Portugal was my 1st stop on my first ever backpacking trip! I almost only heard negative comments from people about backpacking, hostels, etc. However after stepping foot off the plane thankfully I never saw or noticed any kind of shady activity. The Lisbon airport metro stop had the coolest decor that looked like graffiti! But due to what I "heard" the last thing I wanted to do was put a target on my back by taking pictures before even leaving the airport! LOL. Those will always be mental memories I guess. :)
The metro experience was quite cool! Honestly I've only ridden a "metro" or subway a couple times! The hostel was quick and easy to find once I got off my stop.
The hostel staff was SO welcoming! "Travelers House" literally feels like you are staying at your cousins house! It's set up with 2 huge living rooms, kitchen and dining all in the same are which makes it easy to gather and meet people. Everyone was so friendly!!
After settling in I was off out and about exploring and taking pictures! I believe all of Lisbon is cobblestone streets! So cool! The roads and sidewalks are also very narrow. There was a quick 5 minute rain during my walk, so I took over under an umbrella at an outside patio restaurant.
When I got back to the hostel I had a beer with a few guys and went out to grab dinner with one of them. We had delicious stewed pork with clams!!
After that I was off to shower and then bed. I never really slept on the flights over. I sure hope I can get my sleep schedule back on track!
Day 2 - Sintra Day Tour!
What an amazing (and tiring) day this was! Our first stop was my favorite of all, Quinta da Regaleira. I never expected Portugal to be so green, so lush. This property was like nothing I have ever seen before. So mystical, so magical. Acres of a creative natural playground. A youthful paradise. Beautiful stone work, tunnels, walkways, and deep mysterious wells. Such a beautiful creation. I HIGHLY recommend this place. It blew me away.
Next was Pena Palace! This is what originally inspired me to go to Portugal! A colorful castle hanging off a mountain side...UMM YEAH!!!! It's stature, uniqueness and beauty were amazing. And inside were even more immaculate finds including intricate woodwork, furniture and ceiling design.
Next we were off to the furthest point west in continental Europe! Yep! Kind of cool! Reminded me a little of Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
Next we scurried by "surfers beach." We didn't stop. But it was a beautiful natural beach with huge waves!!
Our final stop was Cascais. A cute resort town. We stopped to have a beer and nachos and we were on our way back. I was exhausted. Such an awesome day. :)
All in all, I was surprised by Portugal. Lisbon has style, culture and some of the sites nearby are one in a million.
The metro experience was quite cool! Honestly I've only ridden a "metro" or subway a couple times! The hostel was quick and easy to find once I got off my stop.
The hostel staff was SO welcoming! "Travelers House" literally feels like you are staying at your cousins house! It's set up with 2 huge living rooms, kitchen and dining all in the same are which makes it easy to gather and meet people. Everyone was so friendly!!
After settling in I was off out and about exploring and taking pictures! I believe all of Lisbon is cobblestone streets! So cool! The roads and sidewalks are also very narrow. There was a quick 5 minute rain during my walk, so I took over under an umbrella at an outside patio restaurant.
When I got back to the hostel I had a beer with a few guys and went out to grab dinner with one of them. We had delicious stewed pork with clams!!
After that I was off to shower and then bed. I never really slept on the flights over. I sure hope I can get my sleep schedule back on track!
Day 2 - Sintra Day Tour!
What an amazing (and tiring) day this was! Our first stop was my favorite of all, Quinta da Regaleira. I never expected Portugal to be so green, so lush. This property was like nothing I have ever seen before. So mystical, so magical. Acres of a creative natural playground. A youthful paradise. Beautiful stone work, tunnels, walkways, and deep mysterious wells. Such a beautiful creation. I HIGHLY recommend this place. It blew me away.
Next was Pena Palace! This is what originally inspired me to go to Portugal! A colorful castle hanging off a mountain side...UMM YEAH!!!! It's stature, uniqueness and beauty were amazing. And inside were even more immaculate finds including intricate woodwork, furniture and ceiling design.
Next we were off to the furthest point west in continental Europe! Yep! Kind of cool! Reminded me a little of Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
Next we scurried by "surfers beach." We didn't stop. But it was a beautiful natural beach with huge waves!!
Our final stop was Cascais. A cute resort town. We stopped to have a beer and nachos and we were on our way back. I was exhausted. Such an awesome day. :)
All in all, I was surprised by Portugal. Lisbon has style, culture and some of the sites nearby are one in a million.
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