Weekly Things #17 from Porto
We're here! This one is obviously about all things Porto.
We’ve made it to Porto! Actually, it’s already been a week since we arrived in Porto and I can’t believe how time is flying by. I know as adults we say that all the time but this time it truly feels like that. I don’t know if it’s because we are really making use of our time here. Once 4 PM hits (thank you time change to home!) we leave the house and we are out all afternoon and evening. Catching sunsets, going for drinks or leaning into Portuguese dining culture with super late meals that only start at 9:30 PM.
There are many things I have been loving this week so let’s go:
#1 Cities with levels:
I am not sure if you know, but Porto is a city with many levels. The river Douro runs through a valley in the city, slicing it right in half. And while the river bank is right down in the valley, everything else is up on the hills that lead down to the river.
What that means is that inevitably, you get levels. So many levels. And I adore that about this city. For the longest time while living in Berlin, I was mourning having left the mountains behind in Canada and having left behind our downtown Calgary apartment on the 22nd floor.
What I realized I was truly missing was levels. Living in a city where you get to sit in a bar or on a patio and watch life happening below you. Taking a short walk to one of the many view points in the city to catch a sunset. The strain of walking up all these hills with the oh so sweet reward when you get to the top. To me, living in a city like that instantly makes everything feel just a bit more special. You get to look far and see more things. And: you can see the horizon. Being able to watch sunsets every day of the week gives me some sort of grounding feeling. Sunrises and sunsets provide a natural start and end to a day that help me appreciate life in a different way.
#2 A.Kjaerbede Kaws Cream Bone Sunglasses
I have owned the same pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses since 2016. They are the only sunglasses I own and they have traveled with me everywhere. I love them but they have started to look quite battered. And, their style is very classic and very simple so I thought it was time for an upgrade.
And that’s where the A.Kjaerbede Kaws Cream Bone sunglasses come in. I found them at Hallesches Haus in Berlin and instantly fell in love with the style. The frame is quite classic but the bone colour makes them more fun and stand out a bit.
My fashion style is very simple, minimalistic and classic. Through accessories like this, I can elevate my outfits and make things look more interesting without always having to add things to my wardrobe.
#3 Working and living abroad:
Living abroad yet again. This time only for a short couple of weeks. But still.
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It’s a paradox of sorts—being uncomfortable yet finding a profound sense of belonging in that discomfort. In the midst of navigating unfamiliar cultures and customs, there’s a childlike wonder that’s reignited within me, a constant reminder of the beauty and complexity of the world. It’s as if I’m rediscovering life through a fresh lens, constantly learning and adapting. Knowing that I’m capable of thriving in the face of uncertainty, figuring out the ropes of life in different corners of the globe.
That is the caption I put on an Instagram post a couple of days ago. It perfectly encapsulates how I feel about being abroad right now. I don’t know what it is about living abroad for me. I have lived abroad a couple of times in my life now. It all started with a semester abroad in the United States when during my Bachelor’s degree. I then decided to spend a year doing my Master’s degree in Wales. And then came Canada, four years of living in Calgary.
Living abroad is a whirlwind of emotions for me, a blend of excitement, anxiety, and curiosity. Every day is a journey of discovery, from navigating new streets to deciphering unfamiliar cultural norms. It's a rollercoaster of highs, like the thrill of making friends from around the world and exploring new territory and lows, like the frustration of language barriers and getting lost. Yet, amidst the challenges, there's an undeniable sense of freedom and growth, a feeling of becoming more cosmopolitan and adaptable. Living abroad is a kaleidoscope of emotions, an experience that shapes me in ways I never imagined.
Thank you for showing up here again this week. I hope you have a wonderful Friday and rest of your week. I will check in again next week. Until then, bye xx