Glimpses of a European Autumn 🇵🇹🇧🇪🇫🇮🇸🇰🇵🇱🇪🇺

01/12/18 04:56

October 2017 brought me back to Europe for my holidays, and I couldn’t have been more excited. Autumn in Europe has always been one of my favourite times of the year—the changing colours of the leaves, the crisp yet pleasant temperatures, and the opportunity to slow down and enjoy familiar surroundings with loved ones. This particular break was exactly what I had hoped for, filled with wonderful moments and meaningful experiences.

My journey began with a quick visit to Helsinki, during my layover to Poland. Even though it was a brief stop, I enjoyed soaking in the cool Nordic atmosphere and marvelling at the city’s orderly charm. Walking around the streets, seeing the iconic white cathedral and the bustling harbour, reminded me why I always enjoy stopping by in Finland.

Once in Poland, I cherished the time spent with Mum and my brother’s family in Nowy Sącz. It’s always a joy to return home and reconnect with familiar places—Stary Sącz, Krościenko, and Czorsztyn, each offering their own special charm. Whether it was walking through the old streets of Nowy Sącz or enjoying the tranquillity of the Pieniny Mountains, the Polish autumn landscape did not disappoint. A highlight of this trip was crossing the border into Slovakia to visit the picturesque town of Bardejov, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautifully preserved medieval centre. Strolling through the market square, lined with colourful houses and the impressive basilica, felt like stepping back in time.

One of the most exciting parts of the holiday was travelling with Mum and Krzyś, my nephew, to Portugal, where we had the opportunity to explore some incredible places beyond Óbidos. We started in Caldas da Rainha, a vibrant spa town famous for its thermal springs and artistic heritage. The town’s lively fruit market, set in the charming Praça da Fruta, was a feast for the senses, offering an array of fresh produce, regional delicacies, and handmade crafts. The park surrounding the thermal hospital, Parque Dom Carlos I, provided a serene escape, with its leafy paths, lakes, and sculptures adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

Our next stop was Foz do Arelho, where the Óbidos Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique landscape of calm waters on one side and crashing waves on the other. We strolled along the sandy beaches, admired the rugged cliffs, and enjoyed some delicious seafood at one of the local restaurants overlooking the lagoon.

One of the most captivating places we visited was Nazaré, a coastal town known for its deep-rooted fishing traditions and dramatic scenery. It was fascinating to see the contrast between the lower town, bustling with tourists, and the upper town, Sítio, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the Miradouro do Suberco. The highlight of the visit, of course, was learning about the famous giant waves that attract surfers from around the world and witnessing the local women dressed in traditional seven-layered skirts, a testament to Nazaré’s enduring cultural heritage.

To add a touch of medieval charm to our trip, we ventured to Alcobaça, home to the grand Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery’s impressive Gothic architecture and the poignant love story of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro buried within its walls added a romantic and historical dimension to our journey.

After our time in Portugal, I wrapped up my trip with two days in Brussels for work. Despite the professional agenda, I took the opportunity to revisit some of my favourite spots in the city, such as the Grand Place and the European Quarter. Catching up with colleagues and enjoying a few delicious Belgian treats was the perfect way to end my European adventure.

This autumn break truly offered the best of everything—quality time with family, exciting explorations, and a wonderful blend of familiar and new experiences. It was a refreshing and heartwarming reconnection with Europe and the people I love.

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Glimpses of a European Autumn 🇵🇹🇧🇪🇫🇮🇸🇰🇵🇱🇪🇺