Portugal with Mariska Larock!

Mariska recently embarked on an eye opening adventure to Portugal. She needed a break from her hectic life as a nurse during the Covid Pandemic. This is her story:

What motivated you to visit Portugal?

Last year in September, I visited Portugal for the first time with family. We took our vacation in the Algarve region. Immediately I was overwhelmed by the dramatic coastline, the stunning seaside towns, hidden beaches, laidback vibes and of course the very friendly people. When our vacation ended, a little voice within myself told me it wouldn't be long before I'd be back. When I was back home, I started reading articles about the more southern regions of Portugal. I love beautiful coastal landscapes, the sound of the sea and birds chirping through the silence. One day, I came across an article I found on the internet about the long-distance walk in the Alentejo region (Rota Vicentina). The more I read about it, the more excited I became. I really needed some me-time after a very hectic (covid) year. I work as a nurse and you all know the pressure on nurses and other medical professions these last two years.

What did you learn about yourself during this trip?

I learned that immersing myself in nature was a perfect way to find new strength. I didn't have any issues deciding to do this trip. I only longed for peace and quiet around me, a break from the ratrace. The sounds of nature had a healing effect on me. I learned that I don't always need people around me to cheer me up or materialistic things to comfort me. When you travel solo, the focus is on enjoying and relaxing. There are no disturbing elements. You don't have to take anyone else into account. You finally have the time to do what you want and to enjoy it to the fullest! I really like photography but when you travel with family, you have to adapt to their desires and needs. It always takes a sort of a balance to please everyone. When you travel solo, you have plenty of time to organize things the way you want. It has nothing to do with being selfish. It's just about something you need to heal yourself. I also learned that traveling solo doesn't need to involve fear or stress. When you use your common sense, everything will fall into place.

What food did you eat for fuel?

First of all, the food in Portugal is fantastic!! In the Alentejo region, villages are small and there aren't many supermarkets. Usually, there are some authentic grocery stores and night shops. Shops are open till 9 pm, so in the evening after I showered I did some light shopping. I always bought some fruit to take with me during the walk. The cherries and oranges taste delicious!! I also bought water that I could cool down in the fridge of the hotel or hostel. In the morning, I did it in a thermos, so I had cold water with me all day. Almost every evening I bought a can of cold beer to enjoy just before bedtime. Temperatures were warm but acceptable. Sunny days ask for cold beers in my opinion . In the morning, I went to the local bakery for breakfast. You can buy fresh sandwiches and delicious cake together with fresh orange juice and nice, fresh coffee. Bakeries usually have tables inside and outside where you can enjoy your breakfast. Everyday I bought pasteis de nata! (a typical pastry from Portugal). I took them with me in my backpack or I put them in the fridge to enjoy them in the evening. During the walks along the coastline, there are no restaurants, except for one: restaurante A azenha do mar in Odemira. I took a meal there and it was freshly prepared as usual. The other days, I asked for a 'take-away' meal in the bakery and enjoyed it at a beautiful spot during the walk. Some hotels also offer breakfast. It's very tasty and made with fresh, healthy ingredients (like Blue Guide in Vila Nova de Milfontes). If you ask, they prepare a picnic. In the evening, I went out in the village to have dinner. There is plenty of choice to eat what you want. In almost all restaurants you can eat fresh fish dishes. The fish is still caught in the traditional way. But if you feel like eating pizza or pasta, that's also possible. In some villages, there are also Asian cuisine options.

How do you keep this feeling alive even after the adventure has ended?

I believe that adventure doesn't necessarily have to be 'grand and far away'. For me- it's important to keep my focus on the little things that bring joy to my life. Things you look forward to. If you only look forward to the big things in life, you lose a lot of adventure in the small, everyday things. It can be anything! For example: observing deer or birds in the forest early in the morning, enjoying a wellness day, taking a nice walk on the coast, having a nice day-trip with family or friends, .... It's the things that keep you in balance.

After all, life itself is an adventure.

And of course, life isn't always a bed of roses. It's important to me to find a balance between effort and relaxation. That keeps me strong, mentally and physically. I want to stay focused on the things that are important to me in life. One of them is traveling. I love to read about places or activities that interest me. I like to contact people to get more information. It's like a never ending story. It's cliché, but during a trip there are already plans for another trip. I would call it an addiction, but a healthy one . Making plans gives me a lot of pleasure and going on a trip is an adventure that gives you a lot of wisdom, both if you travel solo or in company.

I really love to immerse myself in other cultures, discover new things and places. I LOVE eating local food, learning about nature, observing animals, and having conversations with locals. These are valuable experiences and they leave a long lasting impression.

You learn to see things in a new perspective.

Some people think traveling is always expensive. It doesn't have to be! When you do some research on the internet, you find out there are opportunities to travel with the budget you have.

Today, there is a worldwide network of airbnb, couchsurfing etc. And of course, some countries are cheaper than others. The Alentejo region of Portugal where I did a part of the Fishermans trail (coastal part of Rota Vicentina) isn't expensive at all! And the people are very friendly and helpful. They even have an offer (Vicentina transfers) to bring your luggage from one place to another. Everything can be arranged on the internet. It is a pleasure to hike without a heavy weight on your back!

Having said all of this, I hope many people will enjoy (maybe a part) of Rota Vicentina in Portugal. You won't regret it! There still exist unspoiled places in the world. And you can take lots of beautiful pictures that will warm your heart when you get back home.

Whenever she needs a boost of inspiration, Mariska looks at one of her favorite quotes;

"Life is amazing and then it's awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful it's ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That's just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it' s breathtakingly beautiful."

L.R Knost

Thank you Mariska for doing such amazing work during one of the hardest times we've experienced globally. It feels wonderful knowing we have healthcare providers like you who not only give to others but understand the necessary responsibility to take care their own well being.

May you keep exploring this beautiful Earth and thrive in many more adventures!