Not bad for my first experience of o continente. But now, we're headed inland to Idanha, and I have to say goodbye (for now) to the sea, which has been ever present since I left home.
São Jorge:
and São Miguel:
While I have rediscovered just how American I am during this trip, I'm still Portuguese-American. One of the ways that hybrid nature manifests is my relationship with the sea. Last semester during a particularly stressful finals week, a midnight drive to Santa Cruz to yell at the ocean got my head where it needed to be.
Here in Lourinhã, I've had the sound of the ocean coming in through my window as my lullaby at night and to gently urge me awake in the morning. These past few days haven't been easy for me, but the sea is where I learned to begin to cope with my loss.
The one of the great things about Portugal is that the sea is never far away. So, I'll see you soon, sea. Thanks for being there for me.
