Portugal - Lisbon and more

I spent a couple weeks driving around Spain and Portugal (with my girlfriend at the time). It has to be one of the best vacations one could take. I had been to Spain before, but not Portugal, and I really didn’t appreciate any of it until doing it like this. Obviously they are beautiful countries, but it’s easy to miss how geographically diverse they are as well. Lisbon is one of the best European cities there is, but like London and Paris (and others of course), it’s a giant sprawling landscape of old buildings mixed with new developments.

Like every major European city there are many squares and many roundabouts, each with its special statue in the center. For me, Lisbon was about cafes and food, except you get many different types of cities in one. Coastal areas can seem breezy and beachy, while hillside areas reminded me of San Francisco. The Bairro Alto is some of the best walking you can do in any city. The whole city seems like a fishbowl from that viewpoint, all headed towards the water.

The real amazement came when we started to hit the southern areas. Driving through southern Portugal with its old beach towns. The algarve area is really quaint and cool. Some parts get a little young, but I can take some heavy and loud drinking from time to time!

The true finds were often the places I had never heard of.

Notes to self:

-Renting a car is easy…and the highways for the most part are brand new and empty
-Trains…even the super nice ones…even in first class…in 2006…did not have wifi……….clown shoes.

Metropole Lisbon - Apr 2006

This hotel is old and in a good location (right on rossio square), which is generally all you really hope for in a European hotel...at least at the beginning of your trip. It sits right on an insane roundabout and is within walking distance of plenty of bars and restaurants. We kind of walked everywhere. We did have a balcony which was nice and the place has some nice views from its breakfast room. It's charming, but it was mostly a jumping off point for us.

"Not being a top class chain hotel, don't expect brand new furniture, and for sure there are more comfortable beds in the world - but this is part of the charm and of this historic Lisbon experience." They wrote that on their website! God bless their hearts!

Hotel Riomar Lagos - Apr 2006

Being in the Algarve is just fun. Lot’s of beaches and the people party hard there. It can be a little young, but I liked the feel of the whole place.

The hotel itself was kind of shitty. The price was right, and we did get a balcony, and it is close to everything, but you can do better.