Traveling without end time brings us into contact with people of different cultures, languages and beliefs. These encounters allow us to experience different forms of hospitality. While traveling, we are partly dependent on the kindness of strangers. It invites us to let go of our judgment and seek connection, even when we do not fully understand the other.
Wild camping Portugal
Wild camping has been allowed in certain places in Portugal since 2021. You must comply with certain rules such as not staying in the same place for more than 48 hours, not dumping waste or grey water doh!, not exhibiting camping behavior, etc. It is also not allowed in the Natura 2000 reserves . For Portugal, this means a very large part of the coastal area.
Camping behavior
We usually avoid campsites, but at the same time we do want to sit in the sun in front of the bus every now and then. Richard therefore posted a message on Facebook asking where you can go wild camping in Portugal with camping behavior. Nice with the chairs outside, without having to worry about being sent away or even worse, getting a fine.
Call on Facebook
Soon dozens of messages came in with tips where this is possible. We also received invitations from locals and people who have emigrated to Portugal. A Dutch campsite owner also responded. He invited us to stay at his campsite in exchange for some chores. The chores mainly consisted of chopping wood. That wood could be used to heat the sauna and the hot tub. We were also allowed to use it ourselves. One evening we were in the sauna and the next evening we were in the hot tub under the full moon. It was as if we had booked a wellness! As a thank you, we baked an apple pie in our Omnia oven.
On a mountain in the mud
We also received an invitation from a German couple to come and stand on their terrain. The terrain was in full development and everywhere there was a big mud pool, but that did not spoil the fun. Globus 2 could stand on a mountain, the chairs could be put outside and we had a beautiful view over a beautiful valley. We were spontaneously invited for pumpkin soup with delicious soft home-made yoghurt bread. As I write this, my mouth is watering again. Germans and baking bread, it remains a golden combination.
Madrid
On the way back we decided to visit our Weleda colleague David. He invited us to eat together with his family. We had already figured out that the Spanish do not sit at the table at 18:00. We had therefore already had some sweets to satisfy our initial hunger. Around 20:30 his wife was not home yet, nor were the children. David himself did not make any moves to start cooking. When he asked us what time we normally eat, he was shocked by the answer. He quickly called his wife and an hour later we were sitting at the table with delicious tapas dishes. We also received a large bag of Spanish (Christmas) sweets to share with our family in the Netherlands.
Warm feeling
Hospitality is more than opening a door and offering a cup of coffee. It is also about conveying a feeling, a warmth that lingers long after you have left as a guest.
Hospitality is not what you do, but how you make people feel”
This quote captures the essence of hospitality. It’s not about grand gestures or perfect etiquette, but about the art of genuine welcome. A friendly smile, a listening ear, or offering a favorite snack; these simple things have the power to make someone feel warm.
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Social Media
We are sometimes surprised by the reactions that people leave on our messages. Especially on Facebook, for example. Most reactions are extremely nice and encouraging, but there are also quite venomous ones. Why do people do that? It provokes us to react negatively and defensively, but who does that do any good? We can really appreciate the encouraging, complementary and friendly reactions. This is also a form of hospitality that gives us a warm feeling.
Where are we?
It is already mid-December and we are busy with all kinds of chores on Globus 2 and with meeting up with friends and family. In addition, we are fully engaged in preparing for our next trip. Morocco and Eastern Spain. Blogs and vlogs from others are really a very useful tool. As usual, the festive month flies by, before you know it we are on a camel in Morocco.
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