Brent has been living in Portugal for 3 1/2 years. He breaks down the cost of living from Rent, food,…
The Azores is the only place in Europe where tea is grown commercially. Azorean Tea origin story The Azores is…
Sete Cidades origin story 36,000 years ago a volcano erupted on the Azorean island of São Miguel. The resulting craters…
Portugal’s Azores archipelago was formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Even today, molten rock, just below the surface,…
After revealing 5 things he thinks Portugal does better than the U.S., Brent gives his opinion on 5 things he…
On the island of São Miguel, Passion Fruit is grown greenhouses. The fruit, known as Maracujá dos Açores, has a…
The island of São Miguel, part of Portugal’s Azores archipelago, is the only place in Europe where pineapples are grown…
Brent is in Lisbon to sample the best African food from former Portuguese colonies. There’s Cachupa from Cape Verde, Calulu…
Portugal has some of the best tarts, cakes, and sweets in the world. Here’s my 5 favorite. Pastel de Nata…
Brent visits a cafe in Lisbon made to look like the iconic trams of the city and outlines the things…
Every city and town in Portugal has its own unique pastry. Brent counts down his five favorite from around Portugal…
Though not nearly as famous as some other pastries in Portugal, Peniche has several excellent treats it calls its own.…
Peniche is a lovely little city in the Oeaste region of Portugal, right on the Atlantic Ocean. The jewel of…
Portugal’s most secure prison was the site of one of the most daring prison escapes in the country’s history. Peniche…
Brent is in his city of Setubal to see how a brand new bar is built and opened. Starting from…
Brent is in Setubal, Portugal talking about how he came to live there. What was his criteria and “must haves”…
There is a small church overlooking the ocean in Ericeira where the royal family of Portugal said goodbye to their…
Brent is in the Azores and the city of Ponta Delgada to visit the local market in an underground parking…
Ericeira is a traditional fishing village in Portugal that now shares with water with surfers who visit to ride the…
Brent is in the capital of the Azores to try the best drinks. He samples the famous local liqueur made…
Brent is on the island of São Miguel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean for a foodie trip to…
Portugal’s coast is dotted with lighthouses that have been guiding ships to safe harbor for centuries. Praia da Barra Lighthouse…
Brent visits the thermal baths of Furnas, Portugal for a warm dip. Then, he tries the famous local bread and…
There’s a beach town where you can get a delicious treat named after pig’s guts. Don’t worry, there’s no porcine…
Brent visits the famous Livramento Market in Setubal and buys some of the most delicious fruit and veg, honey, pastries…
Ovos Moles may be tiny, but they’re delicious! And, they have a tie to Portuguese royalty. Ovos Moles origin story…
Brent visits several incredible markets in Lisbon. From organic markets to covered food halls to Lisbon’s best wine & cheese…
Brent talks about people threatening to leave the United States after the most recent election results and why most will…
The vast majority of visitors to Mafra come for one reason: The Mafra National Palace. And, for good reason. It’s…
In the U.S., November 11th is Veteran’s Day. But, in Portugal and much of Europe, it’s St. Martin’s Day. November…
Brent visits one of his favorite cafes in Lisbon to talk about the difference between Immigrants and Expats. Which one…
Brent takes a boat ride to stunning Berlenga Island, off the coast of Peniche, Portugal. He marvels at the views…
Brent takes a day and visits the beautiful Arrabida Nature Park. He dangles from a cliff (not really), explores a…
Aveiro is called the Venice of Portugal, but that might be unfair to Aveiro. The city has so much to…
Brent is in the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro to take a ride on the characteristic boats of the city. Plus,…
Brent visits the World Surf Reserve city of Ericeira, Portugal to check out the waves and sample some local food…
For a city whose cuisine is so closely identified with fish (Bacalhau) and eggs (Pastel de Nata), visitors might be…
Brent is in Marfra, Portugal to visit the incredible National Palace. Then, he seeks out the city’s famous bread (which…
Brent follows Carlo as he builds a new restaurant from scratch in Setubal, Portugal. Everything from construction to painting to…
Surprisingly, there is a variety of truffle that grows in Portugal. What are truffles? Put simply, truffles are a fungus.…
Just an hour from Lisbon, this little village is a great daytrip for wine lovers. Fernando Pó origin story The…
Guimarães might not be on the top of your Portugal bucket list, but it’s a great day trip from Porto…
Every city, town, and village in Portugal, it seems, has its own specialty pastry. Searching them out as you travel…
Spontaneity leads to a memorable travel experience. Taberna Corta I’ll admit it, I’m a planner. When we visit a new…
Guimarães is known as the “Birthplace of Portugal.” Brent visits some historic places and sites with sweeping views, but mostly…
Lisbon has an incredibly vibrant Brazilian community with an amazing food culture. Brent samples an Acarajé, a bowl of Feijoada,…
Brent is in Fernando Po, a village an hour from Lisbon. He visits some local wineries, samples wines, and gets…
Brent is in Graca to ride the new funicular and gave in wonder at the views. Plus, he visits some…
April 25th, 2024 is the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, the event that overthrew the fascist Estado Novo regime.…
Portugal’s Caldo Verde, known as “Green Broth,” originated in Minho, an area that includes the cities of Braga and Viana…
The Minho Region of northern Portugal is famous for Vinho Verde. Translated to “Green Wine” the name doesn’t refer to…
Without a doubt, the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus / Mount of Santa Luzia (Santuário do Sagrado Coração…
In Viana do Castelo there’s a special sweet that supposedly looks like a vase of basil. Manjericos de Viana origin…
A Portuguese pastry named for their resemblance to religious vestments. Jésuita origin story Similar to the French pastry Jésuite, which…
Brent is in Viana do Castelo, Portugal to try the local treat, Torta de Viana. Plus, he tries a giant…
The cake named for a city in Northern Portugal came out of nearby Convent. Torta de Viana origin story Nearly…
Brent is in Viana do Castelo in the North region of Portugal to try some of the best food there…
Traditional outfits of the Minho region are still worn once year. In northern Portugal, Viana do Castelo and the surrounding…
Brent is in Lisbon and Setubal, talking about some of the Pros and Cons of living in Portugal. About the…
Embroidered scarves in rural Portugal were a sort of love letter from young women to the objects of their affection.…
Portugal’s famous donut got its start in Germany. Ich bin ein Berliner There’s an oft-repeated story that President John F.…
Brent is in Beja, Portugal to try the local Bambina, Azevias, and Tosquiados treats! Plus, he visit a Roman museum…
Brent visits Cuba, Portugal where some people think Columbus was born. He enjoys wine served in a tiny cup made…
Brent is in the Alentejo region of Portugal to visit the small city of Beja. He enjoys some local wine,…
Café com Cheirinho is a Portuguese coffee with a kick! Coffee served with alcohol certainly isn’t an idea that originated…
While the island nation and this small town in Portugal have little in common, they do have a tenuous link…
Tosquiados are a cookie from the Alentego region of Portugal. Specifically, they are from the small city of Beja, not…
Housed in a 16th century (or earlier) building, Os Infantes is a terrific place to get a glass of wine…
The Banco de Materiais is helping keep alive Porto’s heritage of Azulejo tiles. Azulejo Tile origin story Azulejos are painted…
Bolo de Arroz or Rice Cake is a sweet treat that’s so moist and rich you might even wind up…
Brent is on the hunt for Portugal’s Bolo Rei Christmas cake. He visits a Christmas Market, bakeries & a flower…
A quick trip from Porto, Foz do Douro seems a world away. Foz do Douro origin story The parish of…
Brent is in the Setubal region of Portugal to wineries in the town of Palmela. He samples wines made from…
Brent is in the Santos neighborhood of Lisbon visiting the famous Green Street and enjoying a chocolate salami with his…
In far eastern Portugal, near the border with Spain, you’ll find a pastry that’s a unique take on the famous…
Brent returns to Lisbon’s non-touristy Campo de Ourique neighborhood and visits a characteristic cafe and a natural wine bar. Plus,…
Brent visits Lisbon’s Campo de Ourique, a non-touristy neighborhood in the popular city. He samples gelado in an amazing food…
Brent is in Lisbon talking about how he moved to Portugal, what it is like living there, and how he…
Brent is back in Lisbon for more great bakeries serving up the famous custard tart, Pastel de Nata. He hits…
Brent is in Lisbon to try Portugal’s famous custard tart, the Pastel de Nata. He visits the place where it…
A short drive from Lisbon is a world-class winery with incredible views. Quinta do Piloto origin story In 1900, Humberto…
Brent takes a boat ride during the Setubal Bay Festival (Festas da Baía de Setúbal), checks out the cool bikes…
A windy point with a legend about a giant donkey is a great day trip from Lisbon Cabo Espichel origin…
Lisbon’s magnificent monastery is a must-visit for anyone coming to the city Jerónimos Monastery origin story Portugal, specifically the king…
Outside the tourist areas is an incredible museum in a 16th century convent that most visitors to Lisbon miss. Azulejo…
Brent is bar hopping Setubal to 4 different neighborhoods and 4 different bars. He samples wine, Moscatel, Beirão, and espresso…
Every year on September 15th, Setubal celebrates the birthdate of its most famous poet. Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage Manuel…
Brent is on the hunt for the sour Ginja cherry at the Livramento Market in Setubal. He uses them to…
Brent’s in Vilamoura in Portugal’s Algarve for a boat trip to the famous Benagil Cave. Then, he enjoys some great…
Brent is in Portugal’s Algarve to visit the ancient city of Loulé. He starts the day in an historic pastelaria…
The Algarve’s stunning natural rock formation is a short boat ride away. Up the coast less than 20 miles from…
Brent visits Braga’s stunning churches and enjoys some of the best ice cream in Portugal. Plus, he explores the local…
Brent samples lots of delicious food including a vegan version of a famous monster sandwich. He also visits a massive…
Braga, Portugal is known for its churches and sweets. Those two things come together in the many Convent Sweets in…
Brent is in Braga searching for a local pastry that originated in a local convent. He also samples a delicious…
The Jardim de Santa Bárbara (Garden of Santa Barbara) in Braga has an unexpected tie to a local pastry. Viúvas…
Brent takes a day trip from Porto to the oceanside town of Foz do Douro. He checks out the lighthouse…
The Strawberry Tree produces a fruit used to make a local firewater in Portugal Aguardente de Medronho origin story Aguardente…
Brent is in Porto, Portugal to try the namesake wine of the city. Ruby, Tawny, Rose, L.B.V., and even a…
For a city with a population of about 50,000, Évora punches far above it’s weight class when it comes to…
Brent is in Porto, Portugal to gaze in wonder at the amazing tile murals in churches & at the iconic…
Braga’s Tibias got its name from a human bone. Some say it resembles another part of the anatomy. Tibias origin…
Brent returns to Almada to try some local pastry, drink a little wine, and order a hard boiled egg (just…
A pastry from The Algarve came from a contest between rich families. Folhado de Loulé origin story In the early…
Brent visits Almada, just a quick ferry ride from Lisbon to eat at the restaurant made famous on “Somebody Feed…
Pão Alentejano, the sourdough bread made in the Alentejo region of Portugal is known for it crunchy crust and distinctive…
Brent is in Lisbon to try eight different coffee drinks at both historic and neighborhood cafes. He tries uma bica…
Brent samples an unbelievable number of delicious pastries in Évora, Portugal, including many that were originally developed in local convents.…
A delicious soup from Portugal that inspired Spanish dish. Sopa de Tomate Alentejana origin story Alentejo is the largest region…
Brent visits Évora, Portugal to sample a delicious local dish called Ovos Mexidos com Espargos Selvagens (Scrambled Eggs with Wild…
Just across the river from Lisbon is an abandoned winery with some amazing street art. Quinta da Arealva origin story…
A lovely little cake from a town south of Lisbon. Azeitão, Portugal Situated on the edge of the Arrábida Natural…
Brent visits the decidedly non-touristy Lisbon neighborhood of Alvalade. He starts the day in the Alvalade market for a coffee,…
Brent is in one of Portugal’s most popular cities, Sintra to try the famous local pastries. Plus, he visits sites…
Brent tries Portuguese coffee in several characteristic and charming cafes in the seaside city of Setubal. He samples Galão, Abatanado…
A short drive from Lisbon is the tiny riverside town known for its castle, salt production, and 27 centuries of…
One of Portugal’s top attractions is a fairy tale castle on a hilltop in Sintra outside Lisbon. Pena Palace origin…
Brent is in his adopted town of Setubal to try Moscatel, a local fortified wine. He sips Moscatel in a…
Portuguese people love eggs! It seems everything comes with a fried egg on top. From sandwiches to French Fries, don’t…
The Pena Palace gets all the love in Sintra. But, for me, the Sintra National Palace is more interesting. Sure,…
We sold or donated most of our belongings and moved to Portugal, bringing only 3 suitcases each. I imagined it…
The traditional pork sandwich is often consumed late at night with beer, but you don’t have to be drunk to…
Often called “Portugal’s Stonehenge,” these Megaliths actually predate Stonehenge by at least 2,000 years. Unlike the better-known Stonehenge, Almendres Cromlech…
The wealthy oceanside town of Cascais is known for it’s beautiful beaches and high priced housing market, but there’s also…
On one of the most prominent points in the Setubal Peninsula sits an historic castle with a fascinating history. Palmela…
Continental Europe’s westernmost point is marked with a monument on the windy cape. By far, the biggest tourist attraction in…
In the heart of the Parque Natural da Arrábida (Arrábida Park) is a charming little winery. Quinta de Alcube‘s production…
Some of the best views in Portugal is paired with lots of street art at this former army base. 7…
A delicious pastry from the university town of Coimbra, Portugal Pastel de Santa Clara origin story The Monastery of Santa…
A pastry invented by nuns in the 16th century is now an iconic treat enjoyed all over Portugal. Pastel de…
Graça is a neighborhood in Lisbon that is often overlooked by tourists. But, it’s gaining in popularity and there is…
The largest cave system in Portugal is one of the country’s seven wonders. Grutas de Mira de Aire origin story…
A lavish royal palace and garden is just a quick train ride from Lisbon Queluz National Palace Origin Story Following…
Lisbon’s modern neighborhood is on reclaimed land from a former industrial site. Parque das Nações origin story Parque das Nações…
Volto já is a Portuguese phrase with several closely related definitions. But, when going to a store, it has an…
Lisbon’s custard tart, the Pastel de Nata is available at every bakery in the city. But only one place can…
Évora is a town in Portugal that attracts tourists from all over the world for its Roman Temple, Medieval Wall, and…
A pastry chef in Palmela, Portugal has created a new pastry that incorporates one of the region’s most famous products.…
Colares is the smallest and oldest wine region in all of Portugal. Wine grapes have been cultivated here for 800…
Who was this 16th century fortress designed to protect? Philip II of Spain When King Henry of Portugal died, the…
A short train ride from Lisbon, Cascais, Portugal is a wealthy seaside enclave with lots of fun things to make…
Lavadouros have traditionally been places where ladies (it’s almost always women) come to wash clothes, chat with neighbors, and sing.…
The annual Banheiras e Insólitos Regatta of Baía do Sado is a celebration of homemade (barely) seaworthy boats in Setubal,…
Trying to find a specific specialty coffee drink proves challenging in Lisbon. Mazagran origin story Mazagran is a cold coffee…
The culinary highlight of Sintra is the Travesseiro. This light and flaky pastry is filled an egg yolk and almond…
Lisbon’s famous egg custard tart has a vegan version. Pastel de Nata origin story Pastel de Nata is by far…
The first Sunday of each month is a huge open air market in Azeitão, Portugal. Hundreds of local and regional…
June is Festival Season in Portugal. Some of the biggest festivals celebrate the three saints: Anthony, John, and Peter. The…
In Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, Alfama, an outdoor art exhibit celebrates local residents. Artist Camilla Watson Alfama is one of the…
A cave in Setubal, Portugal has amazing views and an unlikely chapel. Santa Margarida Cave Setubal, Portugal is situated on…
You’ve heard of culture shock, the feeling of being upended and out of touch by the customs and traditions of…
Some of the best food in Lisbon has its origin in former Portuguese colonies. Mozambique Mozambique is a country in…
The slightly sweet, slightly acidic fruit has been cultivated in China for 1,000 years. But, it’s also widely grown in…
There’s a great scene from “Seinfeld” in which George beats himself up because he doesn’t realize that when his date…
The modest Italian lightweight trucks are popular all over Europe. Ape Origin Story After WWII, Italy was in ruins and…
Lined by cafes and shops (and the City Hall), Praca de Bocage is the most beautiful square in Setubal. Praca…
The statue stands in a prominent spot in the city, but it wasn’t immediately met with acclaim. Monument origin story…
An amazing experience of cooking, feasting, & laughing wasn’t in a restaurant or cafe. Our friend in Setubal, Helenice, wanted…
Hidden in Lisbon’s up and coming Mouraria neighborhood is a plant based restaurant with incredible food and a great vibe.…
A quiet evening turns into a raucous party. We had only moved to Portugal a couple days earlier and were…
When citrus is in season, you see vendors selling the bounty of their fruit trees. Winter is citrus season in…
Everywhere you go in Portugal, it seems, you have to take a number. In Portugal, waiting in line is a…
There are parts of Portugal, especially in Lisbon and Porto that are rapidly changing. New condos and apartments are being…
Lisbon’s trams have become a symbol of the city. And riding the tram is a great way to see many…
Every year, percussion groups gather in the port city of Setubal, Portugal for a giant drum party. We were sitting…
Ginjinha is a drink that can be found all over Lisbon. But, for a unique experience, look for a Ginjinha…
Cases of Covid are currently spiking in Portugal, like much of the rest of the world. But, Portugal’s citizens are…
When your city lies on seven hills you’ve got lots of great views. This one is my favorite in Lisbon…
Portugal has an efficient transportation network of light rail, bus, metro, and ferry. But, their high speed train system lags…
Spain is an internationally known cheese making country. But, her neighbor on the Iberian Peninsula also makes some wonderful cheeses…
Lisbon’s biggest party celebrates the city’s patron saint with a barrage of music and dancing, not to mention grilled sardines,…
The Pastel de Nata, was invented by monks in Lisbon. Today, it is by far the most popular treat in…
Coffee, Wine, and sweet, local liqueurs. Lisbon is one of Europe’s best cities for liquid refreshment. Ginjinha Enjoying a Ginjinha…