Operation Hill

Hill in his Brooklyn apartment getting into the European hotel spirit

Hill, Wescott’s adopted dog (our first Grand Dog!!!), will be the first official European resident of the Seattle-Sharples family. As I embark on my first long stay in Portugal to learn the hospitality business and officially take over Beach House Outeirinho, the central mission has become getting Hill across the Atlantic and into Portugal.

A seemingly straightforward task has turned into a 1-week delay, stuck in Brooklyn awaiting a new EU health certificate, multiple vet visits, a change in itinerary from Lisbon to Madrid, an impromptu road trip, and countless hours on the phone with Iberia Airlines.

Hill at customs in Lisbon Airport

A much heavier lift than anticipated, Hill and I finally made it to Ericeira and he is settling into his new home. His life as a hotel and vineyard dog is off to a rocky start, as the former dog residents Charlie and Rex are still in residence… and they don’t like to share!

Hill’s first look at Portugal at a roadside rest stop

But he has been introduced to Ericeira’s amazing beaches, and he’s in love! Sprinting at greyhound speeds through the surf, meeting dog buddies, and soaking up the laidback Portugal life… it’s not bad at all. Hill’s a head-tuner wherever he goes and this is a dog town full of dog lovers. And, he’s my ever-constant companion as I fumble my way through the simplest tasks that all seem to take so much longer here.

Ah, the places you’ll go…!