Discovering Lisbon: Vintage Markets, Scenic Views & Unforgettable Food We recently spent a couple of days in Lisbon, Portugal, and it completely captured our hearts. This city is full of contrasts—historic charm meets urban edge, where crumbling tiled buildings stand proudly alongside trendy cafes and creative restaurants. Even with only a Monday and Tuesday to

Riding Out the Rain in Central Portugal Our latest housesitting adventure (TrustedHousesitters) took us to a tranquil hillside retreat just outside Oliveira do Hospital in Central Portugal. Surrounded by green valleys and rolling mountains, the home was beautiful—even in less-than-ideal spring weather. A Scenic Hideaway with Mountain Views Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views,

Exploring Coimbra: A Step Back in Time at the University Palace While housesitting in Central Portugal, we made a day trip to Coimbra, a city known for its deep cultural roots and academic prestige. One of the highlights of our visit was a guided tour of the University Palace, located at the heart of the

Piódão: A Walk Through Time in Portugal’s Fairytale Village Tucked deep within the Serra do Açor mountains in central Portugal is a village that feels like it belongs in a fairytale. Piódão, known for its slate-stone houses, blue-trimmed windows, and winding cobbled streets, is one of Portugal’s most picturesque and historic mountain villages—where time seems

A Quick Stop in Aveiro: Color, Canals, and Coastal Flavor On our way to a housesit in Oliveira do Hospital, we took a quick detour to Aveiro, often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal.” With its charming canals, brightly painted boats, and unique blend of architectural styles, it turned out to be a memorable

Porto, Portugal Moments: Food, Fado, and the Flow of the Douro Nestled along the Douro River, Porto is a city of layered charm—vibrant buildings, iconic bridges, and the lingering aroma of port wine winding through its ancient stone streets. In just a few days, we soaked up postcard-worthy views, incredible meals, and unforgettable moments. Here’s

Montpellier: Sunshine, Students & Street Vibes We absolutely loved our time in Montpellier! The train brings you straight into the heart of the city, and from there, it’s incredibly easy to explore thanks to the efficient tram system and pedestrian-friendly streets. After the cold, windy days in Carcassonne, the warm weather felt like a gift.

Eleven Nights in Carcassonne: Housesitting, Vineyards, and Hidden Gems We spent nearly two wonderful weeks housesitting (TrustedHousesitters) in Carcassonne, caring for Guinness, a lively and lovable Standard Poodle. Our stay offered the perfect blend of scenic walks, rich local cuisine, and day trips to some of southern France’s most captivating sites. Vineyard Walks, Lakeside Views, and