I've been writing this blog and posting videos for just under one year now. I’ve come to learn that some people jump straight to the video and just skip the associated blog story. And that’s just fine. I love making these videos and I’m glad that people enjoy them. But I’ve also heard that some …
Continue reading Algarve, Portugal – Breathtakingly Beautiful!
This is one of those stories that really needs a prelude... I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, as many of you know from my Instagram name @YoungstownToPortugal. I attended Catholic grade school which was where I was first introduced to playing organized football. I was in 7th grade. I have the same love for football …
Those of you who remember my video from Madeira where I hiked the Pico Arierio peaks will remember a Drone video shot at the beginning. And, if you saw that, you would have seen me waving on the peak at the last moments of the drone shot. Obviously, that wasn't me operating the drone! I …
My friend Karen and her husband are really great at finding exciting things to do here in Lisbon. She is really great at organizing fantastic events for our group of expat and local Portuguese friends. She is the one who organized the Rooftop Restaurant gatherings where I keep getting to meet new friends and extend …
Madeira Island is stunningly beautiful! And, twelve days is simply not enough time to see and appreciate all of it. Luckily for me, I have friends that live there and were able to help me construct an itinerary for exactly the things that I wanted to do and the things I wanted to see. In …
Continue reading Madeira Island: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
Madeira! I've heard so much about this Portuguese island that me finally being here seems just incredible! The only way that I can describe the beauty is, it's indescribable! I'm here for my "Birthday week," hosted by my friends Derek and Maria-Renee and I can't thank them enough for showing me around this tropical paradise. …
This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in all of Lisbon! Not just for the fantastic food, exotic drinks, friendly barkeeps, the ambiance, beautiful neighborhood and great friends - OK, maybe it is all of those things! My first visit there was such an awesome experience that I've made Imprensa a regular stop. They …
Continue reading Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar, Lisbon, Portugal
On a recent trip back to the USA, I spent some time with my nephew, Sean, in Colorado, who took me on an unforgettable hike that included some very anxious moments! After a few days of crappy weather, we finally got a break. We arrived at Reynolds Ranch County Park at 9 AM and were …
While I was in Nazaré for a week last month, I seen that several of my friends on our expat WhatsApp group chat were stating that they were going back to the US for their vaccinations. Knowing that I wasn’t going to be eligible for mine, here in Portugal, until July or August, I cut my …
Continue reading My vaccine: 35K miles and a mile high – Priceless!!!
Buskers are busking, while the sun shines down on the residents of Lisbon as they run errands, shop, walk their dogs, meet friends at Cafés, or whatever. After over 10 weeks of COVID lockdown, Lisbon is starting to show signs of life, again! A little bit of normalcy is definitely a welcome thing, and so good to …
Johnny Portugal 