There are surprises… and then there are strategically orchestrated, mildly suspicious, early-morning family operations. This year’s Mother’s Day fell firmly into the second category.
It began with an alarm clock that had no business ringing that early on a Sunday. “We have to leave soon,” they said, with the kind of urgency usually reserved for airport security lines or escaping natural disasters. The drive, apparently, was “reasonably far”—which is parental code for far enough that you won’t guess where we’re going, so stop asking questions.
And so I sat there in the car, half-awake, under-caffeinated, and wildly speculating. Spa day? Beach? Surprise brunch? Kidnap scenario? No clues. Just smug smiles from the back seat.
Eventually, we rolled into the impossibly picturesque town of Óbidos—a medieval postcard come to life, complete with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and enough history in its walls to make you feel instantly more cultured just by standing there.
Now, Óbidos dates back to Roman times, later fortified by the Moors, and eventually captured by Portugal’s first king in the 12th century. It was so charming, in fact, that it became a traditional wedding gift from Portuguese kings to their queens. Honestly, after today, I fully support reinstating that custom.
But my children? They had other plans.
First stop: an escape room. Not just any escape room—an escape room inside a tower. Because why not add medieval drama to an already suspicious itinerary?
Now, I LOVE escape rooms. Give me puzzles, cryptic clues, and the chance to dramatically shout “WAIT, I’VE GOT IT!” and I am thriving. Lock me in a stone tower and suddenly I’m convinced I’m the protagonist in a historical thriller. The kids… participated. I, naturally, carried the team (this is my version of events and I’m sticking to it).
After successfully escaping—because failure was never an option on Mother’s Day—we wandered back into the sunlit streets, feeling both victorious and slightly more intelligent than when we arrived.
Then came lunch.
And oh… the lunch.
We found ourselves in what can only be described as a culinary revelation disguised as a restaurant. The food was divine. Not “oh this is nice” divine—no, this was pause mid-bite, close your eyes, question all previous meals you’ve ever had divine. Every dish felt like it had been personally blessed by the gods of Portuguese cuisine. If I could have discreetly moved in, I would have.
Somewhere between the escape room triumph and the last heavenly bite of dessert, it hit me: they had absolutely nailed it. The secrecy, the early wake-up, the dramatic reveal—it all made sense.
A medieval town, a tower escape, unforgettable food, and a day thoughtfully planned from start to finish.
Honestly? Best surprise ever. Thank you my darlings!
Although next year, I’d appreciate just a tiny hint before sunrise.
Happy mother's day to all the Portuguese mom's
