Discover Portugal Like Never Before
If Portugal is calling your name, then one, you’re in for a treat, and two, we’ve got the perfect guide to explore its hidden gems, culture, and stories. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, this issue dives deep into the heart of Portugal.
The places you'll meet in this issue
Editor's Letter
Joy Posed in Front of the Douro River and the Louís I Bridge, Photo credit: Nydak Kur
Dear Readers,
Portugal is a country of contrasts; steeped in history yet ever evolving, welcoming yet wrestling with the pressures of change. In this issue, we explore its winding streets and shifting landscapes, from the timeless beauty of azulejos to the modern realities of housing and immigration. We meet the people shaping Portugal’s future: artists, winemakers, and musicians, each with a story as rich as the land they call home.
Whether you’re here for the flavors, the history, or the hidden gems, we hope these pages bring you closer to the soul of Portugal.
Enjoy the journey,
Contributors
In this issue, we’re proud to feature the work of a talented writer who takes us on a journey through Porto, exploring its tours, experiences, and hidden charms.
Nydak Kur
Nykak is a 27-year-old product manager by day, but beyond the work, she is an aspiring beam of light with a burning heart to experience other beams of light, new places, and the unexpected; things that she senses she didn’t get to experience in a past life. For Nydak, travel is both a calling and a celebration of the freedom to explore, connect, and embrace all that life has gifted us; and all that we’ve made of that gift. She takes deep honor in being a woman—a free woman, a Black woman—who wakes up each day guided by the fire in her heart, always awaiting to unwrap yet another gift.
Thank You for Reading!
As we close this issue, we hope these stories have brought you closer to the heart of Portugal; the layers of history etched into its streets, the people shaping its future, and the complex realities beneath its beauty. From conversations with those redefining tradition to the hidden corners that reveal a different side of the country, this journey has been about more than just places, it’s about perspectives.
Your curiosity fuels this magazine. With every page turned, you help us uplift voices, uncover hidden histories, and honor the richness of the places we visit. We hope this journey not only sparks your wanderlust but also deepens your understanding of the people and traditions that shape the world.
Stay connected with us on Instagram @JoyyMeetsWorld, where we continue to share behind-the-scenes stories, updates from the road, and inspiration for your next adventure.
Here’s to more stories, more history, and more joy; wherever the world takes us next.
