The Infamous “Trip That Almost Wasn’t”: My Lifetime World Experience!

Hey Love, bring on your sunny glow….

Alright folks, gather ’round, because I’ve got a tale to tell that you definitely won’t want to miss! Remember that story I promised you about my trip?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying. See my full disclosure policy for additional information. 

Well, in this video, I’ll take you back to when I landed in Madrid and teased you about a story so juicy, it made me wonder why I wanted to share that! So, grab your glass and click that link, so you don’t miss the trailer. Ah, the infamous “trip that almost wasn’t”! What about a lifetime world experience?

How It All Started

Now, picture this: three years ago, I was living a very different life. I had other plans, dreaming of gallivanting across Portugal with my trusty companion in tow. But as they say, life is like a rollercoaster, you never know when you’ll encounter a twist and turn! Plans changed, emotions wavered, excuses piled up, and suddenly, my dream trip, among others, was just that… a dream. Some dreams run deeper than others, their roots digging in and causing more turmoil. It was a tumultuous time, and it got the best of me for a while.

But hey, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? Well, I say, why stop at lemonade? Let’s squeeze every last drop out of those lemons and whip up some desserts, too. How about some lemon pies? Click that link to my youtube video for more insights.

Let’s make the most of what life throws our way. And boy, did I get a few unexpected bad lemons thrown my way. From ‘will it, won’t it,’ ‘should I, shouldn’t I,’ to a dark room of silence, I was stuck in a whirlwind of indecision that would make even the most seasoned fortune teller scratch their head in confusion. I can understand why someone might have labeled me wishy-washy. I must have appeared like a derailed train wreck back then. But a train can only derail on defective rails, right? I assume so… but that’s beyond the point right now. It’s almost as if indecision is contagious, isn’t it? But you know, we all have our moments of uncertainty, don’t we?

The Reality

Nonetheless, after countless rounds of random nonsense, different versions of ‘maybe next time’ and ‘I’ll go when pigs fly,’ I finally ran out of excuses and patience with the theatrical scene my life had become. It was time to take action, to step out of the shadows of indecision and into the spotlight of decisive living. Portugal was calling my name, and I couldn’t ignore the siren song of custard tarts, port wines and fado music any longer. But wait, there’s more! Because why stop at one adventure when you can have three? Enter Spain and Morocco, stage left, with their tantalizing tapas and vibrant markets. It was like the universe was saying, “Hey girl, go big or go home!”

And let me tell you, once I set my sights on that itinerary, there was no turning back. Portugal, Spain, Morocco, oh my! The excitement was palpable, the anticipation tangible. So, because this rollercoaster ride of indecision is about to take a thrilling dive through the streets of Lisbon, the alleys of Marrakech, and the tapas bars of Madrid, hold on tight, and don’t forget to click those links for the full scoop—I promise it’s worth it!

A woman with no plans, on a trip that almost wasn’t!

The Plunge

In just 20 days, I became a real-life globetrotter, racking up more airline miles than a migrating bird! Seven flights, three train rides, and a surprise in every travel package—okay, maybe not an unexpected visitor in my front door, but you get the idea… And let’s not forget the six hotels that became my home away from home (or should I say, my home away from adventure). But here’s the kicker: despite flying solo, I never felt alone. Loneliness was too busy trying to find its way onto someone else’s itinerary. And as for fear? Well, it didn’t even bother showing up to the departure gate. I was too busy getting lost in writing my blog or reading my books. Only peace and good vibes allowed here!

The Expected to Unexpected

The magic of travel is real; the kindness of strangers, the unexpected twists, and the cosmic dance of blessings were unmatched! From the moment I stepped onto that plane bound for Madrid, it was as if the universe had conspired to shower me with its goodwill. And oh, how it continued to bless me at every turn throughout my journey. It was like I had my own personal fan club following me around, ready to lend a hand or share a smile at every turn. From meaningful connections to spontaneous acts of goodwill, it was as if the universe was saying, “Hey, girl, keep doing what you’re doing! You’re on the right track, just don’t sweat the small stuff, and focus on the good stuff!”

Imagine this: stranded in the Moroccan desert late at night, nervously searching for my elusive driver. Fear threatened to consume me, but somehow, my spirit remained untouched. It was as if an invisible force shielded me from its grasp, refusing to let it breach my inner sanctuary. But just when I thought all hope was lost, angels in human form appeared. Strangers rallied to my aid, their sincerity shining through like a beacon in the darkness. They patiently reassured me, their actions speaking volumes about the power of kindness and the resilience of the human spirit.

And then, a stroke of luck—a young woman from the bus, someone I had barely noticed before, stepped forward to vouch for their authenticity. It was a moment of pure magic, a testament to the profound connections that can be forged in the most unlikely of circumstances. So yes, I am telling you, let patience be your virtue, and trust in the goodness of humanity. For in the tapestry of our adventures, it is often the kindness of strangers that weaves the most beautiful threads.

So here’s to the whirlwind adventures, the unexpected detours, and the moments that make you pinch yourself to check if it’s all real. Because when life hands you a ticket to ride, you better grab it and enjoy the journey—passport stamps, hotel keys, and all (oh ,you will need some money too, for sure)!!

Picture this…. Obrigada! (Lisbon)

Spain: Calming Charm

My world classroom experience was like a rollercoaster ride through Madrid and Lisbon. I had teachers from more cultures than I could count, each with their own unique lessons to impart. When I set off on this adventure, I vowed to savor every moment and limit myself to just two drinks a day. Well, let’s just say that promise went the way of last night’s tapas—down the hatch! But hey, who needs rules when you’re on a journey of a lifetime? This trip taught me to take life one sangria, one vino verde, at a time and enjoy the ride with an open mind…. hangovers included!

Believe it or not, Spain wasn’t exactly at the top of my travel wishlist. I mean, I had my eye on that picturesque European capital, you know? But boy, was I in for a surprise! What I thought would be a quick pit stop turned into a full-blown love affair with Spain. Madrid, Segovia, Toledo—you name it, they all stole a piece of my heart. The people, the food, the culture—everything just clicked. And hey, speaking Spanish definitely didn’t hurt! It reminds of Italy, but the language definitely was a bonus. Spain was like a breath of fresh air, setting the perfect vibe for the rest of my adventures. Who knew just a couple days could turn into this beautiful thing!

Morocco: My Sweet Scare

Ah, Morocco—what an adventure! Landing in Africa felt like stepping into a whole new world, but Marrakech had its own surprises in store. It’s funny how sometimes it felt like the heart of Africa, and other times, like a world apart! But hey, that’s the beauty of travel, right? You roll with the punches and embrace the unexpected. Like when I had to play detective with the driver to convince him I was his pick-up at the airport. And let’s not forget the dance with the cops while waiting for the porter—talk about a plot twist! And of course, who could forget the impromptu market pit stop with the porter, lugging luggage and making small talk like old friends. Ah, the joys of travel—never a dull moment!

Ah, the land of beautiful riads and persistent market vendors! It’s like stepping into a delightful maze where every corner offers a new adventure, whether you’re ready for it or not. I mean, you can’t take a stroll without being serenaded by offers to buy everything under the sun! But hey, as long as I wasn’t being whisked away by some overzealous salesman, I figured I was doing okay.

So, I thought I’d add some desert spice to the mix and booked an excursion to Agafay desert. Little did I know, time is just a suggestion in Marrakech! I found myself playing hide-and-seek with my excursion driver, who apparently had his own clock ticking somewhere in the dunes. After a wild cab chase, we finally caught up with him, only to find out that not all activities were included in the package. Talk about a desert disappointment!

And let’s not forget the grand finale: my riad owner’s promise of a motorcycle pickup turned out to be as reliable as a mirage in the desert. So there I was, wandering the labyrinthine streets, praying that Google Maps would magically guide me home. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. But fear not, my friends, for in the chaos of it all, I stumbled upon a hero in blue—a trusty police officer who saved the day with directions so precise, they could rival any treasure map.

Ah, Marrakech, you may have left me with a few tales to tell and a couple of lost hours, but hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?

And as I boarded my flight with Air Maroc, where time is merely a suggestion (not only they boarded late, they waited for late passengers…. do I need to say more?), I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Marrakech’s quirky charm following me all the way to Lisbon. But amidst the chaos, there was magic to be found. Marrakech’s unique charm and unforgettable experiences made every challenge worth it.

And as I bid farewell to the bustling city, I couldn’t help but feel excited for what lay ahead: PORTUGAL, with its promises of new adventures and discoveries. Marrakech may have thrown me for a loop, but it only added to the thrill of the journey.

Portugal: My Main Dish

Well, well, well, if it isn’t Portugal—my main course, my pièce de résistance! It’s no secret, I’ve been eyeing this country for years, and let me tell you, folks, finally setting foot on Portuguese soil felt like coming home. Or maybe it was just the jet lag talking… who knows?

But from the get-go, it was clear that Portugal wasn’t playing around. I mean, my very first dinner at a black-owned restaurant? Talk about starting off on the right foot! The owner’s warmth and welcoming demeanor set the perfect ambiance. I was pleasantly surprised when she joined me at my table with shots of her national Cape Verde rum, whenever she had a moment. Soon enough, I found myself exchanging travel tips with fellow patrons, feeling like old pals chatting over coffee at a Starbucks.

What a delightful surprise it was! Imagine strolling through the lively streets of Portugal and stumbling upon a chance encounter sweeter than a Lisbon afternoon’s pastel de nata. There she was, a young woman from Haiti, crossing paths with me as if we were long-lost friends reunited after years apart. Her genuine warmth and kindness were like a breath of fresh air amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It felt as though we had known each other for ages, sharing stories, laughter, and even indulging in a few pastel de natas as we wandered through Lisbon’s charming alleys together. Isn’t it funny how life has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected ways? In the midst of unfamiliar surroundings and amidst a sea of strangers, I found a kindred spirit who touched my heart in ways I never anticipated. And for that fortunate encounter, I’ll always be grateful.

From dawn till dusk, and sometimes well into the night, there was never a dull moment in this vibrant country. Starting off the day with a walking tour through the winding streets of Lisbon, where every corner reveals a new piece of history or a hidden gem of architecture. And let’s not forget the group dinners, where strangers became friends over plates of mouthwatering Portuguese, Afro-Portuguese cuisine, accompanied by lively conversations and plenty of laughter. But wait, it gets better! How about a jazz soiree in a dimly lit bar, where the music transports you to another era and the atmosphere is as smooth as a glass of port wine? Or perhaps a private dinner at the residence of a local chef, where every dish is a work of art and every bite a revelation of flavor?

And let’s not overlook the natural wonders of Portugal, from the breathtaking coastline to the lush greenery of Sintra. Who could resist the allure of tasting port wines in Porto, or feeling the spray of the Atlantic Ocean at the westernmost point of Europe? And of course, no trip to Portugal would be complete without indulging in the culinary delights that the country has to offer. From crispy codfish balls to fresh sardines grilled to perfection, every meal was a feast for the senses.

So whether I was exploring ancient castles, savoring local delicacies, or simply getting lost in the cobblestone streets of Lisbon or Porto, one thing was for sure: Portugal had captured my heart, and I was more than happy to let it lead me on this unforgettable journey.

Final Thoughts

What a ride it’s been! From Lisbon’s streets to Marrakech’s riads, and even the vibrant alleys of Spain, each encounter felt like a lesson in the art of living. Now, I won’t lie, I’ve always known that life is a gift. Life‘s always been a gift, but these strangers? They drove that message home like a pile driver on a construction site. And you know what? Embracing the uncertainty was the best decision I ever made.

So here’s to saying “yes” to adventure, to learning life’s lessons from the most unexpected places. Because life? It’s unexpected!

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying. See my full disclosure policy for additional information.

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