It’s been a few days since arriving in beautiful Lisbon, Portugal (after a lengthy delay in the airport!), and I could not be happier! From the moment we arrived, the first thing I noticed the gorgeous buildings, stacked on top of each other up the rolling hills of the city. It looks like it came straight out of a movie.
We first did a walking tour to familiarize ourselves with the downtown Lisbon area, seeing the various statues, monuments, and plazas dedicated to the great figures of Portuguese history. Still decorated for Christmas, the streets seemed magical and straight from a dream. The next day, we visited the S?o Jorge Castle on top of the hill overlooking historic Lisbon. Looking for miles out at the orange rooftops, large plazas, and beautiful Atlantic Ocean, I felt grateful to stand in the same spot many kings, explorers, and historical legends perhaps once stood. We then explored the Alfama neighborhood, with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and views for days. To top it off, we enjoyed a traditional Portuguese dinner of tapas, consisting of prawns, cuttlefish, veal, and lots of bread.
The following day, we visited Sintra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the mountains outside of Lisbon. Tucked away in the thick forest, the colorful buildings of the town provided a stunning contrast to the thick green of the mountain vegetation. We visited a historic estate with hidden grottos, old castles, and a grand house with incredible craftsmanship. It was both peaceful and magnificent, and put me in a very calm mood. After, we explored more of the city and tried Piri Piri Chicken (which was insanely spicy) at a local restaurant. Overall, the day was well spent getting lost in the streets and forests of such a beautiful town.
Ultimately, I think everyone on the trip can agree that we are off to a good start. Despite the COVID restrictions here in Portugal, we have been able to enjoy the city and see many of the best sights. We have learned about the history of this gorgeous city, immersed ourselves in Portuguese culture, sampled some of the best cuisine in the world, and explored the natural beauty of this country. Next week, we head off to Porto in the north, which surely will be just as gorgeous. At? logo!