Landed in Lisbon

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Life in Lisbon is lovely. I rolled in at about 2 pm with even less of a plan (or a clue) than usual. I had no map, no hostel res, no cash, and no idea how to say even 'thanks' in Portuguese. I was a sorry case. But, after an ATM, an espresso, and a borderline sexual harassment by some crazy lady at the bus station (I was REALLY sad not to know how to say 'thanks' then!), I felt like I was turning things around. I found a map and got on the metro heading towards what I figured was the center of town, looking for a hostel for a four night stay before flying back to Lyon.

The gods were smiling on me that day, giving me the gift of the last bed in what proved to be an excellent hostel right in the downtown (I guessed right!) of this lovely city. I showered, shaved, and had a beer, and was finally feeling human again, a must after a long, cramped bus ride.

The city had a distinctly bohemian feel to it, complete with the grubbiness that usually goes along with it. There were plenty of little shops selling one-off items scattered around "we're too cool for shelves" sort of stores. The architecture was quite nice but not so old, since the city was totally leveled by an earthquake in 1755.

Again I met lots and lots of new people, giving me lots and lots of fresh couches to crash on across the world (ah, thank god for Facebook). But, surprisingly, I was much more in the mood to go my own way for a few days before getting back to my life in Lyon, so I took in the famous Monastery, the Palacio National da Ayudar, and other amazing sights solo. Very relaxing.

Five days afforded me a good look into the fish-loving life of Lisbonites. They're very approachable, like foreigners, speak good english, and generally spend their days in a sort of relaxed slow pace that I can only seem to mimic when I am two hours early at my gate for a flight. The hearts beat slower in Lisbon.

And zip bop boom I am back in France getting caught up on work and cheese. Next stop: Toronto ! See you all on the 8th !

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Photos

Street performer
On the main street of the city

Accordian lovin' dog
The dog held a basket that you put coins in !!!

Red roof
the norm in Lisbon

Fountain in yard
Wouldn't YOU like a fountain in your yard ?

Comments

[Joseph Sieben]

Toronto?
Digging following along with you via travelblog bud. How long are you back in Canada for? You going to be out Vancouver way? I've got a couch for ya in Vancity when you're out west again.