I was born and raised in Lisbon, a city that shaped my sense of identity and belonging.
I feel Portuguese in the way I experience emotions – with intensity and depth. There’s a reason why “saudade” is a word that only exists in portuguese. Is expresses a profound emotional state, a mix of longing and love for something or someone that’s no longer there, that is part of our cultural DNA.
I think everyone should leave their home at least once to grow, to be challenged, to expand their world. There is so much to learn beyond our borders. I need movement, contrast, and newness, and that’s something only the world can offer me.
Traveling makes me feel like time has stopped. It disconnects me from responsibilities and reconnects me with myself. The first time I travelled alone was a turning point in my life. I took those days not just to explore a new place but to enjoy my own company – to truly be with myself. It was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done. I came back with a feeling that I could do anything and realizing that independence is not just about being alone, it’s about being whole on your own. That experience gave me the kind of confidence that stays with you and reminds you, no matter where you are: you’ve got this!
The hardest part is booking the trip. Once that’s done, the rest flows and the adventure begins. Pack your bag, take a deep breath, and go. You’ll come back with stories, with strength, and a sense of freedom that only comes from stepping into the unknown. Don’t wait for fear to fade (it rarely does). We only regret the things we didn’t do, so go, even if your hands shake, go because the world is too big and life is too short. One day you’ll thank yourself for being brave.
What has surprised me the most in the trips I’ve taken so far is the unexpected kindness of strangers. Despite the cultural differences, I’ve found that we all share common experiences – we laugh, we love, we get lost and try to find our way again. The connections we make are what truly matter.
Travelling has shown me both the beauty and the harsh realities of the world, and it continues to reshape my perspective. While there is still much work to be done, l am reminded that kindness, empathy, and hope exist everywhere and that each of us has the power to make a difference.
One of the local people who left a lasting impression on me was a couple I briefly spoke to in Key West, Florida. The man carried his partner into the sea with, once she was too weak to walk, and only later did I realise she was terminally ill. The way they looked at each other, with so much love and tenderness, strucked me deeply. It reminded me that while I cherish my independence and often enjoy being alone, human connection is what truly sustains us, especially when life becomes fragile.
Also, in Singapore, I spent time with three amazing women from completely different countries, languages, and life paths. Despite our differences, we found instant connection and strength in one another. That experience reminded me of how powerful women can be when we come together and how shared energy and presence can transcend culture and distance.
When it comes to knowledge, live as if you were going to live forever: keep learning, growing, and taking care of yourself.
When it comes to everything that makes life worth living, live as if you were going to die tomorrow: don’t leave anything unsaid, undone, or unloved.