Lisbon Part 5: Coastal town of Faro

Previously in Lisbon Part 4, I crossed the River Tagus and visited Cristo Rei. I rounded off my day visiting the Dinheiro Museum, Lisbon Cathedral and Aljube Museum. It was definitely a day of history learning. Review the post at:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2021/03/lisbon-part-4-crossing-river-tagus-into.html

~~~

On Day 5, I had a free-and-easy morning, where more hiking took place.

Feeling at home going up and down slopes

I made a final push for a bird's eye view of Lisbon, before checking out at noon

Up next was a 5.5-hour bus ride from Lisbon to Faro, which departed at 1.30pm. 

Sete Rios Bus Station, Lisbon

I left Lisbon with a heavy heart - I felt 'acclimatized'

Maybe it meant that I will soon head back to the winter of Glasgow.

I crossed the 25th of April bridge, and a final glance of Cristo Rei

Lisbon Part 4: Crossing the River Tagus into Almada

Previously in Part 3, I visited Belem (the historical enclave) and Coba Da Roca, the Westernmost end of continental Europe. It was a fantastic day, and I was absolutely knackered. Check it out at:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2021/03/lisbon-part-3-belem.html

~~~

On day 4, I crossed the magnificent River Tagus to the opposite bank, to visit Cristo Rei in Almada.

The 25th April Bridge and the suburb of Alcantara

 Towering monument of Jesus overlooking Lisbon since 1959.

It was the 4th full day in Lisbon, and I basically covered the sights that were essential. As usual, I left my hostel by 10am, and took the ferry across the River Tagus from Cais Ferry Station. 

Finally, I am on the River Tagus

Nothing beats taking a boat ride on a clear day with calm waters

For a moment, I felt like Vasco da Gama or Afonso Albuquerque

Across the river is the district of Almada. The main attraction being The Sanctuary of Christ the King, or Cristo Rei, reachable by taking bus #101 from the terminal. With a height of 110m, on top of a hill 133m above sea level, the monument towers above the Lisbon skyline. 

Quite an impressive work of engineering

Lisbon Part 3: Belem and Alfama

Previously in Part 2, I visited Sintra, and Cabo Da Roca, which is the westernmost end of continental Europe. Check it out at:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2021/02/lisbon-part-2-sintra-and-cabo-da-roca.html 

On Day 3, I visited the historical riverfront of Belem, by the River Tagus. 

Any Malaysian history text book would teach that in 1511, the Portuguese came on shore at Malacca, and they departed from here - The River Tagus

~~~

As usual, I would leave my hostel by 10am after enjoying a nice breakfast. Taking the 15E tram, I headed westward to Belem, and the first port of call was for more breakfast.

In search of the original Portuguese egg tarts

In hindsight, I may have just skip the hostel's breakfast

Looks like Malaysian food has got some influence from Portugal (Popiah, famosa, cucuk udang)

An analogue cashier! Selling pastries must have been quite lucrative

Lisbon Part 2: Sintra and Cabo da Roca

Previously in Lisbon Part 1, I explored the city center by joining the walking tour. Weather was beautiful, and being winter and low season, it was a super pleasant day. Review it at:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2021/02/lisbon-part-1-city.html 

On Day 2, I travelled to the town of Sintra, 45 minutes train ride from Lisbon. If you open any guidebooks, Sintra is a must-see when you are in Lisbon. Located near the Atlantic coast, the hilly town of Sintra is one of the wealthiest and most expensive in Portugal. The top attractions are the Pena Castle (15th century) and Moorish Castle (8th Century).

Pena Castle - On a clear day, you could see Lisbon

~~~

If you need motivation to stay fit, you should visit Lisbon. By refraining from taking the slow and weird-timed trams, you can burn calories climbing up and down hills daily.

The view after the first corner from my hostel

The train ride from Lisbon to Sintra was pleasant. I made some new friends during the journey, and planned for the day. There is always a certain style of backpacker/shoestring type of student traveler, that you could click instantly. One of the new friends is Wendy from Taiwan (who just completed her studies) We would explore Sintra together. 

Winter = low season = less crowded = Cooler climate = cheaper tickets

Pena Castle was as describe in travel guides, quite spectacular. Located on a hill within the Sintra mountains, this World Heritage Site was originally a monastery. In the 1800's, King Ferdinand and Queen Maria II design and built a Romanticist castle. The guidebook equates design with romanticism. I wasn't sure I felt any sense of romance, but maybe that's just me.  

It does give a field of promise and positivity

Being a palace for the King of Portugal during the 17th century, I as a commoner would always be happy to spend some time inside. 

Lisbon Part 1: The City

I had quite a mediocre Glaswegian winter in 2016. I would always remember the nights I walked back to Winton Drive after classes (French class in particular). One of my essays on Human Resource was deemed unsatisfactory by the academically inclined lecturer. My score was short of disastrous. I could only bite the bitter pill after meeting the lecturer for 'counseling' or post-mortem. It was a timely reminder to always write based on the reader. If the lecturer is someone academic (haven't have experience in the working world), you better write academically (rather than practically). 

Exams are always subjective, and I learned not to take results too seriously. 

Whilst completing my finals and submitting my essays, I had to buy an escape for myself, a (budget) trip to somewhere that had sunshine, as a reward for the hard work. Looking at the map of Europe, Portugal stood out, and was as south as the budget airline Ryan Air could reach. 

When you talk about Lisbon, it has to be the sunshine, the history/tradition and great food

Ryan Air had return flights from Glasgow Prestwick-Faro (in Portugal). I did not need much invitation. Faro is a seaside town at the Southern tip of Portugal, and was a gateway to Lisbon. 

I arrived in Faro at around 9pm, went into the city center, chilled at McDonalds, and took the 1.30am bus to Lisbon. 

Never a fan of fastfood, but McDonald's is my top choice as a backpacker - Trustable food, free Wifi and clean washrooms

Being half awake during the 4 hour bus ride, I walked out at Lisbon's Sete Rios bus station at 5.30am wanting to find my way to my hostel. Took a U-turn after finding myself the only soul on the cold and quiet street. I went back to the bus station and slept until 8am, when it was warmer and brighter. 

I would find out that Lisbon is a hilly city. Similar to Istanbul, Rome, Edinburgh, Moscow, Lisbon is also built on 7 hills! In fact, Portugal actually a country full with hills, so if you ought to have strong legs! Glad that I spent at least twice a week at the University gym (and steam room), just beside Rankine Building. 

Thankfully, I always kept my fitness, all these while

The reward was spectacular views

Stayed at Equity Point Hostel, among the hills for 4 nights