Day 2 - Lisbon and Sintra

I am now finishing up Day 2 of my Portuguese adventure. What an amazing day! I started off the day going on a tour in one of those GPS talking cars. That did not go so well. I think it would have probably been fine if I had a 2nd person with me, but as the sole occupant in the vehicle, it didn't really work. The problem was driving those very narrow and curvy Lisbon streets, with cars tailgating me, and trying to read and listen to the GPS at the same time. Mind you, the GPS did not correct itself if you made a wrong turn. It would just keep going until I either got off the route or stopped and turned it off and back on. It's  crappy GPS that doesn't actually tell you where to turn - it just shows a map and expects that you will turn correctly. I missed the very first turn and it was bad from then on out. I finally made it up the hill toward the castle and other sights. Then I went in circles, turned around and always seemed to end up on the wrong street. I stopped in one parking spot at a tourist site 4 times! Yes, you read that right. I got out of the car the first time to take pictures at this amazing viewpoint:

Wish I knew the name of this place I stopped. I was too busy getting lost to actually listen to the tour guide GPS. After a few circles there and other places, I somehow managed to get back down the hill to the areas I recognized and get the car back within the allotted time. Again, I don't think renting a GPS touring car is a bad thing - just not for a situation where the driver is also the navigator. I might be willing to try it again if I had a second person in the car. 

After this somewhat disastrous self tour, I hopped on a train to the coastal town of Sintra from Rossio station. My mom told me this was a fairytale place and it also may those lists of top places to go if you want to feel like you're in a fairytale. I was sure I would like the place and was looking forward to go, but I just didn't expect what the reality actually would be. As soon as I stepped off the train, I started heading down those cobblestone streets and figured out pretty quickly how magical and fairytale-like this place really was. Before getting to the center of Sintra, I stopped for a quick bite to eat at a wonderful little cafe and tea shop. I chose the ham and cheese panini for my entree, but wanted something on the side. So, I had the seasoned cheese appetizer. I didn't know what to expect really, but it wasn't this: 

Arriving at my table was a big chunk of Mozzarella cheese covered with olive oil and basil and I was given salt and pepper to add. I enjoy Mozzarella cheese, but not so much by itself. It tasted good with the spices, but it was a bit weird for me to eat it like this. Of course I was able to wash it down with my white wine. 

Next stop was Sintra village, which was absolutely incredible. It really was like I was walking into a fairytale or Disney story. The buildings in town reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. I went to Sintra not knowing where anything was, so when I looked up and saw this castle way up on the top of the hill, it made me a bit nervous. I had my good sandals on, but I didn't come expecting a hike. Thankfully, I found a hop on and off bus that would take me to both the Moorish Castle and Pena National Palace and then back down the hill for 5 Euros. I sure am glad I chose that option. It would've been quite the hike and nothing like I was prepared for. As it is, I was not prepared for practically every single surface i walked on to be cobblestone. Saying that my feet hate me right now, would be a gross understatement. 

I made the choice to go to Pena first, since that was on my list of places I absolutely needed to see. Then I would walk downhill to the castle. Once again, I didn't realized how much hiking and walking was involved. It was a 15 minute hike up to the palace and then I had the option to by package and see the park also. It was 14 Euros for the ticket, although I found out at castle that they had a bundle for that too and would've only cost me 17 Euros for all 3. Oh well, it was only about 3 more Euros. Pena National Palace was amazing. Such beautiful buildings and unbeatable view. This was the home of former Portuguese Kings and Queens.

Next stop was the Moorish Castle. It was built in the 9th century and sits at the top of the hill, but just below the height of Pena. Again, when I walked into the castle entrance, I had no idea how much hiking I would have to do - on more uneven stones. There were 2 sections to climb, a shorter section of the castle then I climbed up this:

Yeah, that was a bit rough. But totally worth it once I reached the top and had a 360 degree view of Sintra and the surrounding towns. This was my celebratory shot:

Last stop in Sintra was my favorite, Quinta de Regaleria. It is a palace situated just west of Sintra Village and has the one thing on must travel lists: a large, winding well. There is a reason this is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the Initiatic Well:

The well is described as follows: "The well marks the crossing between the Profane and the Sacred. Here is a bridge between Earth and Heaven. Here lies Jacob's ladder, by with rise and descend the angels." I got there after walking to a waterfall by stepping stones, then going behind it and through underground tunnels. They led me to the base of the well. I was able to walk up the spiral, which is really one of the most enchanting experiences of my life. Every part of this well was just incredible. I spent my time looking at all the beautiful and magical sites on the grounds before finishing up my tour at the main house, which was crafted by builders of Temples and inspired by mythology and the Templars. 

After a wonderful day in Sintra, it was time to head back to the hostel and relax. My feet, quads, hamstrings and calves are hating me right now. I'm taking the train to Faro in the morning. Very excited for the next part of my journey.