Bye Sesimbra: As Saudades Serão Muitas

"Saudade": one of those great words that doesn't quite translate into English. The closest I think is a feeling of longing for a person, a place, or an experience that comes from parting. I will forever have "saudades" of the time we've had here in this little fishing village of Sesimbra.

It's not that we won't be back to visit. I know we will.  But it won't ever be the same.

My kids won't be little again. Walking through town, we won't bump into familiar faces from school and social activities and chat with people in their currently fluent Portuguese. The bakery won't know my bread and pastry order by heart. Mark's fish guy will no longer hold onto the best catch for him. We won't see the street cleaner's happy, toothless smile when my girls say "Bom Dia!" on our way to school.  Catarina's unique-to-Portugual blonde hair and blue eyes won't capture the attention of every senior as she skips through the park smelling every flower. "Our" spot on the beach where our friend's know to find us in the late afternoon will become someone else's. We won't hear the church bells ringing, telling us on the 8th chime "It's time to go in for supper". Ultimately, we'll no longer be part of this community anymore, and that makes me sad.

This year was unforgettable. I lived my dream: I stole a year with just my kids and husband, and together, the 5 of us experienced something new and exciting in a picturesque European village. I met great people, whose stories gave me perspective and whose friendship made the year sparkle. We enjoyed a lifestyle impressively void from stress in a place where our whole life could be lived within 500m. We benefited from interacting with the ocean everyday, and soaking up this glorious sun. Sigh, we are going to miss this place.

But, we are good at living in the moment, and quickly remember that our life in Canada is awesome too, and that a lifetime of adventure awaits us there.

So, we'll say "Ate logo, Sesimbra" and drive off on our month-long road trip through Portugal.

Here's hoping COVID19 stays in check and doesn't mess it up! 

And way to go Peterborough--2 weeks with no new cases. Just in time for our return. Don't worry, we'll be quarantining!

Surrounded by friendly dolphins when we were out on a friend's boat.

Jonty says "you're a different color now, mom".
Ah, sun year round is a glorious thing!

Oh, the color of the water...you'd think we're in the Caribbean!
Paddleboarding is harder than I thought.

199 corks were collected during the 10 months in our apartment.
We are going to miss how affordable wine is here.

Taking our baby to her last day of school.
This girl has changed so much. JK, get ready for her!

Oh this market. We will miss our chatty vendors and their super fresh food.

Happy 153 years Canada! We held a birthday party and invited friends.
Forever proud to be Canadian!

How we've loved walking the beach on warm nights.

Living above Ribamar restaurant was something else.
Oh, the amazing smells that came from their grill!

One last stop at our favourite candy shop: O Coelhinho Doce

We felt so much a part of this community; true "Sesimbrenses"

Thinking of making this our 2020 Christmas card.
One picture can say so much!

We all leave with mixed emotions:
sad to leave this behind, excited for what lies ahead.
Everyone is reacting differently: steep learning curve for parenting this week.

Our "last supper".
Yes, burgers--had to clear out the freezer!
We all adored our daily ocean-view seating.