Solo on Purpose

From Portugal to Paradise: Finding Zen in Chacala, Mexico Where’s Waldo? Remember the beloved character created by Martin Handford, brought to life in the 1991 animated series with Townsend Coleman, Jim Cummings, Brad Garrett, and Julian Holloway? That’s honestly how my travels have felt lately, bouncing from one place to the next, always searching for the next adventure, the next moment of wonder. I believe we left off in Portugal, which was a wonderful place to be indeed. So wonderful, in fact, that I’m heading back in September. But after Portugal, I went somewhere completely different. Mexico. My warm-weather bags were already packed, so the transition was easy. I landed back in Boston, stayed for four days, and then it was off to find my version of “Zen.” This trip was exactly what my body and spirit needed, a chance to reset and reconnect through yoga, nourishing meals, long walks on the beach, and early morning volcano sunrises. I flew into Puerto Vallarta and took a hot, sw...

  A Season of Yes: Reflections from Sesimbra, Portugal There is a season, turn, turn, turn, And a time to every purpose under Heaven… The last few days here on the beaches of Sesimbra have been nothing short of euphoric. Yoga, hiking, and a two-hour Tai Chi massage with a master who studied in Thailand, all surrounded by serene, endless ocean views. This morning began with an invigorating run-walk, thanks to my new amiga Becky. It was exactly what my spirit needed. On one of my many walks, I wandered along the beach, followed the boardwalk past the boatyard filled with fishermen, and made my way toward the lighthouse. That’s where I met Becky, the run-walker. We connected instantly. We talked and walked all the way back to where we were both staying. Later, we sat outside for a late lunch and toasted to new friendship. Becky is a native and currently lives in Lisbon. She has two loving parents and is sandwiched between two brothers. She was also generous with local ideas, history,...

Tiles, Tiles, and More Tiles: Lisbon’s Azulejo Magic Tiles, tiles, and more tiles. I love it. Lisbon has completely captured me, especially the stunning 15th to 17th century homes decorated with tile facades. Everywhere you turn, there’s another building covered in intricate patterns and bold colors, like the city is wrapped in art. One of my favorite moments was seeing an authentic elderly woman sitting outside, watching traffic pass by as if she had been there for decades, quietly witnessing the world move along. Something about it felt so timeless, like Lisbon itself. Behind the Scenes at a Tile Shop I spent some time at a local tile shop, watching the process unfold. Portuguese tiles are everywhere here, and they’re not just decorative, they’re woven into the architecture and history of the city. You’ll find them on palaces, churches, buildings, and homes, each one telling a story in its own way. These tin-glazed painted ceramic tiles are known as azulejos , and they are one o...