Jo was our driver (since I have no idea how to drive stick)...
And after enjoying the green fields and mountains of Portugal, we arrived at our beautiful hostel (I definitely recommend it if you are travleing to Lisbon -- it's the Traveler's Inn)!
The next day was full of exploring the plazas and side streets of Lisbon...
After walking through the thick heat and steep hills, we were surprised by the breath-taking views of Lisbon and a well-hidden, but also well-worth the hunt, flea market! The flea market was fantastic -- a true random mixture of everything from buttons to boxers to t-shirts to battered and well-traveled suitcases. Jo and I spent a bit of time meandering through the streets, taking pictures, and purchasing small things here and there from the vendors. :)
And as in most European cities, there is a castle in Lisbon. :) The castle in Lisbon is located on the very top of a huge hill, so you must truly work for the views....but they are always worth it in the end. This castle wasn't as impressive as some -- not as big or ornate as some of the other places we have seen -- but the views were amazing. Lisbon, from the bird's eye, really reminds me of a mixture of Florence and a Spanish city. Red and orange colored roofs fill the landscape of the city while hills and a river below occupy the remaining space. Although the weather was HOT the day we traveled, we were fortunate for such a blue-skyed and sunny day -- it was truly the best kind of day for seeing the city and taking pictures. :) After enjoyed the views, we (of course) had to take some silly pictures along the way...
After the castle and a quick bite to eat, we headed back to the hostel to freshen up for a minute. This was our plan: Change clothes, rush to the huge steel elevator in Lisbon (which is known for amazing city views) and have a drink at the top of the elevator before it closes. We successfully changed clothes and made it to the elevator before 9pm (closing time), but for some reason the elevator wasn't in operation when we arrived. Regardless, the views of the city from the higher up floor of the building (where you board the elevator) were still beautiful.
The night was filled with delicious drinks and making many new friends -- we met hilarious Germans, sweet Portuguese men, and at the end, a fun-loving and, as the British would say, "fit" group of guys. The nightlife was surprisingly alive considering that we were out on a Tuesday night, but maybe the Portuguese are like the Spanish -- if there are people, there is always a party. :)
Wednesday we hopped over to a couple of stores close to our hostel (H&M!), and then made the 3.5 hour trip back home. Joanna and I were truly so blessed with this trip -- our hostel was nice, the weather was beautiful, and everything was just easy. Besides one minor turn-around and having to pay an 18 Euro toll (twice), we didn't have any major problems. I'm sad that I won't have more of those random European weekend trips when I return home, but more than being sad, I am thankful for all of the good times I have had. I hope and pray that when I return home I keep this attitude of openness and desire to make the most of every opportunity put before me -- for there are incredible things to explore at home in the United States and even in our own hometowns too, if we will only seek them out. :)
Keep on exploring,
Brittany :)
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