Visiting Family and Friends in the U.S

It's hard to believe over three years have passed since we packed up a few belongings, said goodbye to family and friends, and embarked on our journey to become residents in Portugal. Since moving to Portugal, our travels back to the US are centered on visiting family and friends. It’s a chance to reconnect, share stories, and create new memories. There is never enough time to see everyone, but we made a valiant attempt this trip. People often ask us what we miss the most about having moved from the US to Portugal. Family and Friends top the list.

The Journey Begins

A short 2-hour and 50-minute flight from Faro to London, followed by a long 11 hours and 20 minutes from London to Los Angeles, totaling 17 hours of travel time, including layovers. It was a long journey, but the anticipation of spending time with family and friends made it bearable. The lie-flat seats were great, and the airplane food wasn't bad either.

Landing in Los Angeles around 9:00 PM, a few minutes early, we were through immigration relatively quickly, collected our bags, and headed out to the chaotic traffic circle and waited for the rental car shuttle. The new rental car complex, a short ride from the terminal, is impressive. Spacious and large, it seemed like overkill, but it handled those who were there efficiently. Once the new rail connection from the terminals to the Rental car center and massive new parking garage are complete, LAX will once again be an easy airport to maneuver.

We picked up our car and were off to experience the iconic LA traffic on the way to our visit with the Palominos in Whittier. Upon our arrival, we received a warm welcome from the entire family; nothing better than reuniting with loved ones. They were kind enough to put us up in a spare bedroom for the few days we were there which was great for us because we were able to spend bits of time with everyone as they managed through their daily schedules of work and school; Jaden with his workout schedule and new summer job at Vons grocery store, Valerie recently starting her senior year in High School and Tennis team schedule, Kenia and Alex with work, and JD with his usual dog duties.

Before we moved to Portugal, we gifted them most of our furniture and household goods. It is a bit surreal to see these items in use throughout the house, but we're thrilled that they have put them to good use.

We brought everyone Portugal Football gear and managed to get them together for a photo.

Friends Terry and Tim came over to visit during our stay, and it was great to spend time with them, too. We celebrated Valerie's Birthday a little early while we were there; it's her birthday month anyway.

Kenia and Alex made some fantastic meals for us, keeping us well fed and contributing to our weight gain (in a good way). Alex was kind enough to share his pizza-making skills, cooking them on his giant Traeger BBQ. The results were delicious.

We spent an afternoon walking around a nearby lake while Jaden and Alex did a little fishing. It was more fishing and no catching today.

The typical US holiday commercialism is evident in the Halloween items on display in late August at the local Home Depot.

Of course, we were able to get our Mexican food fix on a few occasions. The Asada, Carnitas, and Chicken tacos at Bizarra Capital were as good as we remember them.

---

The next portion of our trip was in Northern California, so we headed to the Burbank Airport for a short flight to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. Of note, while waiting for our flight at the Burbank airport, we decided to have lunch in the small Guy Fieri restaurant. Lunch for two over $100 USD, with a glass of wine costing $20 USD, reminded us of how inexpensive food and drinks are in Portugal. Rarely do we spend more than 30 Euros for lunch for two (and much better food), and a glass of wine usually costs around 4 Euros. We're quickly reminded of how blessed we are for many things in Portugal.

Landing in Santa Rosa, we picked up the rental car and headed through the beautiful country roads of Sonoma wine country, and the coast on our way to see The Smiths and Hills; my mom, stepdad, sister, brother-in-law, and their dog Mazy. We missed seeing them on our trip last year, so the reunion was even more special. Much love and new memories during the few short days we had together. My nephews Matt and Nathan, along with their families, were unable to join us this trip. We understand that, with young families and in the prime of their careers, they have other commitments, but we do miss seeing them.

We rented a house in Bodega Bay as a base for the weekend with beautiful coastal views and cool foggy breezes, a welcome refresh from the summer heat in the Algarve.

Mom and Joni whipped up some great meals for us. Joni showed us her skills with sourdough. She brought several breads, brownies, treats, and made some amazing sourdough waffles. We had local Dungeness crab, too; it's the best crab ever! Should have brought larger-sized clothes!

Exploring parts of Bodega Bay, we spent one afternoon walking Doran Beach with Joni, Bill, and Mazy. Another afternoon, we visited Tides Wharf and Spud Point Marina, where we spotted plenty of wildlife, including seals sunning themselves on the docks.

A quick trip from Bodega Bay to spend time with the Bondis in Santa Rosa. I have a lot of good memories of this place, having spent time here during visits with Dad. Memories of the large extended Italian and Portuguese families, friends, and distant relatives from Dad's and our Stepmother Dee's families. For us, the town seemed to be filled with siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and acquaintances. I guess this happens when generations of the families have lived and remained here.

Dinner at the Bondis is always a treat. Michael made his special recipe Smashburger, perfect with Dee's watermelon salad and potato salad.

An afternoon wine tasting with Dad & Dee in the wine caves at nearby Deerfield winery

Great times with family in Santa Rosa.

Michaels dog Edgar, so cute.

For a bit of nostalgia, I drove through the old industrial area along the railroad tracks in Santa Rosa, stopped, and took this photo of Grandpa and Dad's old Ray-Dar distributing warehouse. A little tired looking now, but it was the home of their thriving business in its prime, holding an immense inventory of Lucky Lager, Fisher, and Colt 45 beer, along with an array of Canada Dry products.

I have fond memories of my sister Joni and me spending a few hours here while Dad worked on the occasional Saturday. We would sweep the warehouse (attempt to anyway), climb on the stacks of beer kegs in the vast industrial refrigerator, sit on the forklift pretending to drive it, and occasionally get to ride it with Dad, and punch the keys and pull on the handle of the old adding machine, wasting rolls of paper to kill time. Occasionally, we would go out on a delivery with Dad in the old, noisy, three-speed panel van, decorated proudly with the Luck Lager logo. And of course, enjoying the unlimited supply of our favorite Cactus Cooler soda.

Only in wine country...Wine barrels anyone?

...And of course, locals getting a head start on their yard decorations for Halloween

Breakfast with Dad and Michael before we departed, couldn't resist the Chilaquiles!

---

Winding down our trip, we spent the night in San Francisco with Anna Marie and finally met her new friend Mark (a great Guy!). We were greeted with much excitement by her celebrity pups Buster Posey and Bo, then caught up over dinner along the bay. San Francisco looks so much better and is quickly returning to its glory.

AM surprised me with an incredible gift. A signed Barry Bonds Bobblehead that she received while hanging out with his entourage in a suite on his recent Bobblehead night at the ballpark. I love it!

The following morning, we departed San Francisco with AM and Mark for our last stop of the trip: a quick flight from SF to Salt Lake City, to her home just outside Park City, Utah. The last time we saw her house here was at the beginning of construction. The finished product looks outstanding, designed to be a perfect space for gathering friends. AM is always such a great host, we appreciate all that she does to make people like us happy!

We had a great time on a pontoon boat at Deer Creek Lake, relaxing, laughing, and enjoying the mountain scenery.

Nothing like a little College Football (Real Time) on a Saturday afternoon while meeting new friends and whipping up AM's favorite Scotia. We learned her tricks for the best outcome, and man, was it good!

Portugal's not the only place with monuments in the center of roundabouts. This was near AM's house in Heber.

---

We had an early morning start for our return trip to Portugal. Down the hill to Salt Lake airport, where we dropped off the rental and boarded our first flight. Our route home is a 2.5-hour flight from Salt Lake City to Dallas, followed by an unexpected 4.5-hour layover in Dallas. We made good use of our extended time in Dallas, shopping and getting our last real Mexican food fix. We finally boarded the 9.5-hour portion of our journey from Dallas to Madrid, landed in Madrid, navigated through Immigration, and just made our connection to Faro. The 1.5-hour flight from Madrid to Faro was uneventful except that our luggage didn't make it. We filed a lost luggage claim, then headed home to a "Where Have You Been" greeting from Barney and Sonny. Our luggage was found and delivered to our house two days later.

As our trip progressed, we realized that it wasn't just about the places we visited or the food we ate; it was about the moments shared with loved ones. Whether it was just sitting around talking, a game night, a spontaneous walk on the beach, along the lake, or in the harbor, or wine tasting in the heart of wine country. Each experience added to the tapestry of the journey.

On the flight home, I found myself reflecting on this journey. These trips can seem a bit exhausting; the jet lag doesn't help either, but when we stop to relive the time spent with Family and Friends it far outweighs everything. The hours spent reconnecting, sharing updates about each other's lives, and laughing until our sides hurt fill my heart with joy. These moments are what life is all about—cherishing the people we love and creating memories that last a lifetime.

The journey back home was bittersweet. We were excited to return to our home in Portugal, but we knew we would miss the warmth of family and friends we leave behind in the US. We carry with us not just souvenirs, but a renewed sense of connection and love. We are filled with gratitude for the moments shared and the love that surrounds us, and look forward to the next visit, regardless of where it may be.

Until next time...