Hey everyone! I just got back from a 3 day trip over to Lisbon, Portugal and it was absolutely astonishing. Portugal, the land of the first world explorers 100 % exceeded my expectations. Within these last 3 days, I had the pleasure of wandering around and discovering the hidden jewels in western Europe's best kept secret. Lisbon or "Lisboa", Europe's westernmost city is a small and quaint capital which is spread out across the hillsides that overlook the Tagus river flowing out to the mighty Atlantic ocean. Lisbon was one of Europe's leading port cities, especially during the age of discovery because it was where the first European explorer's such as Vasco da Gama had set sail form. Unfortunately, much of it was destroyed in a catastrophic earthquake that shook the city in 1749. Much of it was rebuilt and its lively and enthusiastic spirit lived on, however its role as Europe's largest port city was lost.
Alright, enough history and on the good stuff. Lisbon is and old-fashioned and slightly whimsical city because of its buildings painted with pastel colors and breathtaking tiles. Yep, much of Lisbon's buildings feature boldly colored tile work with splendid patterns. The food was another highlight of the trip. I was able to eat one of Portugal's traditional dishes, "Bacalhau", a fresh codfish dish complimented with a chickpea salad, warm Portuguese bread, the famous deep red and fruity Port wine and finished off with a delicious dish of mountain cheese topped with fragrant pumpkin citrus jam. Standing in line at the "Pasteis de Belém" bakery museum was well worth biting into the world famous Portuguese crispy egg tart pastries. Portugal also has the best coffee!!! It has this rich, robust flavor that with one sip will invigorate your mouth with the roasted and toasted warmth and goodness. Taking a sip of Portuguese coffee is an experience in itself! Much of our time was spent walking around the steep and narrow streets of Lisbon, watching the pigeons strut their stuff in the big main squares, looking up at the many monuments and statues commending the great explorers and leaders of Portugal's esteemed history in leading European exploration, stumbling across reverent Roman and Gothic cathedrals and mini craft stores. One of my favorite moments ever in my life as a traveler was climbing up to to the "Castelo de São Jorge" and overlooking the entire city of Lisbon and being able to see beginning of the vast blue Atlantic ocean that lies beyond the bay of the River Tagus. It was one of the most illustrious and noteworthy visual spectacles that I have ever seen in my entire life. Lisbon is that smaller, more intimate European citiy that has preserved much of its old-world spirit which stands overshadowed by the bigger and more fast paced cosmopolitan Western European cities like London, Madrid and Paris.
My friends and I were fortunate enough to plan a day trip outside of Lisbon and to the fairy tale town of Sintra. Let me tell you, I didn't know ANYTHING about Sintra before stepping onto the 45 minute train that would take me to one of the world's most picturesque and hidden magical gems. The kind of place that many travelers never dreamed still existed. The best way to describe my 1 day venture into Sintra is like stepping right into the pages of a fantasy storybook. Sintra is tucked away in the countryside of Portugal featuring castles and palaces perched amongst its lush green hills and misty mountins. I was fortunate to see Sintra in all its autumn glory, with its leaves tinted with the colors of fall. Not surprisingly, Sintra has inspired many painters and authors because of its serene atmosphere almost untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern city life. Sintra served as the getaway for the Royalty of Portugal and Europe. Acclaimed English poet and leading figure in Romanticism Lord Byron quoted Sintra as the most beautiful village in the world. After visiting this town for myself, I find it very hard to disagree with him. I visited one of the main palaces that featured some remarkable fountains, gardens and tile work. Being in Sintra is close to the equivalent of being in a constant state of "pinch me, is this real".
Before going to Portugal, I never knew much about what it had to offer. Now that I have visited Portugal, the fact that is does not receive the hype it deserves should be a violation in tourism.
This marks the 3rd European country, capital and big city that I have visited and the first country where I don't hold any knowledge of the foreign language whatsoever. The Portuguese people were exceptionally friendly and welcoming which without a doubt helped contribute to the amiable and hospitable atmosphere. The overall warm lively spirit of the Portuguese people set amongst the uniquely old-fashioned city overshadowed by the hardships hit by the recent economic crisis was truly inspirational and unforgettable. Portugal was a very fitting choice as my first independent European trip and not because its only a 3 hour drive from my Spanish hometown of Cáceres, but because it serves as the symbol of exploration into the vast waters of the unknown of a new world which perfectly mirrors my own experience as a young person venturing out into a new world of my own.
Now, here are the photos which I will say do not do any of Portugal justice at all. Enjoy!
Overlooking Lisbon
The "Explorer's Monument"-Towering monument situated on the bank of the water commends the Portuguese explorer's before they set sail away from the Lisbon and into the Atlantic
"Plaza Mayor" with its pastel yellow color
Building with the signature "tile work"
Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)!! on the water's edge. This fortified tower played an important role in Portual's maritime discoveries.
Some statues/monuments illuminating at nighttime
SINTRA!!! Some of the castles/palaces tucked away in the hills
Here, I am standing in the doorway of the main Palace
More Sintra
Rachel, Elizabeth and I on top of the Castelo de São Jorge overlooking Lisbon
I saved the best pic for last. It did rain quite a lot in Lisbon but on the last day while we happened to be on top of the castle overlooking the city, the clouds parted revealing blue skies and a gorgeous rainbow stretching across Lisbon's skyline all the way to the sea!!!! Breathtaking!!!!
