In the beginning the trip we traveled all around Lisbon, or Lisboa as the Portuguese say it. We saw the beautiful Santa Maria Maior and the Praca do Comercio. My favorite food was a pastry called pasteis de nata. It is made of egg custard and is the sweetest, most filling pastry I’ve ever had. I also tried a bejjingho, a coconut ball that was very sweet. Portuguese is known queijo fresco, or fresh cheese. It is creamy and delicious. I love eating it in a sandwich with tomato. I loved traveling to Evora where they are known for cork- the same material used to make wine corks. I didn’t buy anything, but I touched the clothing and purses and felt the soft material.

In Evora we also saw the Chapel of Bones. It was so peaceful and quiet. It made me think about all the different lives and all that remained is their bones. I felt the impact of many who had come before me. In Evora I had a delicious veggie bowl for lunch. It had cucumbers, avocado, purple cabbage, edamame, rice and carrot. I also drank a matcha latte. In Spain, one of my favorite meals was nachos loaded with cheese, salsa and jalapenos. I also got to try Spanish churros dipped in chocolate sauce. Overall, it was a delicious trip!
– Bea, SPC Spain and Portugal (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2025