Our Last Night in Cascais

Wow, I can't believe our trip has come to an end. It feels like just yesterday we were sitting in my kitchen starting this blog! We truly have had the most amazing time! All in all we spent time in seven countries with numerous layovers in other countries that I can't seem to remember anymore. The seven were Portugal, Spain, Tanzania, Canada, France, Italy and Albania. We did step foot in Kenya during our safari but I am not sure we can count that! I think all in all my favorite was France. I love the romantic feel of Paris and the beautiful countryside and who am I kidding, it's the country where we got engaged, so of course its my favorite!! Tanzania was beyond my wildest dreams and I feel so incredibly fortunate to have gone on that adventure. I HIGHLY recommend going on a safari there!!! We really enjoyed Albania and the amazing landscape, the delicious food and the hospitality of Ida's family. Also our first Albanian wedding did not disappoint-it was a blast! Italy was gorgeous and it was great to be there with my parents and my good friends Anna and Micah. Although our trip to Ottawa was brief, I really enjoyed it there. It is soooo clean! Our trip to Spain was so fun and it was also my first experience staying in hostels. They were not as bad as I had thought and they are definitely the way to go if you're on a budget.

Portugal, Portugal, Portugal. What can I say? This country is so many things to me, other than the sightseeing we have done. It's running on the boardwalk by the ocean everyday. It's waking up to sunny days, pretty much everyday! It's eating pasteis de nata and drinking port wine. It's watching english movies on Hollywood channel at 9:30pm. It's going down to the cafe and playing cards or hanging out with Bela and Fransisco. It's playing basketball in our backyard. It's being with the love of my life, everyday and all day!

We have definitely learned a lot about our relationship being here together. I am not going to lie and say it's been a walk in the park. It's stressful traveling! It's stressful being in places where you can't express yourself because you don't know the language. It's stressful not to work, I know that sounds weird, but it is. I think that this trip has made us stronger as a couple. I know it has made me appreciate how patient Graham is with me. I don't handle change well and can get pretty anxious at times, but Graham always knows the right things to say to make me feel better. I am certainly lucky to have him as my fiance and I know that if we could get through this trip together, we can get through anything life throws at us.

I'll sign off for now or else I'll keep rambling. I am excited for our future and am blessed to have had this once in a lifetime experience!!! Can't wait to see you all in America, good ol' wonderful America!!!