Portugal - first impressions

My adventure with Portugal began not so long ago because in May last year. I have to admit that I adore this place for the very beginning and untill today I had chance to visit this beautiful country three times. And for sure it is not the end.

For many years I heard a lot of good about Portugal but at this point I still have no idea why I didn't go there earlier. But now I know that it is my second favorite place on Earth and I will try to discover it as often as I will have chance to do it.

As you know, Spain is my number one, but last year I decided to go and see something new and because Spain and Portugal are very close to each other it was easy to connect both countries during one trip. I bought ticket to Lisbon and I went there in May for four days.

I flew to Lisbon in the Sunday evening. From the airport I took a metro to the Baxia - Chiado station. Of course I had a problem with buying a ticket, but a very lovely older man help me with it. And finally I got my ticket, he was very kind and friendly, and he asked me If I need any more help. From this moment I knew that I'm gonna love this place! After half an hour I got to my hostel which was located five min. walk from metro station. Usually during my trips I choose private rooms in hostels or hotels or I stay at my friends house but because it was my first visit in Lisbon and I didn't know anyone there I choose a hostel with dormitory rooms 'cause I think that's the best way to met new people when you travel alone. I checked interesting places on booking.com and I found a very nice hostel with great rankings - Home Lisbon Hostel. I read many good words about this place, and I have to admit they were all real and you literally feel just like at home. The reception is a bar and you are welcomed by a smiling staff of the hostel. I checked-in and got all important informations, some useful tips and welcom drink. From the beginning I had a feeling that this place is unique. I left my luggage and went for the first walk in Lisbon. Before I came to Portugal I also got a tips from a friend from Lisbon, Andre who some time ago he moved from Lisbon to Poland, first to Łódź and now to Kraków so I decided to check few things. When someone asked me about Lisbon and my first impression or association , I would say: People! Portuguese are so friendly, kind and helpfull and all speaks English! I was suprised, especially when you visit often Spain you will know what I mean. After a short walk I go back to my hostel and I spend great evening with new friends from all over the world.

I always repeat that the best way to know new place is just walk walk and walk. The hostel is located in center of Lisbon and every day they offers morning walking tour so I went on one of them with few people I met last evening. The guide took us to Chiado and Barrio Alto area, it was a good begining of discovering Lisbon, which is a very interesting city with many different architecture, nice places and spots but for sure the best parts and my favorites are viewpoints! There are many of them in all parts of city, and you have to just choose the best one sit down and admire this view. Portugal are not only the best views and amazing people but also a realy good food. I love to try local food and it is also the best way to knew new place. We went for a lunch to the restaurant recommended by our hostel an it was - Ze da Mouraria. They offer all kinds of meals: sea food, meat etc. Very small and very local with old pictures on walls. We chose calamares, and they were perfect! My second day in Lisbon I started with a walking tour in Alfama, and I have to admit that it is my favorite part of this city. It is a great place to walk around and just get lost. In Alfama the Fado music was born and it is present in many places, you can see also many buildings with beautiful azulejos ( a kind of glazed coloured tile traditionally used in Portuguese buildings). Alfama has an amazing local vibe and definitely the best viewpoints in Lisbon from my perspective. My favorite is Miradouro do Senhora do Monte, you can see from this point for example: Ponte 25 de Abril or Saint George's Castle but my favorite thing is, that you can meet there a lot of Portugese who brings some food and drinks and just spend there time with friends during the sunset which is amazing by the way! After a whole day of sightseeing I go back to my hostel for dinner. Famous Mamas dinner was for sure the best part of day. First of all you have chance to socialized with other guests and staff and second of all you have chance to eat delicious home meal prepare by Mama Isabell.

During my first visit in Lisbon I also went to Belém because it is impossible to leave Portugal and not to try the world famous Pasteis de belem, I love them! Addicted!

It is also worth to see the Centro Cultural de Belém and Jerónimos and of course Torre the Belem, I didn't go inside so I can't tell you If it is worth to wait in line or not, but for sure it is interesting place to see even from outside. I have to admit that Lisbon is amazing place and I visit it already twice and one of the main reason why I go back there (August 2017) was Home Lisbon Hostel and people I met there. Maybe I was lucky enough or maybe this place just attractss so many great human beings but during my both stay in this place I found many new friends from countries like Canada, USA, Germany, Israel, Protugal, Netherlands, Itlay etc. and we still stay in touch. As I write earlier, when someone asked me about Lisbon my first impression or association will be: People! To be continued.