have another cocktail. The views were beautiful and the service was great! Unfortunately I was just so tired, that I forgot to take more video or photos.

By now it was close to 5:30pm and we had now been up almost 32 hours. We had planned to do a simple pizza dinner and luckily there was a pizzeria just a few blocks away called Romana Pizzeria. The food and service was fantastic!

Our Room at Hotel Aurea Museum

Finally around 6pm, we checked into our hotel. We were celebrating my birthday and I told the hotel that. We selected this hotel not only for it’s location, but because it also had Turkish Baths and a spa. Turns out you have to make reservation to use the Turkish Baths (a small cold pool) and most days reception never answered their phone. We paid $25/pp to use the baths and were only able to get in twice.

There were quite a few other issues and for a 5-star hotel, we were disappointed. One note, their website says they have a bar on site, but it is actually a portable (think of a banquet bar at a wedding) that the front desk operates! While the room was nice, the coffee maker was on the fritz and our view was the worst of all of the rooms who had a balcony.

Here’s our “water view” balcony!

As always, thank you for following our journey. We’re excited to take you along our epic trip over the next few weeks throughout Portugal! Be sure to subscribe to our blog and our channel (see link below) and follow us on social @BoatingJourney #Boatingjourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

A very special Trip

This week, Scott and I are packing our bags and setting off on a very special trip — we’re headed to Portugal!

For Scott, it will be his first time experiencing this beautiful country. For me, it’s a deeply personal return to a place I once called home. I haven’t been back since 1972, when I was just a child living in Cascais with my mom. We lived there together for four unforgettable years, just the two of us. She and I were incredibly close, and even though she passed away 20 years ago, her memory lives vividly in my heart.

Now, decades later, I’m returning to retrace the steps of my childhood, to see the places that shaped me, and to reconnect with a part of my life that feels both distant and deeply familiar. It will be an emotional trip, filled with reflection and, I’m sure, a few tears.

As for why it was just my mom and me living in Portugal all those years ago? Well — you’ll have to watch our latest YouTube episode to hear the full story. I sat down and shared this piece of my past, opening up in a way I never have before. It’s a very personal episode, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch.

We’ll be flying out of Miami, connecting through Madrid, and then landing in Lisbon, where our adventure begins. From there, we’ll be exploring Lisbon, Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, and Porto — so stay tuned!

See the link below to watch the upcoming episode on August 10, 2025.

https://www.youtube.com/@BoatingJourney

Our third and final day in Savannah, Georgia, wrapped up our December getaway with more history, charm, and festive cheer. After touring the city, exploring the riverfront, and enjoying a ghost tour on our second day, we were ready for another day of discovery. Savannah truly shines as a holiday destination, and our last day proved just how magical this historic city is.

Morning in Forsyth Park: History and Local Culture

We started our day by hopping on the trolley and heading to Forsyth Park, one of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks. The park, established in the 1840s, is famous for its expansive green spaces and picturesque layout.

On Saturdays, the park comes alive with a vibrant farmer’s market, where locals and visitors alike can browse fresh produce, handmade goods, and local art.

At the heart of the park stands the Confederate Memorial, a solemn monument dedicated in 1879 to honor those who served in the Confederate Army. This towering granite structure serves as a reminder of the city’s complex history.

Nearby is the park’s crown jewel, the Forsyth Fountain, installed in 1858. Its design was inspired by fountains in Paris and remains a favorite spot for photos, particularly when lit up during the holidays.

Strolling Through Historic Squares

From Forsyth Park, Scott and I made our way toward the Armstrong Kessler Mansion, a beautifully restored estate built in 1919 for Savannah businessman George Ferguson Armstrong. It later became the home of Benjamin and Nancy Kessler, who ensured its preservation. The mansion exemplifies the city’s rich architectural history.

We continued to Madison Square, created in 1837 and named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. This charming square features the Pulaski Monument, a tribute to General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman and Revolutionary War hero who died during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. The monument, completed in 1855, is a stunning example of Savannah’s dedication to preserving its past.

Touring the Owens-Thomas House

Next on our itinerary was the Owens-Thomas House, one of Savannah’s most significant historical homes. Built in 1819, the home has remained largely untouched, retaining much of its original furnishings and structure.

Our tour began in the Carriage House, where the names of enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the property are preserved on the walls—a powerful and humbling reminder of the city’s history.

As I mentioned in the last blog, the slaves lived in terrible conditions, while their owners lived an opulent lifestyle. The images below depict their entire home including their sleeping arrangements.

Notice in the image below that the ceiling has a blue hue, also known as “haint blue”. Haint blue is a pale blue or greenish-blue shade traditionally used in the southern United States, particularly in the Lowcountry, as a form of spiritual protection. Rooted in Gullah culture, the color was believed to ward off restless spirits, or “haints,” by tricking them into thinking the painted surface was water or the sky, which they could not cross. Often seen on porch ceilings, doors, and window frames, this tradition reflects a blend of African spiritual practices and Southern folklore, preserving a unique cultural heritage.

The Owens-Thomas Mansion

The courtyard garden, once a working space for the household, led us to the mansion itself. Inside, we were struck by the stark contrast between the opulence of the Owens-Thomas family’s lifestyle and the harsh conditions endured by the enslaved workers.

From the intricately painted doors designed to mimic expensive wood to the unique upstairs bridge adorned with wave-like patterns, the home is a testament to early 19th-century ingenuity and luxury.

In the basement of the home, they have created a sort of museum. It’s unfinished, but it showed how their cistern worked along with their sewer system.

Afternoon at City Market and Ellis Square

After the tour, Scott and I headed to City Market, which was transformed into a festive Christmas square.

A highlight of the market is the Haitian Monument, honoring the soldiers of the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, who fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War.

No trip to City Market is complete without stopping at Byrd’s Famous Cookies, where we indulged in holiday treats. I opted for the savory pecan cheddar bites, while Scott satisfied his sweet tooth with classic cookies.

Adjacent to the market is Ellis Square, originally laid out in 1733. It has been beautifully restored as a gathering space and features a playful fountain that children (and adults) enjoy year-round.

Ellis Square, one of Savannah’s original squares laid out in 1733 by James Oglethorpe, was historically a bustling hub with the City Market at its center. Named after Henry Ellis, Georgia’s second Royal Governor, it was controversially replaced by a parking garage in 1954. In 2010, after significant preservation efforts, the square was restored as a vibrant public space with modern features like a fountain, seating areas, and a statue of Savannah-born lyricist Johnny Mercer, blending its historic significance with contemporary urban charm.

Savannah’s River Front

As the day wound down, Scott and I made our way to the Bohemian Hotel to enjoy a cocktail at Rocks on the Roof, a chic rooftop bar with spectacular views of the Savannah River and the city skyline. Watching the marine traffic, including a huge yacht ,was the perfect way to relax before dinner.

While the views were breathtaking, you could also see your breath, so we eventually moved inside. At the bar, the lights were made out of oyster shells.

Along the river front, you will find the Florence Martus statue, also known as the “Waving Girl”. As the story goes, she fell in love with a sailor and he was soon shipped off to sea. Every day, she waved a handkerchief or lantern to greet every ship entering or leaving Savannah’s port from 1887 to 1931 in hopes that her sailor would return, but he never did. The statue commemorates her 44 years of unwavering dedication and hospitality, making her a beloved symbol of Savannah’s welcoming spirit and maritime heritage.

Dinner at Boars Head Grill and Tavern

For our final meal in Savannah, we dined at the Boar’s Head Grill & Tavern, a cozy spot steeped in history. No this is not the lunch meat Boar’s Head. This charming eatery, housed in a building dating back to the 1800s, is Savannah’s oldest brick building on the riverfront. It was beautifully decorated for the holidays, adding to its warm ambiance.

Scott and I sat in the far corner and were accompanied by what looked to be a figure head. Historically, figureheads were carved wooden sculptures, often depicting women, mythical beings, or other symbolic figures, mounted on the prow of sailing vessels. Female figureheads were particularly popular and often represented ideals like grace, beauty, or protection. They were believed to bring good fortune and safeguard the ship and its crew on their voyages.

The food at the restaurant was absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed the creamy shrimp and grits, which were perfectly seasoned and rich with flavor. Scott savored the stuffed shrimp with linguine, a beautifully prepared dish that was both hearty and delicious. The drinks were festive, adding a fun touch to the meal, and the service was excellent, making it a memorable end to our culinary adventures.

Festive Evening Stroll

After dinner, we strolled through the Christmas Market on the riverfront, where the twinkling lights and holiday decorations created a magical atmosphere.

Our final stop was the Alley Kat Lounge, a hidden speakeasy known for its unique cocktails. This cozy spot was the perfect way to toast our Savannah getaway.

A Holiday Destination to Remember

Savannah captivated us with its rich history, vibrant culture, and festive holiday spirit. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, indulging in Southern cuisine, or simply soaking in the charm of the city’s squares, Savannah is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. We highly recommend visiting during the holidays for a truly enchanting experience.

As always, thank you for following our blog! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below) and also on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. We have some more great adventures coming your way in 2025! Cheers, Scott and Ally