Apologies in advance for the lag time in my Portugal post - we'll blame it on the jet-lag. Almost three days of travel, four flights and too many airplane meals later we made it to Lisbon. It took a lot of naps, mornings that started at 3am, and coffee breaks but we finally adjusted to leaving the mountains and life in Europe. Just in time for me to head back to New York for a small break!
See you in NYC!
I also realize my first post of every country is how it's my new favorite place, and that trend will continue for Portugal. I'm living with my friend Emily this month in an adorable "art" apartment three blocks from the water and main square of Portugal. The people are insanely friendly, the food is incredible (seafood FINALLY) and the city is absolutely beautiful. The shift to working different hours was pretty easy and we've gotten a lot of exploring done in the short time we're here. Photos of what we've been up to in between work and catching Eurocup games are below!
This is the square where we live, the archway was an ancient port (and where Christopher Columbus actually took off from) but now leads you to a gorgeous waterside walkway along town. Just through the archway is where they set up a huge outdoor viewing area with foosball tables, beer tents, and bleachers to watch the Eurocup games.
Not the best picture, but this was day one activity so again, blame it on the jet-lag. There's a HUGE castle on the top of the hill in Lisbon that's stunning and a great way to spend an afternoon.
This is what streets look like here. Tiled buildings, cobblestone streets, and some are blocked off so cafes can set up outside. Did I mention I love it here?
Stunning sunsets, as it turns out, are not limited to South America. This is the view from Alfama, a part of town right next to us that hosted some serious block parties for the Feast of St. Anthony this past weekend.
Portugal is also home to some beautiful beaches. In true Hampton's fashion, we hopped an early train and hit the beach of Cascais all day this past weekend with big fancy hats. You can take the girl out of Saratoga....
And for those fellow "I burn the first day" Irish gals, they have a little area with umbrellas. Even if you're not in this section you can still have sandwiches and sangria delivered to your towel.
But, since life is about balance...we offset our low key beach day Saturday with a day of explorations on Sunday. We went to a nearby town called Belem which is home to this beautiful monastery, incredible art museums, and stunning architecture. Also home to the most famous bakery in Portugal which we used as an excuse to stuff ourselves full of custard pies before taking a tuktuk ride back home.
Belem also features a real life sandcastle. OK it's a famous tower built to defend Portugal along the river but we don't need to split hairs.
And finally, our friend Eryn popped over from London for a few days and called us up to inform us she chartered a boat for Sunday night. Two hours along the coastline, unlimited wine, cheese and bread and a historic tour of the city from a truly unique perspective. Not a bad end to the week!
Next on the list, New York City. I'll be heading home to see some friends and family get married and meet some babies I've missed. Also attempting to shrink my luggage but somehow ended up with an entire extra suitcase so this should be interesting.
The blogs are just a sum of all of the things I've done, if you want daily updates follow along on instagram where I post most of my pictures @rabsontheroad.
See you in NYC!
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