Day 3: Live.Laugh.Lagos Retreat Journal

We crowed as much as the roosters and cooed as much as the doves as we shared our guilty pleasures, daring dreams, sacred spaces and personal mantras over fresh squeezed orange juice. All while liberating ourselves from the silly self-limiting belief that asparagus is not a breakfast food.

The hammocks called some, a walk to the intermarche called others, while the goats enjoyed having a visitor or three on yet another gloriously sunny and warm morning.

“I feel like I don’t have a care in the world,” one said.

Among mountains, Roman bridges and Moorish castles were shops, friendly (some feisty) street cats, cafes, and a grand gothic cathedral. This small, slow-living town known as Silves took us back in time, dating back to the Crusaders, as we strolled (slipped) down the smooth cobblestone streets. Personal keepsakes ranged from copper tea pots to bracelets and decorative tiles.

The Oudelouca River Valley white at golden hour was followed by the tantalizing and award-winning Touriga Nacional red at the family-owned Quinta de Frances winery—nestled in the countryside among fig, pomegranate and carob trees. Hoots, utter hilarity, and high jinx ensued. Oh if grapes could talk!

“I feel like I don’t have a care in the world,” said another.

Once again, mysterious handwritten notes delighted and surprised us upon our return to the retreat grounds, each offering inspiration from a secretive and elusive author among us!

A spirited debate about possible “suspects” was the main reflection of our evening while a surprise story hour lit up faces, warmed hearts and inspired futures.

“They don’t have a care in the world,” I sighed with joy and satisfaction as I lay my head down to sleep. That’s the whole point.