backstreet boys, curling & sangria

Me at the Castle of the Moors

What do all those things have in common you might ask... well they all remind me of my wonderful trip to Lisbon, Portugal about two weeks ago. The last item on the list is pretty obvious, I had my fair share of this delicious drink (even though it's Spanish) at our cozy hostel - it was refreshing and cheap, perfect! We had some very musically talented people. Often we would end our day of sightseeing by having a drink in the courtyard while listening to fellow travelers play their favorite songs on the guitar. One favorite was backstreet boys... everyone knows the words and "I waaant it thaaat waaay!" It inspired me to make a boy band play list when I got home, perfect for singing in the shower. Lastly curling, next to speed-walking and badminton, it is probably one of the most made-fun-of sports in the Olympic Games. But it surprised me to learn that so many people did not know about it, both Europeans and Australians.

Okay that is it for my random rant. But I very much enjoyed my little get away to sunny and beautiful Lisbon. I had been there once before in 2005 with my family on our European cruise, but only for about eight hours. This time around I got a much better feel for the city, and it surprised me to see that it is exactly San Francisco. The street cars, numerous and thigh killing hills, Golden Gate-esque bridge and the street view that lead straight down to the water.

It was also nice to get a bit of sunshine and warm weather. But I had to lather up on the 50 spf sunscreen because my Danish skin had not see the sun in ages. And I believe that I was quite successful in not turning into a lobster, but I failed to protect the top of my feet which had been covered in sand - very awkward spot, it was painful and looked like I had red socks on haha!

Pena Palace

My favorite thing that we did was visit the town of Sintra, which was a 40 minute train ride outside the city. It was a very historic and beautiful little village that had many fairytale qualities, particularly because of the Pena Palace. I have never seen such a colorful and vibrant castle before and the furniture inside was amazingly crafted. It was built on top of a mountain in the 19th century and has some cool modern features like running water and a very old school telephone. I would have to say my favorite thing was the incorporation of sea life into the architecture and furniture. There was one archway in particular that looked like it was built of coral and had sea shells embedded in the facade, also there were numerous tables that had shells inlaid on the surface and even a little chapel made entirely of shells.

Me very tired from climbing

After thoroughly exploring the Palace we walked over to the Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros) on the neighboring mountain top. These are considerably older, being built in the 8th century during the time when the Moors controlled most of the Iberian Peninsula. It was an amazing strategic position for the Moors because from the towers you could see over the entire land and the ocean. I pity any soldier who had to patrol those walls though because they were a major bitch to climb! My friend Vanessa and I powered through the steep steps and were rewarded with breathtaking views of Portugal.

One last note worthy thing was the day we went to the Belém district of the city, it was there that I had one of the most amazing pastries. Pastel de Belém is an egg tart which has a flaky crust with a sweet custard like center - and the best thing was that it cost less than one American dollar! Dangerous. Fortunately we were able to go to the 160 year old pastry shop were they were first sold.

Over all it was nice break and escape, but I was glad to get back to Copenhagen which is feeling more and more like home. Additionally it was wonderful to see my dear friend João, who lives in Lisbon, and was able to show us a good time and give splendid advice on things to do, see and eat!

Well I better get ready to go to the airport to pick up my parents! Tomorrow we are renting a car and going for a road trip to Fyn and Jylland to see the cities of our Danish forefathers. It will be nice to see the rest of this country I have fallen so hopelessly in love with! Vi ses.