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Published: April 30th 2008
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Palace at Sintra
Probably one of my favorite sights in the world My friend Damir was right when he said I'd never want to leave Portugal! Just got back from the long weekend and Portugal was by far my favorite trip I've taken. I saw a total of 8 cities and had an unexpectedly amazing time. Even the pictures don't do the actual scenery justice-it was that beautiful there. The city of Lisbon was so eclectic in that it had its ancient buildings on one side of town, and modern masterpieces on the other from the world exposition some decade ago.
I arrived painfully early Saturday morning to our hostel where I met my Belgian friends Fabian and Yosef. We all ended up having to switch buildings, but luckily they put us more centrally located in Lisbon and in a very nice building. All of us got settled in and then headed out for a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. Of course I forgot to bring my sunscreen that first morning so I was burnt the first day but now I have a pleasant tan 😊 Anyhow, our first stop was through the Old Town section and down onto the dock area. Right below the amazing bridge (which anyone who
knows me knows that I adore bridges) and across from the largest Jesus statue that is similar to the one in Brazil, there is a very hip area along the bay area with restaurants, clubs and cafes.Further past that, we visited the cathedral in the quartier of Belem, famous for the little flaky creamy pastries I unfortunately couldn't get enough of. The weather was amazing, and the air was fresh and smelled sweet in every part of the city. While Portugal is not considered to be one of the richest European countries, it showed in some of its decaying buildings but was surprisingly clean and well-maintained on the streets. I actually found that not too many people spoke either English or French so it was somewhat difficult to get around, but it wasn't too bad. The people were very kind and made jokes all the time, much more relaxed and loud than the more northern Europeans. We walked around to the Tower of Belem, this amazingly gorgeous old fortress that stands alone on the beach in it's glaringly white majestic stance. I loved just watching the sailboats and cruise ships drift through the area underneath the bridge. I compared it
Cabo de Roca
Most Western Point of Continental Europe often to San Francisco, but it definitely had it's own feel to it that was much older and more precious. Along the same boardwalk area is the statue of Discoverers. The Portuguese are very proud of their explorers and their conquerings, and this statue comemorates their expeditions. Next, we had a traditional Portuguese fish lunch in town followed by an expresso and pastry of Belem.
The bus then took us touring the rest of town. A short nap later, we woke up to take some rather traditional forms of transportation.Think of trolleys in San Fran. that just were never fixed haha. Once at the dock area, we relaxed with some Italian food and walked along the bay. The next morning I had reserved a tour so I had to wake up pretty early to make it to the pickup spot on time. Our first stop was the town of Obidos (pronouced Oh-be-doe-sh) that was a traditional wedding gift from Portuguese kings to their queens. The town was maybe 2 streets on a hill, with an ancient fortress sheltering the while buildings with blue windows and doors. Next we arrived at Batalhas, which was mainly the cathedral. Nazare had an
amazing outlook of one of the coastal beaches and the gorgeous church and palm tree. The last stop on the tour was lunch and sightseeing in Fatima- the sight where the Virgin Mary appeared to three little sheperd children of the town. The large cathedral there is dedicated to them and to the appararitions, and the pilgrimage was a once-in a lifetime experience because of how much I'd heard of it in my classes and everything. I attended a mass there, obviously not knowing any Portuguese, and saw the trail where people crawl on their knees offering sacrifices to the Virgin Mary. I had never seen anything like that and thought it was pretty interesting how they each had someone helping them while they prayed the rosary. We visited the houses of the children and then took the hours home to Lisbon. That night I met up with the others and we went for some great Indian food followed by some cherry drink at a cafe with lettuce chandaliers, interesting decor to say the least!
Monday morning we bought train tickets to Sinta. We hopped on a bus to the castle park, and after the bus nearly wrangled my
foot (long story) we climbed to the top for the palace. After Europe hopping a couple of times, I feel that I have seen an adequate number of castles and churches and fortresses. However, despite seeing pictures, this palace was such a remarkable and refreshing site. The towers were magnificent colors of red and mustard yellow, and had amazing views of the park and city onto the ocean. Words really can't describe the palace! But it was one of my favorite sights there and a very relaxing afternoon with a quick lunch. Sad to leave, we took the bus to Cabo de Roca, which was one of the places I had been told to try and visit. It is the most western point of continental Europe. Despite it's small proximity and simplicity of having only a lighthouse and lawn, the view was breathtaking. We looked onto the sea for a while and I really loved the coastline in Portugal. Next we took the bus to Cascais (pronounced Cash-cash) and had a quick bite in one of the shopping malls! A train ride later and we were home in Lisbon. I was very sad to leave the next day, but I
Statue of Discoverers
With the bridge and Jesus statue in the background did get to visit the 2nd largest aquarium in the world before I took my flight.
I loved Portugal and hope someday I will return- perhaps knowing more of the language?? I am in Paris for the rest of the week (and weekend!) and am waiting for friends to return and friends from the states to visit! I need to get paperwork in order and hope that my mom and grandma's move went well 😊 Miss everyone, send me love if you have time!!
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