Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date: 13 October 2025

Title: Tomar, Portugal: City of Templars

Summary of Episode

Join us as we wander through the enchanting medieval city of Tomar, Portugal — one of our favorite destinations in Central Portugal! Steeped in history, Tomar is best known for its fascinating connection to the Knights Templar and the magnificent Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In this episode, we go beyond the famous Templar Castle and explore the many other gems that make Tomar so special — from the Tomar Synagogue and the scenic Nabão River Park to the city’s delicious local cuisine and the colorful Festa dos Tabuleiros, one of Portugal’s most unique traditional festivals.

We wrap up our journey with a visit to the stunning Almourol Castle and the Contemporary Art Museum in Vila Nova da Barquinha, rounding out an unforgettable adventure through Portugal’s Templar Route.

Key Topics

How far is Tomar from Lisbon?

Headquarters of the Templars

A short history of the Templars as we know it

Tomar’s Templar Castle and Convent of Christ

[10:55] Nabão River Park

[14:02] Le P’tit fraçais–(a little French) is the pastry shop

[15:20] Synagogue and Jewish Museum

[17:15] Igreja São João Baptista 

[18:45] Taverna Antiqua

[20:00] Insensato Café and Livraria

[21:30] Festa do Tabuleiros or festival of trays–correction– it is every 4 years, not every year 

[23:40] Almoural Castle

[Museum in Vila Nova Barquinha

What Tomar feels like 

What’s up next

Important Links 

To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at [email protected]

Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

Instagram

• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog posts for this episode: Tomar, Convent of Christ
• Google Map of all places listed

Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media, and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

RESOURCES & LINKS

We love discussing our adventures on our podcast, but we also share personal travel experiences on our Substack, and we're now also on Flipboard. 

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date: 27 September 2025

Title: UK Trip Part 2: Strathaven, Glasgow, and Dunblane

Summary of Episode

In this episode, we continue our trip in Scotland. We travel to Strathaven to stay, then to Glasgow, and take an overnight trip to Dunblane.

While in Strathaven, we experienced the Balloon Festival, visited local pubs, toured a fully automated farm, and spent time with family and friends. We were also able to head down and see New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Glasgow was very cool! We rode the hop-on hop-off bus, the Kelvingrove, and the Pot Still.

Dunblane was a charming surprise! We loved visiting the cathedral, the Leighton Library, the Dunblane Museum, and Doune Castle!

Key Topics

Part I : Staying in Strathaven, Scotland

[02:20]Thanks to Margaret for housing us!

[03:15] Balloon Festival of Strathhaven

[06:30] Nether Lathame Farm – a fully automated farm

[11:35] Party for Liz

[13:15] Strathaven Balloon Festival glow-up

[14:50] Great pubs: Weavers, The Strathaven, and the Drumclog Inn

[17:10] New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site 

[21:45] Part II: Glasgow

[22:30] Hop on Hop off bus

[24:00] Kelvingrove Museum–Mackintosh exhibit and the Dali painting

[26:00] Willow Tea Room

[28:00] The Pot Still

[31:00] Part II: Dunblane

[32:15] Dunblane is known for…

[34:00] Cromlix Hotel

[35:00] Dumblane Cathedral–Drummond Sisters

[37:20] Leighton Library

[41:30] Dunblane Museum

[42:30] The Tappit Hen

[43:00] Doune Castle

[47:00] Bridge of Allen

[50:20] What’s up next? 

Important Links 

To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at [email protected]

Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

Instagram

• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog posts for this episode: Glasgow, Strathaven, and Dunblane (all different posts).

Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date:  17 September 2025

Title: UK Trip Part 1: London and Edinburgh

Summary of Episode

This August, we decided to try to escape the tourists in our village and went to places where there were more tourists! We’ve become so European (ha!). 

We spent three lovely days in London with our niece, Katey, and seeing Buckingham Palace, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, walking around the Black Friars, and saw Sean Hayes at the Barbican Theater in his award winning role, Good Night, Oscar.

We then headed north to Scotland, where we spent the rest of our time exploring new cities and villages and meeting some amazing people. Check out below what we did while we were there!

Key Topics

Part 1 London: 

[03:30] Dinner at Slaughtered Lamb 

[04:38] Walked around Mayfair in London, ate at Popina, met a dog

[06:08] Buckingham Palace State Room Visit –Beth loves to talk about the Royals

[16:45] Beer drinking at Bag O’Nails  

[18:15] Dishoom Indian Restaurant–loved!!! High-quality Indian food

[19:35] Staying in the Black Friars

[20:35]  Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Wren, The Old Bell Tavern, Winston Churchill gates in the crypt.

[25:25] Good Night, Oscar at the Barbican Theater

[28:45] Cross, Platform 9 ¾, train travel and bus travel.

Part 2 Edinburgh–30:55

[32:00] Dinner at Makars Mash –highly recommend

[33:30] Edinburgh Military Tattoo–check out our YouTube video.

[42:40] Writers Museum–Highlights Scotlands best: Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott

[44:45] Howies Restaurant

For more info on Edinburgh, check out our first podcast on the city on Spotify or where ever you like to listen.

Important Links 

To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at [email protected]

Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog post for this episode–Both blog posts are updated –3 Days in Edinburgh and First Trip to London

Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

RESOURCES & LINKS

Special shout outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive with their love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts 

• A Sideways Life website and podcast
• Smoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

In this episode, we head north on a road trip through Portugal, exploring some of the most beautiful spots in Northern Portugal. With our niece Katey, we visited Aveiro, Braga, Barcelos, Guimarães, and the stunning Douro Valley wine region. Along the way, we enjoyed incredible Portuguese food, local wine, and the unique charm of historic cities in the North—so different from the laid-back vibe of the South.

A big thank you to Katelyn Boyd for joining us on this Portugal travel adventure! She’s currently looking for a new opportunity in human resources, so if you—or someone you know—are hiring, you can reach her at [email protected].

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date: 9 August 2025Title: Portugal in the Summer

Summary of Episode

In this episode, we let you know what Portugal is really like in the summer! We offer practical tips and tricks to beat the heat so you can see Portugal in all her best glory. From long summer days perfect for exploring historic cities like Lisbon and Porto to sunny afternoons on golden beaches along the Algarve coast, we share why this season can be a magical time to visit. We talk about fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables at local markets, lively summer festivals such as São João in Porto, and the warm Atlantic Ocean waters that make beach days irresistible.

We also cover the challenges—like extreme summer heat, crowded coastal towns, and high-season prices—plus how to navigate them for the best experience. Whether you’re planning a Portugal summer holiday filled with water sports on the southern coast, a road trip through central Portugal, or wine tasting in the Douro Valley, this episode will help you decide if a Portuguese summer is the perfect time for your trip.

Key Topics

[01:00] Intro to summer in Portugal and why we love it

[04:00] Why come to Portugal in the summer

[06:30] Festivals in Summer (São António, São Pedro, Medieval Festivals)

[15:30] The Douro Valley 

[16:50] The Lionel Ritchie concert in Lisbon

[18:00] the pros and cons of air conditioning

[20:45] Daylight savings is great…in the summer

[21:45] Cons of summer in Portugal –parking, more people because of reunions, some places closed, 

[24:15] Tips for coming in Summer 

Important Links 

To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at [email protected]

 Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog post for this episode: Summer in Portugal: What to expect during peak season

Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media, and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

RESOURCES & LINKS

Special shout-outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life, that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive for their love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts 

• A Sideways Life website and podcast
• Smoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date: 19 July 2025

Title: Dingle and Galway, Ireland 

Summary of Episode

In this episode, we continue our amazing road trip from Dublin to Dingle and Galway, Ireland. We discover that driving in Ireland can be harrowing, but the countryside is beautiful, the pubs are fantastic, and the baby lambs are just adorable!

Key Topics

[02:45] Suitcase fiasco, learning to drive on the left/right.

[06:00] Connor Pass (aghhhhh!)

[12:00] Dingle Town 

[13:00] Ring of Kerry–The Irish Road Trip (map and guide)

Kenmare is where the stone circle is, Torc Waterfall is what we missed, and Ladies View  was amazing (Derrycunnihy)

[19:30] Hold a baby lamb, and sheep herding demonstrations 

[25:00] Slea Head  Drive

[31:20] Drive to Galway and ferry ride and the meltdown in Galway

[13:15] Cliffs of Moher

[41:25] Hop on Hop off bus 

[42:35] Long Walk

[44:00] Eyre Square, local markets 

[45:00] Salt Hill

[45:55] Latin Quarter and the pubs, buskers, shopping

[47:00] Galic football in a pub 

[48:08] What we loved

[49:39] What we did not love (narrow roads)

[51:40] What we want to do next time  

Important Links 

To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at [email protected]

Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog post for this episode: Driving the West of Ireland: Dingle and Galway

Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

RESOURCES & LINKS

Special shout outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive with their love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts 

• A Sideways Life website and podcast
• Smoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date: 21 June 2025

Title: Dabblin’ in Dublin

Summary of Episode

Hey everyone! In this week's episode, we welcome our first guest on the show, Julie Evans! Julie is Shelley’s BFF and joined her on this epic trip to Dublin (and other parts of Ireland).

This is our first time hosting a remote guest, and we apologize if the sound quality is a little off. We used Riverside.fm to record this episode.

This episode focuses on Dublin, highlighting what we did, what we loved, and what we want to do next time we visit. 

Key Topics

[01:30] Why it was a best friend trip and we did not go together

[05:20] FreeNow is the app we mentioned. Was cheaper than Uber

[06:18] Christchurch Cathedral–see social media for the reel!

[08:05] Keep Julie awake

[09:45] Trinity College tour

[13:30] Book of Kells

[14:30] Long room

[19:00] Immersive Experience for Long Room and Book of Kells  

[20:15] Grafton St and the Duke pub –Literary Pub tour starts here 

[21:35] Day 2 in Dublin 

[22:30] Hop on Hop off Bus

[23:35] Temple Bar area, webcam! 

[25:45] Jameson Tour (Jameson Orange is back in stores)

[32:35] Devitt's  Bar

[35:30] Last or third day in Dublin

[35:45] Archaeology Museum

[38:45] Indian Food– Andhra Bhavan

[40:15] Irish culture on TV–Irish football, Irish language 

[42:45] Little Museum of Dublin

[45:00] O’Donough’s 

[45:45] What did we like about Dublin?

Important Links 

To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at wandering@wwforus.com

Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog post for this episode: Dublin in 4 Days
• Dublin Itinerary
• Google map for Dublin 

Thanks to Everyone who have been so supportive!

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media, and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

RESOURCES & LINKS

Special shout-outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life, that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive with their love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts 

• A Sideways Life website and podcast
• Smoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date: 22 April 2025

Title: Óbidos and Peniche: Two different towns in Portugal

Summary of Episode

We take an inside look at Óbidos and Peniche, two lovely villages on the Silver Coast in Portugal. 

Óbidos is a lovely medieval village about an hour north of Lisbon. It has great festivals, shops, and medieval charm. Make sure you try the ginja!

Peniche is a fishing village on the coast, also about an hour north of Lisbon, but with a much different feel than Óbidos. The beaches in this area are incredible, as well as the cliff views.

For those who enjoy resorts, this area boasts 4 golf courses and resorts: Praia del Rey, Royal Óbidos, West Cliffs, and Bom Successo. 

Key Topics

[02:50] Intro to Óbidos

[05:05] Letraria Brewery–our favorite place to chill

[20:30] Peniche

[21:40] Beaches of Peniche

[25:45] Cliffs of Peniche

[26:45] Berlengas Island–check out the podcast here!

[30:45 ] Museu da Resistância 

[36:45] What’s coming up next

Important Links 

To follow our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at [email protected]

Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog posts for this episode: Guide to the town of Óbidos, Why Peniche is the best coastal fun, A Day Trip to Berlengas
• Other podcast episodes like this: Day Trip to Berlengas

Our music is by White Records

Thanks to Everyone who has supported us!

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media, and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

RESOURCES & LINKS

Special shout-outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life, that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive, thank you for your love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts 

• A Sideways Life website and podcast
• Smoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date: 09 March 2025

Title: Winter in Portugal

Summary of Episode

What have we been doing this winter? Hibernating! We traveled extensively during November and December and needed some well-deserved time off. 

But winter is a great time to travel in Portugal. The weather can be rainy but can also be lovely! Museums are open, wine tasting is great and the beaches are lovely–just cold.

Living in Portugal during the winter is quite nice too! We have enjoyed our two winters here even though it’s been rainy. But let us tell you what it is really like…

Key Topics

[00:30] What have we been doing? Where have we been?

[05:15] Traveling in Portugal during the winter

[10:00] The snow and ski area we are talking about is Serra de Estrela. 

[12:30] Christmas markets and Christmas Decorations, New Year's fireworks, and other holiday festas.

[13:30] Festas and the  Festa blog post! 

[14:40] Living in Portugal

[16:00] Heating and air–dressing for the weather–make sure you have heat if renting an Air B&B

[20:05] What is next up for us

Important Links 

To follow our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at [email protected]

Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog post for this episode: Portugal in Winter: Why travel during the off season?

Thank You Everyone For your support! 

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

RESOURCES & LINKS

Special shout outs to AL and Leanne of A Sideways Life that has given us so much help and support for the move. To Gal and Mayaan at Smoozitive with their love and support. Please check out their podcasts on Apple Podcasts 

• A Sideways Life website and podcast
• Smoozitive website (if you are moving abroad, these women are experts and will help you out!)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations

Wandering Works for Us Podcast

Date: 21 December 2024

Title: Christmas in London (our first trip!)

Summary of Episode

We went to London to catch the Christmas Markets and hang with our niece Katey. London was definitely “Giving Christmas.”

The Christmas decorations and markets were great but we also got to see the London Tower, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the changing of the guard and King Charles!!

We also enjoyed the pubs and afternoon tea at the Dalloway Terrace. Find out what else we did on our first trip to London (together).

Key Topics

[02:30] Christmas Markets in London and everywhere 

[7:45] Christmas lights tour

[11:00] Fortnam and Mason (Yikes)

[13:00] Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

[16:00] Tower of London and Tower Bridge

[10:00] The British Museum

[21:50] Big Ben, St. James Park, pelicans, Royal Opera House, and other fun stuff

[24:00] Evensong in Westminster

[27:00] Pubs–George Inn and Blackfriars (we’ve listed more on the blog)

[31:15] Cahoots bar

[33:00] Afternoon Tea 

 [35:00] Things we will do next time 

Important Links 

To follow all our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places and feel free to email us at [email protected]

Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Tiktok
• YouTube
• Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list!
• Blog post for this episode: Christmas in London--will link as soon as it is finished!
• 
  

Thanks to Everyone who has been so supportive!

Special thanks to all of you who have listened, subscribed, followed us on social media and just took the time to say hello and tell us how much you enjoy our podcast and blog. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wandering-works-for-us/donations