If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you will know the nightmare we had this year renewing my daughter’s 10 year British passport. Long story short, the passport office didn’t renew Teanna’s passport in time for her booked flight out here on the 5th July so she missed her 2 week holiday. We applied 9 weeks in advance and at the 10 week stage we were able to expedite her application and she physically travelled to Newport to collect it. Teanna had another flight booked for September to house/pet sit for us when I had my planned private surgery so I amended her outbound flight and paid extra money so she could fly out at the end of August, 2 weeks prior, so we could enjoy a fortnight of family fun to compensate for the 2 weeks she missed. It didn’t go to plan! Her flight was cancelled 48 hours before her departure and there were no other flights from Bristol to Porto for several days which just so happened to be the flight that I had originally booked. I was so mad, frustrated and totally pissed off! It appeared that the baggage handler strike at Porto airport affected flights not just baggage, she only had a carry on bag! I literally knew this was going to happen. I’m psychic Mystic Meg. It was a super crazy ass stressful time trying to change her flight and get her out from Gatwick London and the flights were going like hot cakes and were also ridiculously early times like 5am and Bristol to Gatwick is 3 hrs 20 min by coach, no train at that time. I literally very nearly had a melt down. In the end I managed to change it to Sunday flying from Gatwick but she had to catch a 5am National Express coach and sit on it for over 3 hours at an extra cost of £38 as they now charge £8 for a tiny suitcase. Welcome to my drama, the life of Helen, chaos unfolded in the Casa Valhal household! It’s a rare occurrence as my life is usually a serene sea of calm and tranquillity.

Afterwards I was more than a little upset and I needed to have a middle aged menopausal high-pitched scream in the garden then a lie down in a dark room, consume 6 shots of military vodka (down the hatch in under 2 minutes straight) and some chicken and caffeine therapy, not necessarily in that order and chicken pet therapy not KFC chicken in a bucket therapy (ha ha). I was traumatised beyond repair and I’m sure the experience has knocked 10 years off my life span with the stress. I still don’t really get it as the strike with baggage handling staff at Porto airport shouldn’t affect a flight unless Easyjet staff had to multitask and sort customers baggage. A simple solution, just take a carry on small bag, who needs clothes when your young, 19 and gorgeous, Teanna can explore with me naked and get even more stares from people than we usually get for being 2 white folk with a mixed race daughter (ha ha). I think I need to design a T.Shirt saying: “Yes she is mine” “No I didn’t adopt her” on the front and “Blended families Rock!” on the back. Just when I thought the airport chaos was over, the next day we received a live alert from Easyjet confirming that due to the strike her flight could not arrive at Porto airport and was diverting to an airport in Spain! It’s a good job she speaks fluent Spanish (ha ha). The F joy keeps coming! It was now arriving at a random airport that I’ve never heard of and they provided transport to take passengers onto Porto airport. Someone, somewhere is proper F’ ing with me BIG time! As if I wasn’t emotionally damaged enough with the drama from the day before and amending the flight. The funny part is when I phoned Teanna, she had no clue and she was on her way to Turtle Bay in Bristol for a bottomless cocktail brunch whereas I headed out to the garden for another very loud SCREAM. It’s a good job I don’t have any immediate neighbours. The main negative was she had to get up at 4am and was travelling since 5am and it took her best part of a day to get here. I don’t think my ex Carlos (her dad) was too pleased about having to wake up in the middle of the night to drop her at Bristol bus station but that’s karma my friend. What comes around goes around. I’m just kidding, actually we have an O.K amicable/friendly relationship for our daughters sake.

If you know me, you will also know that I am the princess of planning. I plan with military precision thanks to my OCD and all or nothing attitude. After much thought, I decided to take Teanna to a few of our favourite places: Monsanto, Sortelha, Aguedá, Poço Azul and Poço Negro as well as other picturesque wonders. As I have already written blog posts on all of these awesome day trips, I decided to just share a brief explanation and photo gallery from our family time together. We had a total blast and such a laugh. Hubby and Teanna have an amazing special Stepdad and Stepdaughter bond, it’s magical to watch. I can’t wait for Teanna to graduate from university next year. She can come and stay with us for a lengthy period and not just a few weeks although I know she has plans of going on a gap year. Well it’s not really a gap year as Covid sucked up that joy it’s more of an end of university year long adventure touring different countries because she hasn’t a clue what she wants to do with her life, join the club (ha ha). The world is her oyster! My plan is to marry her off to a Portuguese man so she lives here permanently so I can see her daily and watch my grandkids grow up (ha ha). If your hot, kind, single and Portuguese, send a photo and resume (just kidding), I need your bank balance too as afro hair is costly and high maintenance (ha ha).

Crazy Brits playing Crazy Mini Golf in Foz do Douro

Whenever we do an airport drop-off/pick-up, hubby always books the day off work so we can enjoy a full day in Porto as it’s such an amazing vibrant city with so much to see and do. We usually start with a wander along the river bank in the beautiful Vila Nova de Gaia then some rare retail therapy and it always ends with an Ikea trip, hot dog, cinnamon bun and ice cream with coffee. This time I wanted to experience something completely different away from the crowds and for once I didn’t actually need anything in Ikea so I found the glorious Foz do Douro which just happened to not only have a gorgeous fort and lighthouse but a fun crazy mini golf course in a picturesque park and the most wonderful coastline with beautiful beaches and posh beachside bars, coffee houses and the prettiest pergola I have ever laid eyes upon. We had so much fun here that we decided to bring Teanna back on her last day. There are 2 golf courses and we had to play the red one because it was a Sunday and there was a tournament on the other course. I thought mini golf was just for 5 year olds but these guys were serious as hell! They even had matching 80’s shell suit outfits with their team name on their backs which made me laugh a lot. I lost the mini golf game but guess what? I won the lottery of life!

How funny are these official team outfits!

Caffeine & Sugar Fix

After the glorious delights of Foz do Douro we headed to the mall near the airport to wait for Teanna’s message and enjoyed some tasty cake and coffee. Both espresso are for me as I need double caffeine for my daughter’s arrival as she is double trouble like her momma (ha ha).

The Funny Airport Sign – My Gorgeous Nata Girl

There will always be a funny airport sign because I’m that embarrassing mum! I really wanted to write “Welcome home from Nudist Camp” but thought that was a bit of a creepy weird sign from a mum and stepdad (ha ha). After much debate I ended up with: “Welcome Home Nata Girl” because her addiction to the famous Portuguese custard tart is fierce (ha ha). Any addiction is wrong unless it’s an addiction to Pastel de Nata’s, then it just makes perfect sense. I also took with me a pack of 6 natas to the airport, because I promissed the Nata Queen that I would and quite frankly, why the hell not! Finally I cut a huge photo of Teanna’s head and one of her pet bunny Milo’s head and stuck them on BBQ skewers because I couldn’t be bothered to make masks or could find any elastic in the house unless I dismantled and unpicked the waistband and leg holes of my granny knickers. I think masks would have been funnier but I can’t imagine wearing a mask with eye holes in 30 degree heat and my minimal make-up would melt all over it and make a shitty mess. I must of looked like a right crazy idiot at the airport with my dodgy handmade poster, faces on sticks and a tray of nata’s in my hand. Hubby was ever so slightly embarrassed to stand next to me, I have no idea why (ha ha). The worst part was I couldn’t even roll it up and carry it discreetly as I used mini pegs on the design so it would just fall apart so I had to walk from the car carrying it like a right plonker! I took some photos at home before we left for Porto as I knew I was going to cry like a baby when I saw my Nata Girl.

Teanna LOVED my airport sign this year. My gorgeous “Nata Girl”. The terrible trio are reunited! It was an absolute nightmare getting her out here with the traumatic passport drama, 2 missed flights, 1 cancelled flight and an airport strike which resulted in her arriving at a Spanish airport instead of Portugal. The fiasco certainly tested my patience to the max but she made it home to Portugal and I got to hug her after a year and a bit apart. Let the mother and daughter fun commence!

2 Faced Hubby – Fantastic Faces

Airport Action & Reaction

The sign didn’t have the same ambience as she arrived by bus from a Spanish airport so instead of standing at arrivals with the sign we just randomly stood in the middle of the airport staring at every lift door and elevator, waiting for her to descend. It was still very funny and a Portuguese guy thought it was hilarious so I’m glad I put in the effort and I made random people smile. Teanna was so embarrassed she was mortified but secretly, deep down, I know she loved it. God only knows what I’m going to design for next year. I have to up my game and make it bigger and better each year. I may have to go in fancy dress, I have a whole year to brain storm and make it epic!

Welcome Message – From Milo to Mummy with LOVE

Food Glorious Food

After we collected Teanna we had plans of spending the evening at Vila Nova de Gaia and visiting a posh restaurant but she was exhausted and just wanted to pop to the mall to eat and enjoy some retail therapy then head home to sleep, I don’t blame her. We made a quick pit stop at the mall for food then took the long drive home and abolished the shopping as we were all shattered and ready for our beds. In all fairness the mall do great Portuguese food and it’s all served on china plates with proper cutlery, none of this plastic malarkey where your fork slips and before you know if you’ve pinged multiple rice and beans at the little old lady sitting on the next table. Apologies if you have ever had the luxury of being seated next to me whilst I eat (ha ha).

The Shit Hit the Fan – Unforeseen Circumstances

A month before Teanna arrived, I had my lower left impacted wisdom tooth extracted and assumed I would be fine and dandy for her visit and my major surgery. More shit hit the fan and things have not gone to plan. Ever since my tooth extraction I have been in pain and it’s just got worse. I have revisited the dentist multiple times and even ended up in A & E Hospital in chronic agony. It turns out that I had an infection spread to the jaw bone. The pain is insane and much worse than giving birth to a 10lb baby as a teenager with just gas and air! Unfortunately my planned surgery had to be cancelled just 8 days before my operation date and I am still devastated and pretty emotional about it all. I have waited a long time for this surgery and paid for a private consultation, had my pre-op blood tests as well as buying all my hospital bag stuff so it’s a crazy roller-coaster of emotions. On a positive note, at least I had my gorgeous daughter here to hug. Things happen in life and there is no way I can have surgery with an on-going infection and tooth drama. Currently I have returned to the Dentist for 8 emergency visits and had one useless visit to A & E Hospital. I developed chronic painful bone spurs which needed to be chiselled off and stitched up on 3 separate occasions! I’ve had a little cry, plenty of hugs and my main priority now is to get better and restore my health to some kind of “Normal” whatever the F that is! As soon as they cut the bone spur off it grows back at lightening speed! It’s like a never ending nightmare. On a positive note it meant instead of 2 weeks with my daughter, the surgery cancellation resulted in a whopping 4 weeks and 4 days of FAMILY FUN. Please excuse how I look on most of my photos. You need to take into account I am smiling through severe agony and I am drugged up to my eyeballs on Tramadol, Steroids and Antibiotics. The anitibiotics gave me thrush so not only did my whole mouth and head hurt, my fanny was on fire too! Despite the pain I persevered on, put a smile on my face and was a brave soldier for Teanna’s sake. All I can do now is hope and pray for a speedy recovery, wish me luck!

Pre-Birthday Bunny Themed Brunch

After the trauma of getting Teanna here, it actually worked out quite well in the end as she got to celebrate her 20th Birthday with us. My baby girl is no longer a teenager! Seeing as I thought I only had a fortnight to cherish my daughter, I planned an awesome tight scheduled itinerary to make the most of every second of every day. Previously her last 2 summer visits have been much longer between 6-8 weeks but she has other commitments this year so was unable to visit for so long. We spent a lot of time SUP Boarding and purchased Teanna her very own SUP Board for her birthday gift which she loves. We played a little trick on her and gifted her a tiny gift bag which looked like jewellery but actually contained a tiny paddle board, paddle and a miniature bunny Milo that my creative and crafty hubby made out of modelling clay. I’m shit at art and don’t have a creative bone in my body, I have awesome ideas but I just make a shitty mess. She thought this was her only gift then we surprised her with the SUP board. I’m not very good at keeping secrets but this was one of my finest moments. Teanna was confused at first but then we gave her the huge box with her brand new Mistral board. We got her the pink one because it’s so pretty in pink (just like her) and different to our blue boards. She was over the moon with her gift and it meant we didn’t have to share a board so could venture on longer journeys and eat as much delicious Portuguese cake as we wanted without worrying about maximum board weight restrictions (ha ha). Now time for some SUP, SUN & FUN! Gifts are great but what really matters is spending these precious special moments together. You can’t put a price tag on family time.

Gifts Galore

Pretty in Pink – Teanna’s New SUP Board

How gorgeous is her new pink SUP board? We took it for a test drive prior to her visit to make sure everything was fine. I didn’t SUP on the board as I wanted Teanna to christen it herself, we just inflated it and submerged it in the water to make sure there were no leaks or surprises. She now needs to come up with a name for her board. Ours are called Nemo and Dory.

My Very Own Saint modelling his New Orleans Saints Shirt

Teanna came baring gifts, she bought hubby (her stepdad) a retro American Footie shirt of his favourite team. She randomly found it in a vintage sale in Nottingham. He wore it as a lucky charm during her visit and his team won the game! Apparently they are not doing too good currently so he had better wear his shirt for every single match to bring good luck. I also got gifts, I would usually ask for 6 packs of curly wurly’s but with my tooth drama I requested 2 tubes of Bonjela (ha ha). At least she didn’t have the embarrassement of shopping this time, previously I asked for nipple tassels for my garden titty project and I don’t think she wanted to be caught in a sex shop by anyone she knows. The last time I ventured into an adult shop my intention was to have a little browse and buy crotchless undies but I accidently bought a pair of panties with a hole for the anus instead! (ha ha).

My very own Saint! He has to be a Saint to put up with me (ha ha)

Photo Gallery – The Goal is to die with Memories not Dreams

Here are some of the awesome FAMILY FUN day trips we managed to embark on and some eventful evening celebrations and local festivals. I am persevering through the pain on many! I am only sharing the highlights as there were a few trips to local river beaches and lazy reading afternoons with our books and family card games at beautiful leisure zones where I left my phone at home so took no photos as I had a break from technology. I think Teanna was relieved as I know I take too many photos, I just can’t resist as I only see her once per year. What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce. Also my memory is pants so when I’m having a low day I can look back at photos of our family fun together and it instantly transports me back to the precious time which makes me smile. In all fairness I didn’t actually take as many photos as I usually do as I am suffering from chronic on-going tooth pain from an impacted wisdom tooth extraction which has resulted in multiple bone spurs. So for a majority of my daughters trip I was in severe agony and doped up on prescription medication so I felt and looked like a bag of shit. I have also already shared blog posts on most of these places so my main aim was to capture photos of Teanna at these places and precious mother and daughter photos together. I think I suceeded in my motherly mission.

Swimming Success – Sink or Swim

I was utterly shocked to find out that Teanna can now swim. I still make her wear her life jacket/vest whilst she SUP boards because there is always a risk of falling off and hitting a random rock so safety first but it was a lovely and totally unexpected surprise. I did let her whip her jacket off for a few minutes on her birthday for some photos. What literally blows my mind is the fact that she learnt to swim just 2 weeks before she flew out to Portugal. Teanna enjoyed a holiday to Croatia with her old school friends and she participated in a wet and wild inflatable event in deep waters! Apparently she fell in the deep end a lot and this is how she learnt to swim. I’m not sure I feel her Sink or Swim technique was a good idea as it could have gone horribly wrong but she obviously had some basic swimming skills from the lessons I got her as a child. Let the fun of mother and daughter wild swimming in Portugal commence! I am beyond proud of my gorgeous girl for her swimming success.

One rainy day during Teanna’s visit we decided to visit the local Arganil Municipal indoor swimming pool. I emailed prior to ask if we needed to wear a swimming hat and for timings. We rocked up and were forbidden admittance due to the fact that we only had bikinis and not a one piece swimsuit. We had swimming caps and flip flops which were also required but we don’t own a one piece bathing costume. I tried to explain to the lady that my bikini is age appropriate and has the hugest granny knickers on the market with no thong or whale tail but she was having none of it. She marched us to a poster with a diagram and photos of what type of swimwear is acceptable. I am still confused as I get that the hat and flip flops are a health and safety measure but I have no clue as to why a bikini is unacceptable when the men can wear tight speedos. There is no way my saggy aging ass is going to distract any young lifeguard (ha ha). It’s still a mystery to me but to be honest not a huge loss as she also wanted us to complete a lengthy disclaimer form before entry. It was all a bit full on, we just wanted a quick dip not to sign up for the army and in hindsight I have no clue how Teanna was going to fit the tiny swim hat which resembled a condom over her huge afro, I would have paid good money to see that image (ha ha).

Sensational SUP & Paddling Memories:

20th Birthday SUP (Vale do Rossim)

Occasionally the waters can be too choppy to SUP, you can’t predict nature or control the weather but during Teanna’s whole trip we never experienced a windy day on the water. We were able to SUP at all the places we ventured to. I think Teanna is our lucky mascot, we are very blessed indeed. It was a perfect day to celebrate her birthday. We made a pit stop at the Bread Museum to buy their awesome chocolate bread and ate it next to the lagoon then enjoyed a delicious lunch at the resturant. The water was glistening and sparkling, it was a super fun family day celebrating Teanna’s 20th Birthday.

Birthday breakfast started with a Nata of course!

SUP (Praia Fluvial de Santa Luzia)

My favourite local SUP spot, an added bonus, the delightful cafe was still open so ice cream all round.

Dirtbag Teenager to a Cultured Lady

Not much changes with my gorgeous Teanna so this year she totally surprised us both! I’m not sure if it is because she is no longer a teenager and has turned 20 or maybe it’s because she has been living independently at university for the past couple of years but my girl is so different and has made multiple positive changes to her lifestyle. I love the fact that Teanna has found the love of reading books. My son was always a crazy book reader from an early age and I could not entice her as a child to be a regular reader. I tried everything, even bribery and hard cash! It may have took 20 years but I now have a “Little Miss Book Worm.” Today a reader, tomorrow a leader! I think my child has morphed into a proper eloquent lady now she is no longer a teenager. She can swim, she reads books, she even drinks coffee (iced coffee) but it’s still coffee. Previously she has only ever consumed water, lemonade and juices. She hates coke and has never drunk tea or coffee. This trip she enjoyed multiple iced teas (peach and mango are her favourites) and iced coffees. I’ve never tried an ice coffee until I had my wisdom tooth extracted and I couldn’t drink coffee for a while. Eventually I tried an iced coffee but I didn’t like it. It’s espresso or black coffee for me and the occasional cappuccino. I can’t drink tea anymore, it looks like dishwater and tastes like feet dipped in camel piss (ha ha).

SUP Mangualde/Barragem de Fagilde

Another local SUP spot, I LOVE that this place is usually deserted so you get the whole place to yourself. On this occasion we had to share with a fisherman and his friendly doggie who became our new best friend. We met so many friendly dogs during Teanna’s visit. It makes a change as dogs usually just like to chase me when I jog. I even considered carrying a sausage or two in my pocket. Never underestimate the power of a Portuguese sausage (ha ha).

SUP, Sushi & Retail Therapy Coimbra

It was fantastic to bring Teanna back to the river Mondego and Parque Verde in Coimbra as this is where it all started for us. The terrible trio had our very first SUP lesson here and we all fell in love with the sport and bought our own SUP boards. Then the crazy adventures began and we haven’t looked back. We adore SUP and it’s our favourite hobby. It is such a beautiful activity that our whole family can enjoy. It’s the perfect pastime for us, I think I was a mermaid in my previous life (ha ha).

20th Birthday Garden Party Celebration

After a full day of SUP and a birthday lunch at the restaurant we celebrated Teanna’s 20th Birthday in our beautiful little garden with plenty of yummy food and cocktails. Hubby is the best ever cocktail maker and waiter. Don’t get me wrong he is no substitute for the real deal and butlers in the buff but he makes a mean cocktail (ha ha). Our favourite cocktail of the night was raspberry mojito. It was lovely getting ready with Teanna in her bedroom and spending cherished time together. Perfecting prettiness is difficult when I’m nearly 50 (ha ha). I’m aiming for “Nifty at Fifty” but I am more “Old and Haggard”. I wore my dress that resembles a tablecloth (ha ha).

Getting ready together – Perfecting prettiness (ha ha)

Fur-Ever Friends – Pet Therapy & Beni the Beautiful Bunny

During my daughters stay we pet sat for this gorgeous bunny boy for a few days. I very nearly kidnapped Beni and didn’t want to return him to his momma as he is just adorable and much friendlier than Milo, sorry Milo, the truth hurts (ha ha). 2 bunnies = Double fluffy bunny loving.

Águeda Umbrella Sky Project & Urban Art

The stunning brightly coloured Águeda and Umbrella Sky Project, Urban Street Art and a tranquil pretty park. We introduced Teanna to our favourite cafe on coloured rain street with probably the largest cachorro (hot dog) one can consume. We followed up with traditional Portuguese cakes in the park and tasty ice cream in the glorious sun. A magical perfect day despite a horrendous toothache from hell! I also got to show Teanna a few pieces of amazing art work by my all time favourite Portuguese artist: Bordalo II.

Montemor-O-Velho Castle & Figueira da Foz

The wonderful Castelo de Montemor-O-Velho and Pirate Festival beach trip. We had the whole castle to ourselves! Then we shared one of favourite spots with Teanna, a pretty quaint bandstand in a local park with a gorgeous serene backdrop of the castle. We ate traditional Portuguese cakes in the bandstand and played cards games. Finally a short drive onto the coast for some ocean therapy. Another stunning day with my family.

I wasn’t allowed up here for obvious reasons (ha ha)

Festivals:

Noite Branca Festival

This local festival was awesome! Everyone dresses in white and Arganil is lit up so beautifully. I wore my only white frock and had so much fun watching all the different events in various squares and listening to the music. Lots of the local shops stay open and there are tasty street foods. I am usually tucked up in bed by midnight so to attend an event which ends at 4am was a struggle for this old timer and we made it just past 1am. The night ended with a substantial queue at Liliana’s Fartura van. Unfortunately I couldn’t manage one due to my tooth pain but hubby and Teanna enjoyed them. When I lived in Bristol, U.K we always ended up at “Jason Donervan” kebab van located at The Triangle for a donerkebab after a drunken night out. In Portugal we always end up at a fartura van (ha ha). Ex Neighbours star Jason Donovan once visited the kebab van which is owned by a bloke called Mustapha but he goes by the name of Jason (ha ha). Hubby bought me a princess halo headband of pretty illuminated white flowers for my hair to make up for not having a fartura. I struggled to turn it off so I have to sparkle for an eternity or until the battery wears out (ha ha).

Ficabeira Festival

Another day, another Festival. We attended the final night of a local festival “Ficabeira” in Arganil. The tribute ABBA band were actually quite good, not really my type of music and defo not hubby’s as he loves heavy metal but Teanna is a Mamma Mia fan so could sing along to her hearts content. I LOVE the festival vibe in Portugal, it’s so cool to attend so many awesome free festivals after Covid put a stop to our socialising and making new friends. Festival Fun always = Farturas and I even managed to enjoy a couple even with my tooth pain. God help me when the hard drugs wear off.

Marvelous Monsanto

If you haven’t visited Monsanto it’s an absolute must for your Portuguese bucket list with such unique charm, phenomenal beauty and is simply a magical and emotional place. It is my favourite historical Portuguese village. We met the friendliest village doggies who acted as our very own personal tour guides and the highlight of the day was when Teanna spotted bats high up in the cave. She ran out as fast as Usain Bolt whilst hubby and I filmed them flying around our heads. I love bats maybe it’s because I’m as crazy as a bat! (ha ha). Teanna loved sampling the yummy regional Pastel de Nata de Cereja overlooking the famous boulder house. We ended the day with a visit to Rock Pizza in Fundão and I got to show Teanna another piece of artwork from my favourite Portuguese artist: Bordalo II.

Hubby’s Highlights

Hubby’s phone camera is so much better than my old iphone. WOW!

Sensational Sortelha

I just had to share the sensational historical Portuguese village of Sortelha with Teanna. We broke up the journey with pit stops at: Bread Museum to buy more chocolate bread (yes, it’s a strong addiction!), Mosaic Vases, Penalobo Scenic Swing and the enchanting ruins of Hotel das Águas de Radium. It was a fantastic time of year for exploring as it was deserted and perfectly tranquil. We ended the day with our favourite food: Pizza. We had way too much mother and daughter fun in one of the windy portal gateways! I think the blaring heat and my multiple prescription drugs got to me. I don’t know what Teanna’s excuse is apart from she has my crazy genes (ha ha).

It started off so very proper and serene!

Baloiço de Penalobo

I just had to share this unique beautiful scenic swing with Teanna. It is definetely one of my favourite swings in Portugal. I made these photos large to share the joy as it is awesome! We had the whole place to ourselves! Hubby took a couple of candid black and white shots of me swinging in the air and for once I don’t actually hate them.

Hotel das Águas de Radium

Another random unique crazy and eerie place that I fell in love with and had to share with my girl.

Nazaré – Surf, Sea, Sand & Sunset

The captivating celebrations of: “Festival Nacional Folclore em Honor Nossa Senhora da Nazare”. We spent a lazy afternoon strolling around the sights, attended the folklore festival and stayed late until the evening to capture a perfect sunset on the beach enjoying yummy pizza, ice cream and farturas. Portuguese tradition, heritage and magical family fun. These photos definetely need to be large to portray it’s epic raw beauty. Hubby treated us all to new surfing T.Shirts too, he’s a keeper (ha ha).

I LOVE this photo with the traditional old fishing nets & drying racks as the sun is setting – Beautiful

Bowling & Posh Burgers

I found it hilarious that this posh burger joint is located right next to McDonalds (ha ha). Teanna won at bowling! I lost but technically I came 3rd which would be a bronze medal if it were the Olympics (ha ha). I really struggled to find soft food at the mall but them stumbled across this posh looking burger place. The carbonara burger was divine!

British Babes Baking

The British girls made English sultana and cinnamon scones for our Portuguese neighbours. Not too shabby an attempt! We made scones for the neighbours in next village as a thank you because someone (not mentioning any names) left their iphone on top of our car and it flew off and these lovely ladies found it and returned it to us. Luckily we didn’t poison them and they loved our homemade scones and fig jam so much that they rewarded us with a box full of eggs. I didn’t have the heart to tell them we have our own happy hens. I think I will make them British mince pies at Christmas time. I wonder what they will make of them (ha ha).

Games Night, Liquors & Cocktails

Family Games Night, there are only 3 rules: No cheating, No crying and No farting! I didn’t make the rules, I just follow them (ha ha). I have to be the dog or I have a tantrum. I LOVE Monopoly it’s our family tradition and I’ve been playing since the early 1980’s. I had quite a collection of Monopoly games in the U.K but had to give them away to charity shops when I relocated as we arrived with just 2 suitcases and hubby’s bike. I purchased Portuguese Monopoly as soon as I arrived so the family fun could continue. I’m self medicating for my tooth pain now with flavoured liquors. We enjoyed the pastel de nata and chocolate flavours so much last time we bought more because why not! Every family produces some lemons, some nuts and a few bad apples. I guess that makes me a squirrel (ha ha). Teanna used to pronounce Squirrel as Swirl which is just too cute.

Escape Room (Brain Maze Coimbra)

We had the most awesome FUN at “Brain Maze” Escape Room in Coimbra. It’s something Teanna has always wanted to do and it was a completely different and out of the box experience. Working together as a little family unit solving puzzles and riddles to unlock secret codes. We started the day with a trip to our local Côja market, Teanna bought some beautiful handmade silver earrings (she is wearing them in the photos below) and I bought 2 denim skirts for a bargain €3 each! We also treated ourselves to yummy vegan and gluten free carrot cakes. Then we ate a delicious sushi lunch and ice cream overlooking Parque Verde (there were so many sailing boats) and after the Escape Room we travelled onto Praia Fluvial de Palheiros e Zorro (River Beach) for a swim with the ducks then home for a burger night and apple strudel with more ice cream. I survived the day on a truck load of Tramadol, way too much caffeine and a whole lot of laughter. Our team name: The Vinho Escapers!

I have always wanted a photo with the green bear but every time we have previously visited Coimbra due to it’s location (right next to a play park) there are always multiple kids climbing all over it and I don’t like to take photos with other peoples children in the background as I don’t feel it’s acceptable and most of all I don’t want to look like a weirdo childless adult, a child abductor or worse! (ha ha). There are not many photos of the Escape Room as you are not allowed to take photos inside of the room as it will spoil the element of surprise for others.

Praia Fluvial de Palheiros e Zorro

After our Escape Room adventure we stopped off at this lovely river beach for a swim. The ducks took quite a fancy to me (ha ha). Apologies for how I look, my tooth pain was 10/10 and I was flying high on caffeine and Tramadol. I had a wonderful coversation with the ducks. I even named them all and I only wish they could answer me back as I think they could teach me a few new swear words (ha ha).

Casacata da Cabreia

The beautiful Cascata da Cabreia located in Sever do Vouga. I love this picnic park overlooking the waterfall. We have previously embarked on the hiking trail which includes the majestic mines, they are breathtaking and fascinating to explore. This day was a chill day enjoying a fabulous family picnic and Portuguese sweet pastries next to the fall. We then took a short drive onto Praia Fluvial da Quinta do Barco for some lakeshore swimming and cafe for ice cream and coffee. A beautiful day, 30 degrees in mid September! Soaking up every last ray of sunshine to heal my body from my ongoing tooth drama. I am so proud of Teanna for learning to swim in Croatia. Hubby is now teaching her how to dive and I caught her first attempts at diving on video, absolutely hilarious! It’s awesome to wild swim with my gorgeous daughter. Precious mother and daughter moments. I reckon by next year she will be diving off the high rocks at river beaches with the locals and giving Tom Daley a run for his money. I would join her if I didn’t think I’d lose my bikini on the way down!

Hubby is on toilet patrol – Holding the door closed for us ladies to pee pee as the lock was broken (ha ha)

Praia Fluvial da Quinta do Barco

After our glorious waterfall experience we stopped off at a river beach to enjoy a swim. Now that Teanna can swim she wants to learn how to dive so hubby gave her some diving lessons and she attempted her first dive here. It was hilarious and we had so much family fun.

Fraga da Pena

Family fun enjoying the simple things in life that nature has to offer. After work card games “Exploding Kittens” – The rude edition of course (ha ha) at Fraga da Pena. How lucky are we to live just 15 mins from this glorious waterfall in the heart of the Serra do Açor. This waterfall is a beautiful and tranquil place for solitude, prayer and reflection.

Mother & Daughter Pamper/Chill Out Time

Due to my surgery being cancelled we had plenty of free time whilst hubby had to work so we enjoyed some much treasured Mother and Daughter time in our little casa garden. I think Teanna was impressed by our beautiful views but way more impressed with my creative art project I surprised hubby with when he returned from his work trip to the U.K: My wonderful garden pink titties (ha ha).

My Mermaid Girl – Poço Azul & Poço Negro

This was Teanna’s favourite place out of all our wonderful day trips (Poço Azul). We have visited before but not during August so never been brave enough to venture in the “Muito Frio” water before. We climbed down to perfect spots on the rocks, simply pure, and heavenly. Leftover party food = the best ever picnic. Making more treasured memories with my family. What made it so special was the fact that somehow Teanna managed to learn to swim since her 2021 visit. She kept her new aqua therapy a top secret to surprise us. Last year we could only venture to local river beaches where she could reach the bottom and there were lifeguards on hand so this made our 2022 holiday together very special and a magical treasured memory. It means we can venture to idyllic remote rugged spots with crystal clear waters and wild swim together which is absolutely precious. Next year we might even be brave enough to hold hands and jump from the high rocks like the Portuguese locals! I had better buy a sturdy full coverage bikini that stays on or maybe I will jump “Au Naturel” (ha ha). I am drugged up to my eyeballs and have a cocktail Helen hangover but still having awesome FUN with hubby and my favourite girl.

Can you spot the man diving in? He is braver than me (ha ha)

Our Last Day in Porto

We re visited the stunning Foz do Douro for a stroll alongside the ocean, enjoyed a perfect picnic in the park with yummy Portuguese sweet and savoury pastries from Tavi (a super posh confeitaria) and I won 1st prize at Mini Golf! I’m not sure how especially as I was very poorly. It was great that we got to play on the other golf course. I think this is the professional course as it’s the course that the club team plays on and you are not allowed to stand on the actual course areas so you have to learn across which is hard as I’m a short ass. A lovely man took our photo at the end on the podium and I got to wear the medal around my neck and hold the 1st prize trophy! Then we took a short drive to view the tidal pools of Leça da Palmeira and chill out at the beachside bars. Without a shadow of a doubt, if my next airport run is during the summer, I am going to return to Leça da Palmeira and spend a relaxing sunny afternoon at the Piscina das Marés. It only costs a €5 for half a day, what a bargain. A total serene and glorious last day together and picture perfect end to our final mother and daughter time. I miss her already.

The Winner Takes it All

I rarely win anything! I am embracing the exhilaration of victory! (ha ha).

Magical Alice – Porto Botanical Garden

I always hang around until I know Teanna is physically on the plane, it’s a mum thing, once a mother, always a mother! Then hubby and I visited the Botanical Gardens in Porto which has an amazing exhibit: Magical Garden Alice. I LOVE Alice in Wonderland so I was super excited to attend this wonderful fantasy delight. It is an evening event in the dark and a magical experience which tells the story of Alice in Wonderland, an illuminated journey through walkable paths with giant sculptures, pretty lights and music galore. It’s a shame Teanna missed it. For a bargain special price of €8 you also get to visit the Museum, I had way too much fun with the bunnies! I wrote a separate post on Magical Alice, you can find it here: https://casavalhal.com/an-evening-trip-to-alice-magical-garden-porto-botanical-garden/

Farewell Message from Teanna

I am leaving this beautiful heartfelt message on my chalk board until Teanna visits next year. If anyone rubs it off they will die a painful death and I have plenty of places in my little garden oasis that would make the perfect burial site (ha ha).

Final Message to my Nata Girl

To my gorgeous Daughter Teanna,

Making memories with you is my favourite thing to do!

Time is precious, spend it with the ones you LOVE!

Hi, I'm Helen

MY DAUGHTER’S SUMMER VISIT 2022