HI FRIENDS, Sarah here and it is JULY.
Summer is abundant and we are digging in. We are packing, sweating, living- the best kind of complete living. My kids are still in school but we took a cheeky week off to explore the Arrábida coast, south of Lisbon. Wild, rugged coastline and freezing water, baking hot sand and long, fish lunches. Here is what I packed and a few other things on my mind.
Listening to this.
The New Yorker's Critics At Large episode Summer Obsessions got me lolsing, nodding my head and sharing with multiple friends instantly, which means it is SZ approved. It got me thinking about my Summer Obsession, of which there are many, but particularly about the Summer Victoria and I were camp counsels and the soundtrack to Blow was our constant companion. It was such a fun Summer where we were just so young and idiotic, oh, to be 17!
Family Road Tripping
We jammed into the car and headed South for a week of sunshine and surf just outside the Parque Natural da Arrábida. The coastline outside this stunning national park is unworldly. I've recently learned it's a hot spot for filming car commercials to give you an idea of the appeal. Lush, mountainous and wild, but with carved out sandy beaches, perfect for kids.
We stayed at Casa da Calhariz which was recommended by my friend Anna's very discerning Dad. We rented the little self catering houses and it could not have been more perfect. Very paired back and basic with little bbq's outside for evening grilling on the grounds of a gorgeous wine estate.
Loads of gorgeous beaches to explore within the vast natural park.vWe did the ten minute walk everyday from the beach through a scenic dusty trail for lunch at Galeao in Portino, a charming seaside town at the base of an impossibly steep hill. Great for large, unruly groups and the best clam rice yet. The super famous, O Farol, is just next door. Greek island chic meets luscious Hawaiian greenery.