Beautiful Lisbon in Portugal
Unlike most people you meet when travelling, I always seem to take the road less travelled. I don't want to go where you will constantly run into the same people over and over again. I like adventure, fun and better yet, a place that is relaxing, calm and has miles and miles of beaches. I was thinking of Spain, but everyone and their mama go there. I met this guy at my hostel that suggested I try Lisbon in Portugal. I didn’t take much convincing - I was game! You don't hear much about Portugal (All most people know is that is it’s west of Spain). What most people don’t realise is that this place has many hidden gem that make it a worthwhile place to unpack you gear, get a bottle of wine and head for the beach.
Across a series of hills, overlooking the river Tiger, Lisbon's stunning beauty and location will fill any first time visitor with awe. I got off my 18-hour train trip from France and saw frost on the windows and zero sun! Not what I was expecting - I wanted to kill the guy who talked me into meeting him there. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes as I walked out the train station and it was like a veil being lifted. I felt like I had been transported back to a gorgeous city from the 1920’s! The buildings around the station were colourful and vibrant. I was completely blown away, and I haven't even explored the rest of the city yet! My hostel too, when I eventually got there, just took my breath away.
I stayed at the Pousata De Juventude Da Catalaztete in Oeiras (about 20 miles outside of Lisbon). It had everything I could want; I could relax and run to the beach. It was a bit small and quiet, but had amazing character. Including my friend Eric, and me, there were only 8 people staying in the hostel, but 2 of them were really interesting - There was an old Japanese man who retired to the hostel so he could focus on his painting, and a Brazilian writer. This was the type of place that I was right up my alley. All l wanted to do in Portugal was relax, laze about on the beach and do some sightseeing in.
I went to Belemto to visit the Monastery of Jeronimos, built around the time Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator. There is also the Castle of Sao Jorge, which is a good introduction to Lisbon. It is set among the top of Lisbon and make you realizes that this place is not as small as you think it is. From the top of the castle you can see the whole city and be able to take in all the beauty of this gorgeous city.
The best thing about Lisbon, though, are the numerous cafes dotted around the city. Here, you can relax and people watch while eating all the great food that is on offer. I have to say, Lisbon may be a small city, but there are many things to keep you entertained.
You could party in Baixa, or shop in the Chaido - Lisbon’s most fashionable and affluent quarter. Probably the best area to go is Rossio Square in the heart of the city. From here, you can just to take in the whole city. Even if you get bored, only 45 minutes away is the town of Sintra. Some of the main attractions include a Moorish Castle and the beautiful, Palacio De Pena. The only draw back, is that it takes an hour to hike up this hill. Let me tell you this is one hell of a hike! Eric and me were the only fools who walked while everyone else drove up. It was well worth the long walk though because the castle was just beautiful.
In case you hadn’t already worked it out, I thought Lisbon was absolutely amazing and strongly recommend it! See you on the beach!
