This month, every week, I brough you someone new. I wanted you to listen to the story of different people with different ages traveling around the world. This week, to close this amazing section, I bring you a traveler who is 54 years old and also a mom. She is actually my mother! I feel nervous about showing my mom to the world but I could not think about a better example of a traveler with more than 50 years than my mom.
She says I look just like her and I say she will be traveling just like me in the future. She is the best mom (cause she is MINE) but she is also a good friend, partner and traveler. Please meet the person that says €300 is not much for a bag and on the other hand complains when I do not get super amazing rooms in hotels for less than €50 (Mom, I already told you, I cannot make miracles).
She is unique and I want you all to meet her, Gina, my mom.
- Name: Gina Santos
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Age: 54 years old
- Occupation: Assistant in geriatrics
A little bit about yourself…
I am Gina, born and raised in a small town in the center of Portugal, Pombal. I am the mother of Dani and Bia but it has been years since I live alone in my countryside house.
I worked for many years in my own business (in my little lingerie shop) and, 2 years ago, I decided (after many attempts) to change my profession. Today, the elderly people are part of my day and could not be happier with the election I made. Being able to help others to feel better and contribute to their small tasks, has been a very rewarding job.
Things you like to do…
Besides my work, I really like to take care of myself, to travel, to have money, to love … I like to be with friends and the lunches and dinners that we do. At the end of the day, they fill the gap that the daughters left when they decided to leave Portugal.
When did you start traveling?
I was 16 when I did my first trip. I went to Lisbon.
For me, in the 80’s, it was chic to travel to Lisbon. I grew up in a village of 30 people and I was the only daughter amount 3 brothers. I remember that trip was a great victory for me. I spent 2 weeks at my Uncle Jose’s house, near Plaza de Espanha and I simply LOVED it.
What motivates you to travel?
I travel to get to know other cultures, meet other people, get out of my routine and my small town. But what really drives me to travel is my daughters. As the 2 of them do not live in Portugal, they are my main engine for traveling. I know that if I do not go, they are probably not going to come to Portugal for: for lack of time, work commitments or other. So whenever I can, I buy a ticket and I visit my girls.
What is in your travel bucket list?
I have been dreaming about going to Brazil for years. But as I enjoy traveling, I am content with a trip to anywhere.
Do you travel alone? And why?
I travel alone and with people!
I have no problem traveling alone. 😀 If you have company: fine; if not, I go alone. The advantage of traveling alone is that if I make a mistake, if you get lost, if you do not know what to do: no one laughs at me … I go and I find my ways to solve everything. When you are with someone, the story is different.
How many countries have you visited?
What is your favorite country so far?
Paris is my favorite city until now. It is a very beautiful place where, there is much to do. Plus, it is the city of love. I have been there many times and I think I like it so much because whenever I go there is always something new to do, a new place to visit.
What was your worst moment while traveling?
I HAVE MANY:
- Once, when I was going to Paris, my plane had a problem. I do not know exactly what happened, but I heard strange noises and everyone started to scream. The panic was installed and I could not relax all the way through. I was impacted to land, be on the ground and feel safe again.
- When I was robbed in Florence, Italy. I was left with nothing: money, documents and credit cards. As if it was not enough bad luck, I went to the Portuguese Consulate in Rome and instead of helping me, they only disturbed me even more… I waited for hours, I paid € 25 for a paper that none at the airport look at it and I was told that I was lucky to have my daughter was with me because she could pay the rest of my travel expenses. As a result, I was robbed twice.
- Apart from that, my worst moments are when I have to communicate with the people while traveling. Most of the time, I do not speak the language of the country. I have always managed to order food and get transports but sometimes it is difficult to express myself.
Tell me a funny story that happened to you during a trip…
When I went to Amsterdam for the 1st time, I took a bus (Paris – Amsterdam). I recall this situation in the bus station… There were a lot of people that day to get on the bus. I remember especially one family (I do not know if they were moving or selling things in Holland): they had so many suitcases, so many black plastic bags with things, 3 children and 2 baby carriages to dismount and put on the bus. Anyway !!!
They were stressed trying to put everything in the boot of the bus as soon as possible (the driver was already complaining). I do not know how they did it but with the stress, they broke the plastic bags and eventually, all the flour, cuscus, and bread was on the floor… In 2 seconds, many pigeons arrived and the kids began to scream.
I remember laughing so much about this… The situation and the whole context was a masterpiece. : D
Where do you want to go next? And Why?
Morocco! I really want to ride a camel. : D When I was a kid, I used to ride a donkey or a landlord to get to different villages. That was another generation, another life! I think riding a camel will remind me of my childhood days.
Instagram: @ginitapsantos
Facebook: Gina Santos
Thank you Mom 😀
You are AMAZING!
Espero que tenham gostado. Deixem os vossos comentários e sugestões pff.
I still cannot believe I have made it! I committed myself to bring 4 amazing women this month to the blog to tell about their experiences traveling although their ages. I am tredously grateful for their help and support on my project, sharing their stories. I believe YOU, Michelle, Charlene Sonia and Gina made an impacted in at least one person this past month. THANK YOU for being who you are and for you friendship.
Beijinho,
Daniela