Chasing the Dreams: Chapter 7
As the summer sun graces Finland, Biomimicry Granada takes a well-deserved break, creating the perfect opportunity for a journey back home. However, before bidding farewell to the vibrant streets of Granada, I had a few weeks of internship left. The work continued, focusing on creating a visual frame and promotional content for an educational platform called Change Makers.
Amidst the daily routine, a significant milestone approached – my thirtieth birthday. Unbeknownst to me, a grand surprise awaited. My partner had orchestrated a road trip from Granada to Portugal and back, ensuring that both work and adventure could seamlessly coexist along the Portuguese roads.
As the weeks at the office swiftly passed, the day arrived to embark on our adventure. We picked up the car from Malaga, drove back to Granada to load it with camping gear, and, of course, our faithful travel companion, Hippu – the brave yet skittish travel dog, who managed to be scared of her own shadow. What could possibly go wrong?
That evening, our aim was simple – cross the border, find a suitable spot to rest for the night, and catch up on some much-needed sleep. The first and second goals were achieved effortlessly, thanks to handy apps guiding us to perfect caravan stops. However, the third goal of a good night's sleep in a car with an anxious dog proved to be a challenge. Later on the trip, Hippu turned out to be a seasoned travel buddy, but that night, every gust of wind became a monster waiting in the bushes outside.
Despite the fatigue, the morning by the beach looked enchanting. We parked near the sea, had a picnic breakfast, and set our course along the coastline from south to north Portugal. Our journey alternated between camping in the car and indulging in a few nights at hotels, especially in bustling cities like Porto and Lisbon. Mostly camping, though, because budget.
For my birthday, after a series of unfortunate incidents with hotels, a delightful surprise awaited us. We stumbled upon a magnificent hotel nestled in Portugal's winery area. This unexpected gem, situated in the mountainside of Douro, kept the birthday surprises coming.
Working in the car became a familiar routine, with remote work seamlessly fitting into the mornings and drive time. The trip unfolded, offering countless magical moments, turning work on the road into a shared adventure. The experience confirmed my goal to be geographically independent in the future.
The 2000-kilometer road trip revealed the beauty of South Europe's dog-friendly atmosphere, a stark contrast to our experiences in Spain. It taught us to trust the road, leading us from mold-infested hotels to hidden treasures like the vineyard in Portugal. It showed us that future goals are reachable and realistic.
Returning to Granada felt comforting. I had a few days left in my internship before heading to Finland for the summer.