Returning to Portugal: The Journey Continues

Kindness from strangers turned friends is one of the most rewarding aspects of travel. Last year, as I wrapped up an epic journey that took me from Greece to Italy, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain, and finally Portugal, I found myself in need of a place to leave my motorcycle, “Doc,” for the winter. My friend Jordan Howard—who shares my passions for food, wine, and digital marketing—connected me with Joao through Fred, their mutual friend and personal trainer.

Joao and his wife, Rita, had just welcomed their daughter, Kika, into the world when Jordan and Fred made the introduction. After dropping my bike off at Joao’s family home, and despite the whirlwind of new parenthood, they suggested we all go to Hangar Do Peixe, a seaside fish restaurant south of Lisbon. It was one of those moments that feels almost cinematic. The Atlantic was bathed in the golden light of sunset, and the table was filled with fresh seafood, crisp vinho verde, lush Alicante Bouchet, and the kind of easy laughter that only happens in the company of good people.

Jordan and Fred joined us that evening, along with Joao, Rita, and tiny Kika bundled up in Rita’s arms. Between the stories, the wine, and the sound of the waves, I realized I wasn’t just making a practical connection for storing my bike—I was gaining a network of friends who would make Portugal feel like home. That dinner set the tone for everything that followed, and when I handed over Doc’s keys to Joao, I knew he was in good hands.

Fred, Joao, Rita, and baby Kika—this sunset dinner was filled with laughter, seafood, and unforgettable connections.

A tender moment between mother and daughter, Rita and Kika, as the sun sets over the Atlantic. Pure magic.

Joao cradles his newborn daughter, Kika, as we celebrated a sunset dinner at Hangar Do Peixe. Connections like these turn strangers into family.

Jordan, principal of digitalONDA, sharp and smiling into the camera, while Fred, the legendary trainer and holistic health coach, lingers in the background with a smirk and his thoughtful gaze. Follow Fred on Instagram: @whitefwolf. This shot captures the mood of the evening—a mix of camaraderie, conversation, and connection at sunset.

Now, nearly a year later, I’m back to pick up where I left off.

A Warm Welcome Back

After a 14-hour journey to Portugal, I arrived in Lisbon on a crisp Saturday morning to find Joao waiting for me at the airport. His smile was as warm as ever, and as he drove us to the beach, we caught up on the last 10 months. At another classic Portuguese seaside fish restaurant, Rita and Kika joined us for a long, leisurely lunch of fresh seafood, crispy fries, and vinho verde. Kika, now nearly a year old, flashed me her bright smile as we reminisced about that first sunset dinner in 2023.

Sitting there, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible connections travel brings. Joao, once a stranger, had become a close friend; his generosity, paired with Jordan’s knack for bringing people together, had made all the difference in this journey.

Fresh off a 14-hour journey to Lisbon, Joao picked me up at the airport with a smile and a warm welcome. The adventure starts with friends like these!

Rita lovingly tries to assist Kika with her meal, but this confident little one is having none of it. Kika, full of determination and mischief, takes charge of feeding herself while gleefully rearranging everything on the table just for fun.

Reconnecting in Lisbon

Back in the city, my first stop was PINOT Bar de Vinhos, where Jordan and Omar were waiting. Jordan, the ultimate connector, not only introduced me to Joao and Fred but also brought Omar into the fold during my last visit. Both Jordan and Omar share my passions for food and wine, though Jordan adds a shared history of digital marketing and technology to the mix, while Omar brings a love of music and Brazilian flair to every conversation.

PINOT is the kind of wine bar you dream of stumbling upon intimate, stylish, and focused on showcasing Portuguese wines at their finest. As the three of us sampled our way through a lineup of wines, the conversation flowed effortlessly—from reminiscing about last year’s meals to dreaming up future adventures. Afterward, Omar and I headed to Café de São Bento for dinner. Jordan had to bow out, but he promised we’d make up for it later in the week.

At Café de São Bento, the atmosphere felt timeless. With its dark wood paneling, red velvet banquettes, and warm lighting, it’s a restaurant that’s as much about the experience as the food. We ordered the legendary Bife à Café—a tender steak topped with a fried egg and bathed in a creamy sauce, served with golden fries—and paired it with a 2009 Luís Pato Quinta do Moinho, a wine so rich and complex it practically demanded conversation.

A few nights later, we made good on Jordan’s promise and reunited at Restaurante Cacué, a hidden gem in the Picoas neighborhood. Known for its authentic Portuguese dishes like razor clam rice and Azorean tuna steak, Cacué combines a cozy, welcoming vibe with serious culinary flair. Sharing this meal with Jordan, Omar, and the wonderfully friendly service crew made for an unforgettable evening.

The Road That Led Here

Before I dive into the adventures ahead, it’s worth reflecting on how I got here.

Starting in Athens, I crossed Greece before taking a ferry to Italy. From the quiet backroads of Puglia to the vibrant Amalfi Coast and then into Sicily, every mile was filled with discovery. A ferry took me to Tunisia, where the desert and markets were as vibrant as the people, and Morocco unfolded with its medinas, mountain passes, and endless dunes. After crossing into Spain and then Portugal, I reached Lisbon with Doc running loud and proud—but in desperate need of repairs.

By the time I handed Doc over to Joao last November, my bike wasn’t the only thing worn out. But the connections I’d made and the generosity I’d encountered reminded me of the humanity that underpins every adventure.

Preparing Doc and Welcoming Robb

Doc’s time in the shop has been long overdue. His exhaust system had turned into a straight-pipe monstrosity—so loud that every rev made me cringe. I packed a replacement SuperTrapp exhaust in my luggage before flying back, and Joao has arranged for his mechanic to install it, along with a full tune-up: wheel bearings, chain and sprockets, a cooling system flush, and more.

While Doc gets the attention he needs, I’m preparing to welcome my friend Robb. A seasoned adventurer with experience racing the Baja 500, Baja 1000, WRC Mexico, and the Dakar Rally (in a four-wheeled Desert Warrior), Robb is finally joining me on a motorcycle journey. He’ll pick up a Ducati Multistrada when he arrives on October 10th, and together we’ll ride through Portugal and Spain before heading to Montenegro, where he has a home.

What’s Next: Madeira and Beyond

With Robb’s arrival just days away, I’m planning a quick detour to Madeira. Known for its rugged cliffs, terraced vineyards, and fortified wine, the island offers a perfect mix of history, adventure, and culinary delights. From the famous espetada skewers to the warm bolo do caco, I can already taste what’s to come.

The Road Ahead

Doc is almost ready, Robb is on his way, and the road ahead promises discovery, adventure, and, most importantly, connection. But for now, I’m savoring these moments in Lisbon—the warmth of friends, the incredible food and wine, and the stories waiting to unfold.

Mentioned in This Post

Café de São Bento
Rua de São Bento 212, 1200-821 Lisbon, Portugal
+351 913 658 343
Restaurante Cacué
Rua Tomás Ribeiro 93 B-C, 1050-227 Lisbon, Portugal
+351 21 608 2990
PINOT Bar de Vinhos
Rua João Anastácio Rosa 4-B, 1200-693 Lisbon, Portugal
+351 213 952 242
Hangar Do Peixe
Av. 25 de Abril 21, 2825-415 Costa da Caparica, Portugal
+351 21 291 6172