I can't remember why I chose Lisbon as my starting point for my travels through Europe and beyond. It was honestly a quite random choice, but for some reason I felt I needed to start in this hilly, cobblestoned, vibrant city. I realized why as soon as I got off the plane, out of the subway and into the streets.
I walked to the first of many hostels I will be staying at, Good Morning Solo Traveler Lisbon. Located right in the city center. It was early in the morning, around 8am when I landed and I had been up since noon, Minnesota time, the day before. I imagined I'd check in and catch up on sleep but I ended up doing the exact opposite. I arrived to the hostel, was greeted by smiling Portuguese hostel volunteers and workers, and sat down for the free breakfast that was served every morning. My first thought was, "there's no way everyone here is solo traveling" people were eating and talking with each other like they'd been friends for years. I sat down and chatted with a group of like-minded travelers and we planned a whole day: market, tapas (small plates, think appetizers but better), beach and pub crawl. How could I sleep with this plan in place??
I spent the day and evening with people from Iceland, France, Austria, Australia, and America (even another Minnesotan). I originally booked two nights at the Good Morning Hostel, and ended up extending to six nights. I met the most welcoming, fun and diverse people at this hostel. We'd get small groups together for day trips and then join the rest of the hostel for bottomless sangria at night. On repeat, everyday. We explored castles, churches, markets and went on a sunset sailing trip under the Golden Gate Bridge...? (Same architect). I also ate a lot of pastel de nata, a Portugese pastry which I became addicted to instantly.
One of my great friends from home, Andrew, is also going on a solo trip. He's backpacking through Europe for two months. We both started early September in Lisbon. What are the odds. We met up and I showed him some spots I explored and introduced him to the crew from the hostel. All of these new people in a new place, so out of my element, and then there's my Andrew!
I knew I could stay in Lisbon for months but it was time to move on. My next stop was Porto Covo for some much needed chill time with my new Australian bestie, Lizzie.
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