Before we retired from teaching in Saudi Arabia, our last trip was to Spain and Portugal. We spent three weeks traveling around Spain and one week parked in Lisbon, Portugal. We mostly stayed in Lisbon but took a few trips to the wine country, beach, and surrounding towns. I knew I was going to like Portugal, but we really loved it. It is no wonder that it is a targeted vacation location and a retirement destination for many older people around the world.

Portugal borders Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of Europe’s oldest countries and was settled by the Celts, Romans, and Visigoths. It has been ruled by both Muslim and Christian powers. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it was a global maritime power with trade in Africa, the Americas, and Asia. It was under a dictatorship from the 1930’s until 1974.

Portugal is now a modern democracy with an aging population of 10.3 million people. Its capital is Lisbon, and the country's official language is Portuguese.