Well I know exactly where to start: exhaustion. It was a marvelous day yesterday but I was drained of energy. It seriously took all of my will power and might just to get ready before crawling into bed.
Yesterday morning, I talked with some travelers over our breakfast. Hamman, Dina, Ora, and Akiva were a unique grouping as they were two Jews traveling together with two Palestinians. They said they were making peace on behalf of their countries. I also met a girl from Mexico, Karla, who rooms with me along with a young woman and her daughter from Brazil. In addition, I met an interesting couple the day before. She was from Bulgaria and living in Sweden, while he was from America and living in Austria. It's always so great to meet people from all over the world and observe the differences in lifestyles.
As far as what I did goes. Late morning, I walked through Sintra to the bus station to catch a touring bus to Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors. First, I went to Pena Palace. It was beyond anything I could ever express in words. The architecture was more middle eastern than anything else which was neat. The vast estate was my favorite part. It's always my favorite part of touring castles and great stately homes. There were trails and all sorts of fountains, gardens, and wells hidden amongst the forest. Needless to say, it was fun to explore. Just as I was about to head over to the other attraction, I
discovered that an hour long carriage ride throughout the park. was 7 Euro. So, of course, I stayed for awhile more! It was just the driver and I the whole time and I even got to drive a bit! It was so neat to experience the park the way the Portuguese royalty would have enjoyed it.
It was nearly six pm before I went over to the Castle of the Moors. I didn't spend a long time there. However, the views were spectacular and it was fun to walk along the wall overlooking all of Sintra! Then, I caught the bus down the mountain and went to a small outdoor cafe restaurant where I got a Portuguese specialty: sausage cooked in burning brandy served with traditional bread. I had sangria with it. It was a tasty meal. But, I need to start remembering that meat is often not the quality that I would prefer. This is where I realized how spoiled I am with my lean venison diet at home. Afterward, I headed back to the hostel and collapsed into bed.
This morning, I will be preparing to leave this afternoon. It is a little sad to leave Sintra but I am so glad I came to experience this unique town. At around noon, I will walk over to the train station and catch a train into Lisbon, where I will catch the 14:39 train to Faro. Once in Faro, I will go over to the bus station and get a bus to the airport, where I will be waiting until my check in time at 4 am. After landing in Manchester, I will get on a train back to York and then a train to Alnmouth, where my home stay parents are picking me up! So that's the agenda. And first comes my delicious breakfast of varied fruit and muesli:)
Probably won't be posting until I am back at Alnwick again on Thursday evening!
Pena Palace gardens
Castle of the Moors
My cooking meal
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