From Houston to Portugal: A Love Affair with Culture, Cuisine, and Coastline

When Diana Dang and Rahul Bijlani’s yacht sailed along Lisbon’s coast during their wedding celebration last June, fate delivered an unexpected gift: the strawberry full moon illuminating the Tagus River. It’s auspicious in both of their cultures, representing prosperity and good fortune. “We didn’t even plan it. We got lucky, so everyone got to see the full moon while on the boat,” Diana recalled of their pre-wedding celebration.

This magical moment wasn’t just a highlight of their wedding weekend – it symbolized the serendipitous way Portugal has captivated this Houston couple, leading them to pursue not just a destination wedding but also citizenship in this sun-drenched European nation.

Ramesh Bijlani, Susheel Bijlani, Rahul Bijlani, and Diana Dang; behind them is the Douro River Valley and its rolling hills.

The Portuguese Connection

Rahul, a serial entrepreneur in commercial real estate and tech businesses, had been to Portugal and was taken by the friendly people, the perfect climate and the beautiful views, and he learned about the Golden Visa program, a five-year process that requires minimal residency. “We chose Portugal because it’s the easiest EU country to obtain citizenship,” said Diana. Other countries require 7-10 years’ residency before becoming eligible for citizenship.   

“We also don’t like cold weather, and we found that Portugal has one of the best climates in the world year-round,” she added. 

“For our wedding, Rahul has a lot of family in India, close friends in Europe, and then most of my family is here in the U.S. and Canada. So we thought that somewhere in Europe would be a great in-between for everybody to meet up,” Diana said. But their connection to Portugal soon grew beyond convenience – it has come to represent their vision for the future, including the baby they’re expecting in just weeks.

“We just really love Europe, Portugal and Spain specifically. And we thought that it would be a great place to raise our future family, and for our parents to retire and live a very comfortable and peaceful retirement,” said Diana.

EXPLORING TIMELESS PORTUGAL The Dang and Bijlani families took the opportunity of Diana and Rahul's wedding to explore Portugal's enchanting landscapes. The Dang Family exploring Sintra; pictured behind them is Pena Palace.

Beyond Lisbon: Discovering Cascais

While Lisbon draws the tourists, the couple prefers Cascais (pronounced “kush-kai-sh”), a town on the Portuguese Riviera about 35 minutes west of the capital. The couple enjoyed the vibrant capital but wanted a deeper connection with the locals, and so they spent a month in Cascais before their wedding, falling in love with this less-traveled gem. It’s below the radar for most travelers, Diana said, but Brazilian soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has a home there. 

“It’s quiet...You won’t find as many tourists there. So, if you’re wanting a more immersive experience, an authentic experience, and to really get to know Portugal, I would suggest going to Cascais.”

Rahul elaborated on their love for this area: “It’s walking distance to some incredible beaches. It’s extremely safe. The outdoor activities are incredible; so are the views and the dining options. You can basically be outdoors about 300 days of the year. It’s one of the sunniest places in the world, but never too hot or uncomfortable.”

The most famous cave along the Algarve coast features a breathtaking natural dome with a circular opening at the top, allowing sunlight to stream in and illuminate the golden rock formations and turquoise waters. The cave is accessible only by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.

The Journey that Changed their Lives

Diana and Rahul’s journey through Portugal reads like chapters from a travel memoir, each region revealing new facets of the country’s charm.

Their Portuguese adventure began in May 2023 on São Miguel in the Azores, an archipelago Diana describes as “the Hawaii of Europe.” Arriving during hydrangea season, they found themselves surrounded by nature’s abundance. “The whole island was covered in hydrangeas,” Diana recalled, her voice still filled with wonder. “It was absolutely breathtaking.” 

They spent nearly two weeks exploring the island’s volcanic landscapes, hiring a guide for three days to show them hidden gems that tourists often miss.

The couple hiked through forests, visited tea and pineapple plantations, and soaked in natural hot springs emerging from the volcanic soil. Diana cautions that visitors should come prepared for outdoor activities: “You’d have to be very outdoorsy to go to the islands,” but the effort pays dividends in spectacular vistas and peaceful moments.

From São Miguel, they flew to the southern region of Algarve, where Portugal’s coastline unfolds into spectacular beaches. Here they discovered the famous Benagil Caves, an extraordinary natural formation that requires some planning to visit. “When you go inside the cave, there’s a cutout on the ceiling,” Diana explains. “And when you go at the right timing, the sun shines through that cutout, creating an ethereal experience.” Despite the need for a boat or kayak to access this wonder – “You can’t get there by foot” – the sight draws crowds. “It is very packed with tourists,” she acknowledges.

In February 2024, accompanied by Rahul’s parents, they ventured to Porto, a city that captured their hearts so completely they now recommend it over Lisbon for travelers. Walking through Porto’s historic streets, Diana found herself enchanted by the wines: “The wine there is one of the best I’ve had.”

The highlight of their Porto visit was exploring the nearby Douro Valley, where vineyards cascade down terraced hillsides. Diana becomes particularly animated when describing this experience: “I would definitely, definitely encourage everyone to go. If you’re in Porto, do a Douro Valley wine tour.” Her enthusiasm is palpable as she describes the day: “You get to tour many wineries and go on a boat tour ride through the Douro Valley – it’s just so scenic. You get to try all the cheeses and wines produced in the area.”

It was in Porto that Rahul really felt the antiquity of the region. The city is believed to have been founded by the Phoenicians in around 800 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. After the Phoenicians, the city saw Roman, Gothic, and Moorish rule before modern-day Portugal emerged. 

Near Porto, about an hour and a half away in an area called Foz Côa, visitors can find what Rahul describes as “some of the oldest cave paintings in Europe... some of those cave paintings are about 20,000, 25,000 years old.” 

Diana and Rahul in Porto, Portugal; behind them is the Luis I Bridge. Designed by German architect Téophile Seyrig (1843-1923), a disciple and business partner of French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), the Ponte Dom Luís I had the longest span of any metal bridge in the world when it was completed in 1886.

A Wedding Blending Cultures

Their June 2024 wedding at Queluz National Palace merged their Vietnamese and Indian heritage with Portuguese elements. The entire menu was Portuguese, which features fresh seafood dishes with a distinctly regional flavor. Octopus features prominently, as do limpets – a regional shellfish that most resembles a clam.

“It’s very specific to Portugal,” explained Diana. “They catch them in the Azores.”

The couple incorporated Indian traditions through a Sangeet – a pre-wedding celebration typically involving music and dance. “It’s a pretty traditional part of most North Indian weddings,” explains Rahul. “It’s basically a big party the day before the wedding.”

They hosted their Sangeet on a yacht accommodating 150 guests for a sunset sail along Lisbon’s coastline. And then in a scene straight from Bollywood, Diana surprised everyone, including Rahul, with a choreographed dance to a Hindi song. 

“She memorized the words of the song,” Rahul recalled with amazement. “On this beautiful boat, while we’re sailing across the coastline of Lisbon in Portugal.”

Vietnamese traditions appeared through Diana’s áo dài – a traditional red wedding gown – and a private tea ceremony with both families. (Read more about their wedding; see Wedding Buzz by Angie Frederickson in this issue.) 

Diana Dang and Rahul Bijlani married in Portugal and have spent time getting to know and falling in love with the culture there. (Photo: Miguel Soria)

Why Portugal Captures Hearts

Beyond beautiful landscapes and historic cities, it’s the Portuguese people who truly won over Diana and Rahul. “They are extremely warm, extremely friendly, extremely sincere in my experience, really very nice people,” Rahul said.

He mentioned the practical benefits of the country, as well: its connectedness (Lisbon to New York is about six hours), the prevalence of English speakers, and perhaps most importantly, its family-friendly culture. “It’s a very kid-friendly country and a very kid-friendly culture, and that really was a big deal for both of us,” he noted.

For Houston residents considering Portugal, Diana and Rahul suggest exploring beyond Lisbon, allowing time to discover Portugal’s diverse regions, and visiting in July rather than June for more comfortable temperatures.

Diana is now expecting, and as they prepare for their baby’s arrival, the couple envisions splitting time between Texas and their beloved Portugal. “I think it will be a magical experience for our family and for our son that is coming soon,” Diana reflected. “I believe this is one of the best things that we can offer him – exposure to this diverse world, fostering his curiosity and creativity.”

Tips from Our Travelers

From Diana and Rahul

Worth the splurge: Take a private guided tour of Sintra and Douro Valley for a seamless experience. The National Palace of Pena often has long lines, but with a guide, you can skip the wait. Sintra’s steep terrain makes having a tour driver invaluable, ensuring easy access to palaces, castles, and estates. Plus, local guides offer insider knowledge, leading you to hidden viewpoints and secret spots for breathtaking, crowd-free views.

Don’t miss: Indulge in local flavors like limpets, sardines, octopus, bifana, pastel de nata, port wine, and small-farm olive oil. Don’t-miss places include: Nazaré – A paradise for surf enthusiasts; Porto – Perfect for wine, history, and cheese lovers. Visit the stunning bookstore said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, Livraria Lello; and São Miguel, Azores – ideal for nature and hiking lovers. Visit during peak hydrangea season (July–August) for breathtaking landscapes.

Favorite restaurants:

• In Lisbon: 

○Belcanto – Michelin two-star by Chef José Avillez, a fine dining experience of Portuguese cuisine.

○Via Graça – Upscale dining with stunning views of the Lisbon skyline.

○Manifest Lisbon – Rustic-chic cafe with great shakshuka, avocado toast.

○Floresta das Escadinhas – Traditional authentic Portuguese restaurant offering many charcoal grilled meat and seafood dishes. 

• In Azores:

○TukáTulá Beach Bar – Dinner with waves and sunset views.

○Restaurante Tony’s for Cozido das Furnas, traditional geothermal-cooked meat and vegetables.

○Louvre Michaelense – Bar-bistro featuring beef tartare and duck confit.

○Borda d’Água – Fresh seafood delights.

• In Porto: 

○Pregar Baixa – known for their classic Portuguese steak sandwich.

○Bota & Bira– intimate restaurant with high quality meat. Get the T-bone steak and sangria (“best sangria of my life” – Diana).

• In Cascais: 

○Estrela da Serra – Local favorite. Their Duck magret with orange almond sauce was delicious.

○Souldough Pizza – Rahul’s favorite for artisanal pizza. Neapolitan style vegetarian/vegan pizza. Note: They only take cash. 

○Cascais Marina – Any waterfront restaurant here offers a great experience.

○Gusto Pizzeria – Enjoy delicious pizza & pasta with spectacular ocean views from a cliff.

• In Lagos / Algarve: 

○Casinha do Petisco – A must-visit small mom and pop restaurant offering authentic regional flavors. Make a reservation in person the first day you arrive. 

Currency exchange: Portugal uses the Euro. Most places accept credit cards except for small towns and occasional gift stalls. When paying with credit card, always choose to be charged in Euros to avoid high conversion rates. Suggest bringing 50-100 Euros per person cash just in case you get stranded.

Don’t bring: High heels – Portugal’s historic cobblestone streets will make you regret it! Opt for comfortable, stylish flats or sneakers. Too many clothes – Lisbon’s fashion is effortlessly chic, and you might want to buy pieces from local designers.

Don’t forget: European or universal travel adapter/converter to charge electronics. Portugal uses Type F plugs with 230V voltage. A portable battery pack – You’ll be using Google Maps a lot, and outlets can be hard to find. Light sweater – Portugal’s weather varies; pleasant weather during the day and chilly during nights. Data: esim.sm or Maya mobile if your phone carrier doesn’t have international plans. Generally more affordable than adding international plan by the day on your US carrier.

Avoid this local scam: “Helpful” ATM assistants – If someone offers to help you withdraw cash, decline immediately. Especially on Rua Augusta (a main tourist street in Lisbon).

Local favorite: Time Out Market (Lisbon) – A food hall featuring the best of Lisbon’s chefs in one place, perfect for trying everything from seafood to pastéis de nata. This was actually the first Time Out market in the world, which opened in 2014.

Safety tip: Portugal is very safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your bag in front; avoid leaving your phone on tables.

Not really worth the trouble: Waiting in long lines for Santa Justa Lift (Lisbon) – Instead, walk up to the Carmo Convent for the same view with no wait!

Transportation tip: In Portugal, Bolt is used more than Uber. You’ll find more drivers more quickly than Uber and it’s more affordable. 

Unexpected hit: If a restaurant you wanted to eat at is fully booked, walk down a few blocks or use Google maps/reviews to find the next highly rated restaurant nearby. There are so many great restaurants; we found some of our favorites this way, unplanned.

Transportation tip: In Portugal, Bolt is used more than Uber. You’ll find more drivers more quickly than Uber and it’s more affordable as well.

Editor’s note: Read more about Diana and Rahul’s wedding, including photos, in this month’s Wedding Buzz by Angie Frederickson.