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Quite an interesting day in Lisbon, albeit a good one. Got a little bit of the history of the country and city and then followed that up with a little taste of the current politics. I went on a walking tour of the old district of Lisbon in the morning. It was just a small group of us which was nice, pretty personal. We had our tour guide, Bernardo, a local around our age, myself, Adam the Australian from last night and two cool people from Brazil. It was pretty informal but we did get some good historical info to back up what we saw. Hit most of the main points in the city including a couple churches, some plazas, the castle on top of the hill and more. Certainly a good way to see the normal sites without it being like every place else. Having a local guide us gave it a bit of a kick. Also stopped at this little bar on our way to try Ginja, a liquour made from cherries. It wasn't actually too bad, can't really drink too much of the stuff though. Ended our tour up at the local market to do a little shopping
but I wasn't able to stick around for too long.
I had talked with Maria online the other day and we decided to meet up before their political rally today down the main boulevard of Lisbon. After a bit of a struggle with the massive crowd (about 300,000 in attendance) we met up at the Marques do Pomo square. One thing lead to another and all of a sudden I was walking down the road with them as they yelled things in Portuguese about protecting the people's rights. Not really what I was expecting to do in Portugal but definitely an awesome experience. I don't really want to get into all the politics of it. I was really there more for the experience and to see Maria & Alberto again. It was strange though to walk in a massive rally when you do not agree entirely with what the involved parties are fighting for. Kind of a hollow/sell-out feeling. They do have the right spirit and idea though. Either way it was great to see them both again and have a few beers at a nearby cafe before having a proper goodbye which we did not get in Porto.
And hopefully I'll see Maria in Istanbul (DO IT GIRL!)
Headed back to the hostel after stocking up on beer and groceries for the next few days. Looks like a group of us are headed back to where we ate at last night and then we will go from there. There is a nice hangout spot near our place with views of city where an eclectic group of people go to chat and have a beer or two. May do that before heading back to the Bairro Alto for another fun night out. I cant really write more as some people nearby are blasting some of the craziest and pretty hilarious electronic music I have ever heard. Writing this in between laughs so thats all for now. Damn, I wish I was a more entertaining writer hah, sorry yall. Something to strive for in the next few posts. I dont feel like this writing sounds like me. Anyways, just a dumb rant.
Hung out with a group of people from all over in the courtyard outside drinking beers for a while, talking about all the usual stuff. Was pretty content there but about half of us decided to
protest
fight the power! head back to the popular Bairro Alto where we were the night before. Hit up a few small bars and just wandered the streets like everyone else till it got late, even for Lisbon standards. The place kind of has a festival like feel. You just get your beer at the bar in a plastic cup then head back into the streets to mingle with everyone else. Good good times.
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