Inspired by Annie and Luis’s joint hosting, Sherry and I came up with the idea of sharing our May trip in Portugal, with our 10K race medals in tow!
So we put together our back to back meetings as a two-part “Portugal Experience Express.”
8/20 Part 1: “Run to drink!”—Our Portugal themed travel & buddy travel + 2 most Famous Portugal Policies
8/27 Part 2: How many of Portugal's 7 must-tried drinks did we savor?—Sherry & Kat’s Portual drink and food “binge” + 5 Do’s and Don’ts in Portugal
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The first week we’ll showcase our “no pain, no gain” approach to a 10K “Mother’s Day” race in a Smart City, Maia, Portugal. And why we went to this beautiful country specifically to “run”—and “drink.” How we planned and booked the trips for “buddies.”
With “themed” travels being all the rage, let’s look at why and how we travel. That leads to the next fun question: does travel make or break relationships?
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We’ll also touch upon two things that have put Portugal on the map:
In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drug use, including marijuana, cocaine and heroin.
The consumer is now regarded as a patient and not as a criminal (having the amount usually used for ten days of personal use is not a punishable crime.)
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers investors the possibility of permanent residency and citizenship after an initial period of five years.
Was it to blame for a massive housing crisis that priced out Portuguese citizens?
Useful links:
https://transformdrugs.org/blog/drug-de ... d-straight
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/po ... 024-06-04/
So much to cover, and so much to give you a “glimpse” and “taste” of Portugal. Join us on this blast of a journey!
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Discussion:
Q1. Solo Travel vs. Traveling with a Companion:
Do you think solo travel is more liberating or more challenging than traveling with a companion? Which do you prefer? Share your travel story from either a solo adventure or a trip with a companion.
Q2. Themed Travel Experiences:
Have you ever embarked on a trip with a specific purpose or theme, such as exploring art museums, indulging in gourmet adventures, hiking scenic trails, wine tasting, or fulfilling bucket list dreams? Please share your experiences.
Q3. Unforgettable Journeys:
Reflecting on your travels, what stands out as the most memorable trip you’ve taken? What made it so unforgettable?
Agenda:
6:45 ~ 7:00pm Greetings & Free Talk / Ordering Beverage or Meal / Getting Newcomer’s Information
7:00 ~ 7:10pm Opening Remarks / Newcomer’s Self-introduction / Grouping
(Session I)
7:10 ~ 7:45pm Discussion Session (35 mins)
7:45 ~ 8:00pm Summarization (15 mins)
8:00 ~ 8:05pm Regrouping / Instruction Giving / Taking a 5 Minutes Break (Intermission)
(Session II)
8:05 ~ 8:40pm Discussion Session (35 mins)
8:40 ~ 8:55pm Summarization (15 mins)
8:55 ~ 9:00pm Concluding Remarks / Announcements
Meeting Date: As shown on the Subject Line
Meeting Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Meeting Venue: 丹堤咖啡 Dante Coffee (Minimum Order $85)
Address: 台北市濟南路三段25號[MAP]-捷運忠孝新生站3號出口步行3分鐘
Important Notes:
1. We advise participants to print out the discussion questions and bring them to the meeting for reference. As for the supporting articles, feel free to print them out, as well, according to your preference.
2. We suggest that participants read the articles and think about the questions in advance.
3. Newcomers should prepare a two-to-three minute self-introduction in English to deliver when called upon by the host before the start of the discussion. The host may also ask you to give brief feedback about the meeting at the conclusion of the meeting.
4. We conduct the entire meeting in English. All participants should have at least moderate English-conversation skills and be able to articulate your ideas for each discussion question.
5. We welcome newcomers and other guests to attend the meetings and join the discussion freely for two times. After that, we hope you will consider becoming a YoYo English Club member. We charge a NT$1500 lifetime membership fee, or NT$1000 for students.