A place where our time feels dramatic

I impulsively left for Portugal, captivated by the exotic beauty of the sea-blue azulejos and stone carving knots.
We shared our time, staying in an old room right on the Douro River, drawing together, eating at J.K. Rowling and Pessoa's favorite cafe, and enjoying fado performances at night, listening to the stories of the place.
Rather than searching for landmarks, we introduce a trip to enjoy Portuguese culture and art, such as a mosaic tile class where you can make objects by cutting stones into small pieces, a printmaking class where you can learn the principles of azulejo design and press, and an art experience where you can ride a tuk-tuk and admire Porto's graffiti.

Let's sit together and draw
Talk about the scenery you saw today
Laughing out loud over nothing
Every day is full of looking at each other and listening to each other
--- p.8

Azulejos, meaning 'small sparkling stones', are decorations on the walls of buildings that you will see everywhere you travel in Portugal.
It was introduced to Portugal from Moorish-ruled Spain in the 16th century and has now become a representative work of art of Portugal.
What made the trip interesting was that we had never heard of azulejos before coming to Lisbon.
The place that I was most curious about and impressed by when I came here was the Azulejo Museum.

Something that had no meaning comes to the world as one.
Columbus originally existed
Just as we were delighted to discover the continent, it is amazing that we too have discovered and come to love the culture here.

--- p.74

Of course, the daughters weren't very interested in the night view, as they were at the Santa Lucia Observatory.
He even took a bite or two of the sandwich and waved his hand.
Rather, I liked the cat I met in the alley in front of the cafe and the sound of a child singing coming from the window.
We spent more time in the alley in front of the cafe than inside.

Late night out.
The alleys of Lisbon were quiet and deserted.
But three women
I didn't feel like it was dangerous to go there.
Occasionally, people I met would greet me kindly, which made me feel at ease.
--- p.94

Before we left for our trip, we stopped by a flower shop together.
Travel destinations according to each person's taste
I bought grill supplies and a sketchbook.
Even Minso, who hates shopping, always says okay when you suggest going to a flower shop or stationery store.
We have our own rules and promises when traveling that we've made since Minso was little.
Instead of studying, I will record and remember my travels every day through a diary or drawings.
I kept this promise well even after I became a middle school student and a high school student.
There were people who looked at me with concern when I took a high school student on a trip.
But then and now, travel is always right.
--- p.124

I was about to take a picture when I heard, “Mom, your belly button...
“My belly button hurts so much!” Min-yu’s expression became increasingly distorted and she suddenly started complaining that her belly button hurt.

Where's the bathroom in the middle of the Don Luis Bridge? Minso and I wanted to take our time, enjoying the scenery and taking pictures, but Minyu kept screaming that his stomach hurt, so we couldn't come to our senses.
He cried out that it hurt so much, then calmed down a bit and said it hurt again.
Scream.
I had a feeling it was going to be diarrhea.
After much difficulty, we finally crossed the bridge, but there was no bathroom waiting for us.
I thought we should go into a restaurant, but since we had just eaten, no one was hungry.

The hill is right in front of us, so let's go just a little bit! Just a little bit! I coaxed the child and headed to the cable car.
I barely made it to the cable car station, clutching my aching stomach, but there was no bathroom in sight.

Oh my gosh! No way! I circled the cable car ticket booth with the kids, but couldn't find a bathroom.

--- p.134

The train left Porto and headed towards the outskirts.
Aveiro was closer than I thought, and as soon as I arrived, the rain stopped as if it were a lie and it was warmer than the morning, so I had to take off my jacket.
I thought about it less than ten minutes after arriving.
'I'm so glad you came.
When you're hesitating whether to go or not, it's right to go.'

--- p.190