I’ve been putting off writing this first blog like a kid avoiding homework—but here we are! At first, I wanted it to be flawless, but then I remembered… this is my adventure, and perfection is overrated. So, hop on board as I dive into new places, fresh perspectives, and the unexpected twists of life!
At this moment, I’m residing in Lagos, Portugal. I’ve been here for a little over one month, and it’s been absolutely amazing. Everything that I was hoping to find here, I’ve found, and it’s just getting started. I’m glad that I’ve kept a log of the first two weeks so that I can remember how I felt and what I did, and write about it when I feel like it.
Last week? Absolute gold! Work was busy as ever, but the real magic happened after hours. What I really enjoy is that I can text a friend and ask her to join me to watch the sunset at the beach after work. We did that on Wednesday, for example, and it was so nice. If I remember correctly we arrived around 4pm, and just chatted until 7pm when the sun was down and fishermen replaced the surfers and sunbathers.
Another highlight from last week was playing the pub quiz at The Collab Bar. It’s every week on Thursday, and the bar was packed. The vibe was great, and we actually came in second. That was mostly because we had someone in our team that knew most of the answers. He even got the year of the first National Geographic magazine release right, which was an open question.
I’ve also got in touch with a lady that cooks Asian food at home, and offers it for take-away. She sends a menu with different options via WhatsApp on a weekly basis, and I pick it up at her house a few days later. It’s fairly priced, and so delicious! Last week I had an amazing beef salad, chicken curry, and mango sticky rice desert.
On Friday evening, I went to one of my favorite things to do in Lagos: Authentic Relating. It’s sort of a game night where we play ‘games’ with each other in an attempt to make authentic connections. We talk about our vulnerabilities, insecurities, desires, pain, dreams, etc. There is no small talk. The event is hosted by Silja Silbuch, and she does an absolutely amazing job at it. She hosts the evens on a bi-weekly basis. Since I’ve arrived, I’ve been to each event, and will join future events as well. This is how Silja describes her game nights:
In a world where genuine connection often feels out of reach, the Authentic Relating Game Nights offer a space to redefine what it means to connect—with yourself and others.
Whether you’re longing for deeper friendships, more fulfilling conversations, or a sense of belonging, this workshop helps you break through barriers and experience connection in a new way.
One of the other participants at the game nights, that’s a regular, is a woman with an energy that I’ve found so interesting and attractive. Every time I’ve seen her, I’ve been drawn to her, willing to connect. We managed to play a couple of games at the last two events, but I was considering reaching out to her to go for a walk or a coffee in town and connect privately. However, I was feeling shy, and I was projecting several assumptions (e.g. she’s probably not interested in me, this is purely professional for her (she helps to organize the game nights), why would she want to make time for me, etc.) on her thus I ignored my desire to connect with her. However, she reached out to me, and shared a similar feeling/ desire. I felt so happy with that, and that boosts my self-confidence.
In the weekend I went hiking. The first hike I did was with the ‘Hiking’ group I connected with when I arrived. We hiked from Algar Seco to Praia da Marinha (also known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail). This was such a stunning hike! I’ve seen a great variety of landscapes, felt mesmerized by the most beautiful beaches, could smell the pine trees, and thoroughly enjoyed the company and the amazing views. Would 100% do it again… just not in summer unless I’m aiming for ‘roasted lobster’ as my next look. Oh, when I got home, I decided I wanted to try out the pizza at restaurant Calhou. And oh my god, it was delicious! The atmosphere in the restaurant was great as well, and I’ll be back to try out the rest of the menu for sure.
The day after, I went with a friend to the Monchique area. I love spending time with her because it doesn’t cost me any energy, and she’s exactly my vibe. We headed out to a lovely bakery she suggested, which is so cheap, and has delicious pastries. The bakery is called Pastelaria Doce & Arte. After that, we visited the abandoned Convent de Nossa Senhora do Desterro. We were greeted by a friendly man who was happy to let us visit the inside of the convent. After that, we drove towards Fonte Santa because I wanted to take some photos of the natural baths. We had to hike up there, and it was such a fun way. Crossing a river once? Fun. Twice? An adventure. Three times? Okay, now we’re starring in an unplanned survival reality show. Shoes off, pants rolled, and dignity slightly damp, we waded through ice-cold water, embracing the chaos and laughing at our muddy mess. Fonte Santa itself was really nice to see, and it was so quiet there. I could only hear the many birds, and there and there some flowing water. Absolutely stunning, and a great experience to get there and back. Our last stop was a visit to the beautiful thermal resort Caldas de Monchique, which was nice to see, and I would love to spend some more time there another time.
And that’s a wrap on another week of sunsets, surprises, and slightly questionable decision-making. What’s next? Who knows! But if it involves more hikes, hidden gems, and unexpected connections—count me in!
