It is always nice to be shown around a foreign place by a local. Their knowledge of where to go, where to avoid, how, at what time etc are all valuable elements in travel. Being taken to someones home town where they haven't visited is even more exciting. Walking down the streets of Armaçao de Pêra we were stopped by almost every old man and lady as they recognised the boy they once watched playing in the street. We devoured the best fish, socialised at the local bar and we even scored waves! Being on the the south coast of Portugal, close to the Mediterranean Sea this part of the Atlantic coast receives little swell. Fun waves all day.
After being home - Hossegor, France - for just one day we then flew to Sweden. Another true home of my beautiful friend. Walking around town was done in a day and just slotting into normal daily life was easy. Meeting his closest friends and family was a lot more enjoyable than sitting on a roof top bus touring the city to make sure every tourist site was ticked off. He took us to the bars he and his friends like, sat in prime people watching cafés and attempted to listen to their Swedish catch up conversations - fail!
The feeling you get when you are greeted by a person who has known the friend showing you around their home town since they were toddlers is of a special kind. They are so excited to see their unexpected friend and their happiness is infectious. Their big smile and genuine hand shake is welcoming.
I am a tourist in my own city, I would get lost too easily! I could give a tour of the Northern Beaches but anything inland or on the city side of the Harbour Bridge - tragic! I love showing friends around my home away from home. Hossegor, Bayonne, Biarritz - I will never get sick of sharing these beautiful places!
 |
| Armaçao de Pêra |
 |
| Armaçao de Pêra |
 |
| Armaçao de Pêra |
 |
| Stockholm |
 |
| Stockholm |
 |
| Stockholm |
 |
| Stockholm |
