Travels with Heart: Both side of the Atlantic

By Annie Bowler September 1, 2026 Volume 37

What’s the best place to head after many wonderful celebrations and too many late nights? To the beach, of course!

Knowing that, John and I headed to the charming Southern Portugal town of Tavira; we found to be ideal place to wander on its cobbled streets, hang out on its shady plazas and enjoy ice cream. One day we took the ferry downriver for a lazy afternoon of sun, sea, and sand on the natural preserve island called “Olha de Tavira.” Another day we kayaked into some beautiful, but a bit too crowded, sea caves.

We especially enjoyed the 160 year old Tavira House Hotel, with its friendly, helpful staff and its modern yet historic interiors. We will certainly be back Tavira!

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After a few lazy days by the sea, we headed to Lisbon, a huge, historic, and hilly city. At the advice of John’s world traveling nephew,Jay, we decided to take a Tuk-Tuk tour; we were whisked past the city’s top landmarks and monuments. We enjoyed our driver's insights about where to eat and to hear Fado music. Our guide dropped us at the door of the Banksy Museum, which was utterly fascinating and one of our favorite experiences in Lisbon!

People aren’t sure who Banksy is, but many are aware what he does! Banksy is an England-based street artist, political activist, and film director who has never publicly confirmed his identity. I find his life quite fascinating.

Active since the 1990s, Banksy’s satirical street art combines dark humor with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique. His works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls, and bridges throughout the world.

The Lisbon Banksy Museum is completely unauthorized. Local graffiti artists copied over 100 of Banksy’s work from around the world and opened a museum of his work. This may seem unethical, but it makes good sense since all of Banksy’s work aren’t authorized either. Banksy social commentary is stinging, but often on point. Banksy has been investigated by the Queen of England after he created graffiti with her as the topic.

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Another of our Lisbon favorites was to hear Portugal’s traditional folk music, called “Fado” which roughly translates to “longing.” They say this music offers a window into the Portuguese soul. One night we went to a concert hall and heard Fado musicians and singers and the next night, we ate dinner in a small restaurant, and Fado musicians were literally 5 feet from us. It’s a beautiful form of music!

I love old buildings, patterned, cobbled streets and the seeming permanence of so many things in Lisbon! Here’s a few spots I enjoyed greatly.

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Coming home after a summer trip always unnerves me as I worry about how the garden and yard has fared in the summer heat. We were pleasantly surprised! PEACHES! We had so many peaches, we ate them until we could eat no more; we also gave away, dehydrated ,and froze the rest so we will be enjoying this bounty for many months.

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You just got to experience the Flower Farm Gift shop’s Flower Field! The flower season is still going strong. The Flower Field has a lovely variety of flowers that you can cut and create a beautiful bouquet.

Our very own, Jessica Sheffield, co-owner of the Flower Farm Gift shop was recently honored as a Placer County Woman Farmer of the Year. Congratulations to Jessica! We appreciate all her hard work and creativity!

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Jessica Sheffield

During the last week of summer vacation, John and I headed to Southern California with Sarah and her kids. We spent a day at Disneyland, then at my old stomping ground of 3rd St. beach in Manhattan Beach, and then a day in California Adventure Land. We had loads of fun, but all the crowds made the theme parks a bit intense.

It’s the first time I’ve spent time at a Disneyland property with a one year-old. Since Millie couldn’t go on many of the wilder rides, one of us grown-ups stayed with her. I opted to do this a good bit and got a chance to watch people and enjoy the amazing architecture and details of each Disney property. The place is truly amazing. I just wish weren’t there weren’t so many people; it truly is a happy place!

Our trip was made extra special because we spent time with Sarah‘s longtime Friend Em and her family. As it turned out, my niece Molly, and her two kids, Sawyer and Emma, joined us at Disneyland so it was great fun to share that crazy adventure with them.

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My favorite day was at the beach. We parked at the house which my family lived in until I was 10 years old. It had a postage stamp yard; thus, we very often walked three blocks to the wide sandy beach to play.

It was great fun to watch JT bravely learn how to navigate the big waves and even catch a few of them. It reminded me of when my dad taught me as a young kid, how to body surf safe safely at this exact beach. It brought back so many memories of the fun times at this wonderful beach. I love sharing this sweet quiet beach with my family!

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