I learned this word many years ago thanks to my dear friend Bela. It had a profound effect on me at that time, I use it and think of it often. A few days ago, another dear friend, Gina, sent me a note with that simple word “saudade” and a definition. It touched me deeply and set me to thinking and feeling things and I knew at that moment that it needed to be the title of my last blog this year. And here we are.
Saudade (Portuguese) is a profound emotional state of melancholic, nostalgic longing for an absent loved one, place, or experience. It is often described as “the love that remains,” combining sadness over the absence with the happiness of having experienced it. It differs from simple sadness by often encompassing a pleasant memory of a past joy. (or joys).
Saudade is deeply rooted in Portuguese culture, stemming from the maritime era of longing for sailors who might not return. It represents a “vague and constant desire” for something that is currently absent.
Marc and I try very much to avoid getting into “this is the last time we’ll do this or that” but try instead to simply be in the moment and not lose one precious moment of our time here with negative thought or sadness. We live such an extraordinary life with each other and our collective experiences that there isn’t any place for those feelings.
The weather today has truly been exceptional with intense sunshine, gigantic fluffy white clouds, mostly deep blue skies, and a tiny breeze to keep one feeling underwhelmed when hiking! It doesn’t get much better.
Debbie, Fred, and I headed off early for a repeat of sorts, the Fonte Benémola. It’s only about 20 minutes from here, the drive itself is always interesting and easy, and it’s only about 5 km, if one sticks directly to the trail (which we do not), allowing us to be finished before the intense heat of the day set in.
We had opted to do the trail in reverse from the normal, and the recommended, which added a “newness” to it for all three of us. That plus the fact that we are later in the season and things have exploded in terms of flora and fauna. The birds today seemed to be singing in a volume louder than normal. It was truly lovely.
I have many memories of this man, and his smile. When I first starting hiking this trail, he lived there, by himself with only his pooch to keep him company, and I remember “chatting ” with him and only “feeling” what he was telling me as I didn’t understand the language. I’m so happy somebody put that photo up.
Marc made a video of the front of our property and the gardens. It’s quite lovely and really shows the variety of flora right at our fingertips. I hope you enjoy it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jAC0YFRRdw&feature=youtu.be
Tomorrow we start our voyage back to our home in Canada. It’s going to be an early rise, and probably a long day, but we’re ready for it and know that it won’t take us very long to settle into our “Canadian rhythm” and of course there are family and friends we can’t wait to see and hug and reconnect with.
To all of you who have followed along in our adventures, who have sent comments, private message, the many face to face connections, and to those that spent time with us here in our paradise…….OBRIGADO Até breve
Beautiful as always. I enjoy every picture, every description of your smells how you feel. You always take me with you. You had a beautiful home, thanks Marc for the video. Safe travels my friend. Until we meet.
Thanks so much Maid Marion……..maybe we’ll cross paths later in the spring or early summer. I think I’m due a trip down that way. Big Hugs
It’s been a wonderful winter for us also and spending time with you and Marc has been one of the main reasons. We’ve enjoyed the hikes immensely and look forward to tackling next year’s ever growing list. Until then, cheers to a fun, healthy summer. Safe travels ❤️
Thanks so very much………I think you know it’s been the same for us. I’ll be looking forward to next years adventures.
Wishing you a wonderful summer. ‘See’ you next time xx
Thanks so much. Enjoy your summer and your wanderings
Safe home!
Thanks darlin’, see you soon
I’ve enjoyed your winter in Portugal! Have a safe trip back to Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks darlin’, Not really ready to go but will go with an open mind and heart and I know we will settle in quickly. Stay safe yourselves and continue to enjoy every moment of your voyage.
Safe travels
Thanks my friend, home safe and sound. Long day but stressless
It has been a great winter in Portugal for you and Marc, and a great winter for me every morning reading your blog as I enjoyed my Portuguese coffee…loved every photo, comment and story…you painted a glorious picture of your daily life, mimicked every sound in words and shared the scents of known and unknown very beautiful flora. And let’s not forget the food! How delicious, plentiful and well presented! I became a ‘Starvin’ Marvin’ each and every time you shared photos of your meals…I probably gained weight! LOL!
Marc’s videos were great and highly appreciated…they took your readers to another level of living vicariously through you and Marc…great fun!
Thank you for all your efforts of staying connected throughout this winter; I have an indelible Portuguese blue sky imprinted on my brain because of you and it makes me so happy!
Safe travels! Welcome home…Spring awaits you and so do I! 🤗🤗
Thank you for the lovely commentary. It’s been a glorious year in Portugal, as the blog shows. I’ve loved that so many people have been following along and offering comments, you as well.
Looking forward to seeing you two in Ottawa. You are coming back at a good time. It should be 20 degrees and sunny. Daffodils are just about to bloom. Thankfully we are not getting that Saskatchewan weather.
Thanks Donna, we are safely at home, a long travel day but very stress less and easy. Grateful for sunshine at home. See you soon