The launch of this website coincides with our first long-term trip to Europe. To qualify that, instead of going for a one- or two-week vacation, we are spending four months overseas. With online jobs, we can keep working as we travel. This is something we’ve been planning for a while, and it was a lot of fun to make decisions about where we are going and when.
One criteria we had to pay attention to was the Schengen area. This is a group of 27 countries to date in Europe that have an agreement for trade and travel. For U.S. citizens, it means we can only stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period. So three months out of six is our limit. We structured our trip to accommodate that and keep us just under the 90 days. Our last month is in the U.K., which is not part of the agreement.
June – Lisbon, Portugal
For some reason, Portugal was pulling us in. Maybe it is all those Escape to the Country episodes of British expats going there. The architecture, tile, and culture are compelling. We have had several people tell us it is a great place to visit. Many people also mentioned Porto as a good destination, but starting our introduction to Portugal in its capital just seemed right. We found a great AirBNB in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto, near lots of wonderful-sounding restaurants and a walk away from a wonderful market.
Turns out, we’ve picked a time when Lisbon will be celebrating the Festival of Saint Anthony. While Saint Vincent is the city’s patron Saint, everything we have read indicates June 12 – 14 is when Lisbon parties in the streets. It is apparently also the Festival of Sardines with street vendors everywhere, dancing, and lots and lots of people. Should be a great way to launch us on this adventure.
July – Valencia, Spain
When we started thinking about Spain, certainly Madrid and Barcelona came to mind. Barcelona, especially, for its amazing architecture and location for excellent seafood cuisine. However, we fully realize we are going at the height of the tourist season in the summer and wanted to find a lesser-known place that might be a bit less crowded. The history of Valencia is quite dramatic with so many different cultures influencing the architecture and layout of the city.
We’ve chosen a place to stay in an old part of town near a market (see the pattern) and close to a greenspace that we think will be perfect for walking and running. After such a celebratory time in Lisbon, we think Valencia will be a bit calmer and quieter. While getting to beaches in Lisbon is going to require some effort, Valencia is right on the Mediterranean. We’ve been told we can get by fairly well with English in Lisbon, but Valencia might require us to pick up some Spanish. We are both up for that.
Early August – Klaipeda, Lithuania
This choice might seem like an unusual one to those that don’t know we have family there. In truth, our entire trip was built around making sure we are in Klaipeda at this time. Technically, it is Trev’s side. I’ve always thought the story is worth writing down for others to read and it played a role in us getting together. Perhaps as we get closer to August we’ll take the time to share it in a post.
In short, a chance discovery of an old letter and my husband’s curiosity and optimism has led to a joyful reconnection of distant family ties. In August, a dear cousin returns to Klaipeda with her family and this year we get to join their reunion. It will be Trev’s fourth time to visit and my third and we are both so excited to get to see everyone there again.
Late August – Oslo, Norway
I’d like to say that there was a specific reason we picked Oslo, but initially it was due to location and timing. We knew as we neared the end of our 90 days inside the Schengen area, we would need to head to somewhere in the U.K. Edinburgh seemed a really great choice, and looking at a map, we could have traveled from Lithuania “straight” in terms of flying to Scotland. But technically, we were going to have about two weeks of time left in the Schengen and wanted to make the most of it.
If you look at a map, a direct line from Lithuania to Scotland would make Copenhagen a more logical choice. But Trev has been there before on his last trip to Lithuania with his mom. The spirit of this summer trip we are doing is to go to places neither one of us has been to before, so we cast a bigger net and chose Oslo. We don’t know a lot about it but that is the point. Scandinavia has such a rich textile history, too, that this short visit in Oslo is more like reconnaissance in my mind. A longer stay in this part of the world is probably in our future.
September – Edinburgh, Scotland
Every stop on our trip excites me, but there is something especially enticing about Edinburgh. Maybe it is my Scottish heritage or the lure of lots and lots of wool and textiles. After making the choice and booking the trip, we then heard from many of our friends who we didn’t even know had been there. They all assured us it was an excellent choice.
Again, our AirBNB is tucked into an older part of the city and very close to the historic castle that dominates the skyline. We’ve learned about several parks and great hiking places in and just outside of the city. It is unclear if by September the bulk of the tourists will have left, but no matter. We are both really happy we chose this as our last destination. The weather will be cooler and in my mind things will feel as if they are slowing down as we prepare to head back home.
So happy for you! Happy trails and have experiences you’ll never forget.
Thank you, Kelle!
Beautifully written Gail.
You are the best.
She did a great job, indeed!
Thanks, bestie.
Will enjoy following your adventures.
We will keep you up to date!
Hey, Jean!! I can’t wait to see all the spectacular tile in Portugal. I envision a blog post that is just images. Maybe some inspiration for textiles. Wonderful to hear your voice here.
I’m excited for you folks and looking forward to following your journey! I’ll miss seeing you around town this summer, though.
We better see some great pictures of your garden this summer.
So excited to share this journey with you! Will we be able to go to the website to read or will I have to set reminders to check Facebook?
Traveling mercies and live life to the fullest!
#HowFortunateWeAre
We will definitely update the website with updates, so it can be checked there.
Hi Elizabeth!! Reading your e-journal from Ireland was quite inspiring. We just used Facebook to spread the word, but I’m not sure how often we will share there. Look forward to sharing stories next time we are together in Maine.
I hope that your trip is full of wonderful adventures, and some comfortable down time!
Thank you Barbara!
Thanks, Barbara. Planted those milkweeds so hoping they can fend for themselves without me! Look forward to seeing your gardening and harvest photos. I’ll have gardening envy this summer.
Know you will have an amazing adventure Gail. And, well, the textiles..!!
Thanks so much, Patty. We are very excited. And yes, can’t wait to explore all the arts where we visit.
I love love love this! We love traveling and have been doing small spurts here and there. Since we cannot work remote, we are planning to take 15 – 30 day ventures here and there. Can’t wait to read all about your travels! 😊
Thanks, Kim. Traveling is the best, isn’t it.
You are indeed fortunate to be able to add this life-changing adventure to your life. Foreign travel is a true learning experience, like a new book and foreign living is even a bigger cultural banquet, like a whole new library. As someone who had a chance to live in Europe, based in Germany, for an extended period four separate times (for twelve, four, three, and six months, respectively), I can tell you that the spectrum of memories remains a cultural resource for life — even half a century later. Just one piece of advice: turn your airplane counterclockwise about thirty degrees, or you’ll wind up in Central Africa instead of Europe. Buen viaje, Bon voyage, Buon viaggio. Gute Reise, safe travels! Treasure each and every memory — and then bring them all back to Washington County!
Thanks for the kind words, Richard. As it happens, I’ve already been to a bit of Central Africa. Peace Corps in Burundi and travels in Kenya and Zanzibar. That is where my love of travel began, the kind where you aren’t short on time and only get to see sites in a whirlwind, but stay a while as you did.
I’m so excited for you, and for that matter, all of us who get to share in your adventures. This blows my mind! I had no idea what you did for a living and that you were a teacher as well. Thanks for creating the most impressive travel blog ever. Safe travels and keep making memories.
Thanks, John. We are looking forward to sharing what we discover and learn on the blog.
wow, I’ll be watching!
Dearest Sue Anne, so nice to see your voice here. Thanks, and I’ll stay in touch.
I’ve always said your were a kind and gentle soul. Now I have proof. Thanks for the travel updates. Can’t wait to share in your adventures.
Ohhhh, well thought out and written. I am thrilled for you snd your upcoming adventures. Edinburgh id a wonderful last stop snd when you visit the castle try the amazing whiskey w cream in a bottle to warm you up. We were there snd Ireland in Sept and loved it. Ch Sterling Castle for the reworked Unicorn Tapestry that my teacher helped repair over 18 years. Sigh, i knew I should have offered to carry your bags and cook to accompany you. So happy you slso get to see family!! What a well thought out trip!! Live you both.
Hey, Linda! Love the recommendations. I am looking forward to all things textiles and wool while in Edinburgh. Can’t wait to share some stories with you when we next visit Austin. Love you back, lady.
Oooh.! What a wonderful adventure. Portugal is one of my favorite places. Try to see Sintra. I can’t wait to follow. Your journal.
Tina! Great to hear from you. I was looking at Sintra and someone else said to go there. We wanted to soak up the culture and let things develop as we are in each place. However, it seems planning a foray to that magical place is a must. Thanks for the recommendation. Hopefully we will see you next summer in Maine. Take Care.
I can’t wait to follow you on your adventure. What exciting times await you. Above all, have fun!
Thanks, Lane. Wonderful to hear from you. Hope you and Jim are doing great. Enjoy your summer and eat some strawberry shortcake and lobster rolls for us!
Hey, how generous of you both to compress and carry us along with you! Looking forward to sharing the adventures.
Thank you, Heidi!
Such a wonderful idea, this blog of yours. We will follow you both with great interest and great pleasure. Looking forward to the next post.
Pat
Hi Pat,
We have some new ones coming out soon.
What a great introduction to the trip guys.
Tell me about the sardine fest when it happens. Portuguese sardines are likely nothing we know.
We’re having awful weather in Eastport this week.
Hi Ryan
I have heard the weather has been awful in June. I hope it gets better. And we are planning on hitting the big festival on Monday. They are already getting the stands in place for the big parade. Beer and sardines all day!