Two nights in Portugal

We were in Lisbon for two nights. The only country we spent less time in than Portugal was Luxembourg (not really a fair comparison as it is 36 times smaller than Portugal). We arrived in Lisbon by overnight train from Spain, and departed the same way.

Our short stay was not for lack of places to visit. We certainly got recommendations from other backpackers, notably the Algarve region. But we did not make a detour to this southern coastal region. Instead, I started my list of places to return to and Lagos was the first entry.

In my journal I noted “Lisbon is quite lovely”. I admired the large walkways with beautiful mosaic designs flanked on either side by leafy trees.

“It makes walking on a busy street to get from A to B more like a stroll in the park”.

Excerpt from my journal entry for Lisbon

The expansive Parque Eduardo VII, with its neatly clipped hedges, was a tranquil place to rest and have a snack. Or in the case of the many couples we saw in the park, a secluded spot for a midday smooch.

We hiked up to Castelo de S Jorge. The rambling ruins were full of shady green courtyards, stone terraces, crumbling walls and walkways. From high atop the hill we had a fabulous view of the city and its red tiled rooftops.

We were a trio in Lisbon. Sarah and I had been travelling with Channa since Madrid. I borrowed her Walkman to listen to the mixed tape I had stowed in my backpack (just waiting for any opportunity to play it!). If I ever started to feel homesick, all I needed was a good dose of great music and I was set. “Music is the greatest thing. Gotta respect it.”

We also took a day trip to the lovely town of Sintra. We visited Palácio de Mt Pena, a colourful eclectic castle perched in the lush green hills. We enjoyed one of our signature bread and cheese picnics in one of the castle’s many whimsical turrets.

Then we parted ways with Channa, and her Walkman. I packed away my mixed tape until next time.

This is one entry from my 1992 European backpacking trip with my friend Sarah. If you want to start at the beginning, please check out The journey starts in Nice.