There is nothing like experiencing something for the first time. The anticipation, the unknown, the unexpected. Traveling somewhere new is a continuous stream of firsts. Traveling somewhere that is completely unfamiliar, has been portrayed as other worldly in films, has a subpolar oceanic climate and never ending days gives you firsts that are simply unrivaled. 
Tagged: family vacation, Golden Circle, Iceland, midnight sun, Reykjavik, travel
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and a historic, UNESCO-listed “Invicta” (undefeated) city known as the birthplace of the nation’s name and its famous Port wine. We stayed right in the city and spent most of the two days we were there walking everywhere, in and down alleys and past charming cafes, wonderfully surprised by the colors and age of every building.
The Douro River Valley in northern Portugal is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region (since 1756) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its dramatic, terraced vineyards along the river.
With fully intact 13th century walls, Obidos passed through the hands of the Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Moors, was given as a gift from King Dinis I to Queen Isabel in 1282 and for 550 years remained the property of Portugese queens who sponsored the construction of churches, town improvements, and a 16th-century aqueduct and by surviving the 1755 earthquake is now a storied town housing 3,100 inhabitants within it’s historic walls.
Lisbon is the second oldest European capital and has been the capital of Portugal since 1255. Known as a town of seven hills, the windy, steep streets give way to stunning viewpoints around the city.
Fresh Sesh is the freshman, Class of 2029’s, Spring semester showcase. All works are choreographed and performed by the freshman class. The chemistry and friendships that have so quickly formed are evident as not only the dancers moved together in the pieces but as they transitioned from piece to piece, flowing from one work of art to another, giving from their own to each other. As their professor d. Sabela Grimes remarked, this performance is about community first.