Carrying It Quietly

BOM DIA!!  Good Morning Lisbon, Portugal!! I have been waiting for you for quite some time. All my races and training in Europe have pretty much come to an end. You were my choice to sit back and relax. Not worry about anything other than me and my me time. I also wanted have been wanting to see you since I was a child. Growing up with some my closest friends who are Portuguese, felt it was a good thing to finally see what they loved so much. Witnessing first hand some of the culture, even as a child I thought were similar to those of my culture.

On the cab ride to the hotel, your driver was taking all these so-called short cuts. Guess the time I arrived was rush hour. It was. So your driver, meanwhile, gave me all the things to do in the city. So here I am, thinking, this is going to be a great weekend. WOW!! this driver is one cool guy. OH! and by the way, we understood each other with his  very slow portuguese and my slow spanish HAAAH! Thank you for at least providing me a driver that I can have a conversation with. But no THANK YOU for his poor navigation skills. We arrived at what he said was the address and hotel. I looked and asked, are you sure, this building looks abandoned? He said yes. I mumbled, doesn’t look like the famous and #1 INDEPENDETE HOSTEL and SUITES I booked but ok. Whatever!! got out pulled out my phone, plugged the hotel in. I was right. It was a 10 minute hike to the top of the hill. Not fun pulling a carry-on up you cobblestone hills. Beautiful! But not the way I wanted to see it. I check in and sure enough, this place to me is amazing and worth all its reviews and more. So welcoming. Where old meets new kind of look. Even the elevator had 2 of those sliding accordion type doors you  can see right through. Fit 2 people max with luggage. The Receptionists, were young and inviting. Even walked me to my room. Told me to settle in and see him when I am ready to go. The view from my suite was breathtaking.

It’s time to check you out. The receptionist gave me directions, suggestions, and recommendations. I was excited. I can only imagine what your like based on my balcony view. Fascinating!!  It’s late in the afternoon so I’ll just go for a short walk, take a look around, orient myself. As the late evening approaches, I think I will join you for dinner. Also maybe enjoy some of your night life. I’ve got to say…. Food is phenomenal, your night life; I’ve never seen anything like it.  ALL! Your small cobble stones streets full of pubs and bars small enough to fit at least 50 people, or just to walk in by a drink and walk out. The streets full of music coming from every direction. Didn’t matter how small the bars were. Everyone was enjoying the night outside anyhow. I guess that’s what make you so special. You designed it that way. It’s been a long day and a long night. As tired as I was I decided to continue to dance with you. No literally! No where was there room unless I just dance outside. It’s time to call it the night. I reach my pocket and sure enough. CRAPP MY WALLET! MY POCKET GOT PICKED!! I always travel and carry my wallet in my front pocket. LISBON! you’re good! Thank you for the 2 lovely ladies who covered me and paid for the cab. Someday my debt to you will be paid or I’ll just pay it forward.

Time to wake up and figure out how, what and who will help me. I have 3 Euros. What can I do with 3 Euros.  Hoping I wasn’t a victim and I might of just dropped it, I did do the walk of shame. The lonely broke American with no money following his tracks. Hoping!! All morning. The hotel calling the establishments I know I went into. As I was walking through your streets, I almost forgot I had lost my wallet. I see what you were trying to do. You were making sure I have the full, complete all inclusive tourist package.  LOL!!  I found myself at the other end of your city though. It was perfect, seriously perfect. Cozy alleys, kids walking home with bread in their hands, and old couples going for a morning walk. That’s when I decided to not let this ruin my weekend. After all everything is canceled now. No one could steal my money. It’s just a matter of having money transferred. Till then, took my 3 Euros, as much as I wanted to devour your tasty pastries, I decided to enjoy one of your delicious gelato, bought a water, and continued to walk the city streets. YUP! All that for just 3 Euros. Thank you!!  My original plan to visit Fatima was taken away by one of your thieves. But that’s ok, I’ll just have to add it to my to do list when I return. As the late evening came so did my money. It was time to have a great meal and enjoy another night. WATCHFUL! it doesn’t happen again. This time I stayed around the little Cuban bar. It played all the great Spanish music I enjoy. Mingling with the Cubans, locals, and tourist wassssss different!  Fun but different. A for sure repeat if I had a chance.

Its my last day and time to walk to your famous castle. Check out some of your other viewing point. Seeing you from another angle was crazy. Completely different. It’s as if the cities look changed in its entirety. You are truly magnificent. After a quick lunch, its time to check out your beach. I knew surfing was a big deal in Portugal. What I didn’t know, you were hosting a surfing competition. Had no idea what the announcers were saying but watching the surfers was new and wicked awesome. The sands were soft. The water cold but refreshing. AND I have to add!! TOPLESS. Loved to see the comfort and it being the norm. The looks, comments, the ridicules, and the back lash comments were going through my head of all I would have heard others say if it were back in the states. This I love, not just about you Lisbon but Europe. It’s almost as if it was a , ” you don’t like it don’t look”,  people comfortable in their own skin.  Enough of the hot sun and beautiful sandy beach. It’s time to enjoy my last evening.

The evening is going to be short but sweet. You have this restaurant so I have been watching. A place I walk by and it always seemed packed. I don’t blame anyone for wanting to eat at your restaurant.. So beautiful, so unique. Lisbon! Of course, as you may already know, Europeans love eating outside. Even in the winter. Depending on the weather of course. But you have set the bar so high with this one, I have no words to explain but to show everyone.  Adding to your great restaurant, is phenomenal service. With out words!!! SERIOUSLY!!! Thank you! Despite the rocky start, you managed to rate #2 on my charts of favorite European countries. So yes you stole my wallet, but you also stole my heart. I have an early flight, so this is good night!!  BAO NOITE!! OBRIGADO!!