by Isaure Cointreau

It was a friend’s quad-centennial birthday and Portugal’s Praia das Macas would be were the celebration would take place. After many hesitations I finally got my ticket. As this would be my first time in Spain’s neighborly country, I planned the trip so I would be as much as a tourist as I could.

First stop, Lisbon. After a never ending bus ride, I finally arrived at 6:30am only to discover that there was a time change, as Madrid looks one hour ahead. Arriving at the hostel, I rang the bell only to be left unanswered. Spirits high, I decided to walk around to get my first impressions of the Portuguese capital. The dim light of the first rays of sun appeared as a quiet awakening of the city. Though as the streets were still empty, it felt as if I was the only witness of the city’s gleaming wonders.

Strolling around Lisbon’s center, upon the Praca da Pedro V and its surroundings, the light breeze of the coast drew me to the Sea. Not expecting it would be this close, I was astonished by the beautiful Praca do Comercio and the marvelous blue horizon. Turning my back on the view and facing the city, I had on my right the castle and the cathedral, and on my left, the imposing ponte 25 de Abril, the mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the Belem tower. Where to start?

After a typical Portuguese luncheon crowned by the much needed dose of caffeine, I left my bag at the Hostel and was ready to go. Lisboa is apparently a city of light. The buildings and houses are each painted in a different color going from pink to yellow, blue to green. The little streets are outnumbered for the very pleasure of the tourist in need of shade. However, the sunshine is never far away and creates through shadows and reflection a soothing and warm ambiance. Walking around, getting lost at some point because my eyes were always looking up for the numerous hidden details of the different boroughs, there was always a kind Portuguese to help with the way. Although I didn’t understand them and they didn’t understand me, they would try and you would have seen us  communicating comically with gestures and simple words.

Going from one end of the city to another, I realized it was huge. Comparing it to Madrid where you can walk about everywhere, it had nothing to do with it. I have always felt that the more you walk in a city the more you get in touch with its essence, going from one borough to another and changing sceneries, though at some point it was not possible to do so. There was to much to cover and so little time and with the sun pounding, it would have been suicidal. However in one day, I pretty much covered the grounds and got the feel of the city enough to fall in love with it.

My favorite neighborhoods were the Bairro Alto and Chiado. Lively and arty for one, chic and chilled for the other, they both are the best districts to hang out, shop, have a meal, a drink or simply go out. People there are young and always on the go, however don’t forget that as the southern weather is also part of the culture, all rules apply. Wherever you go you won’t get to see a soul until 5pm, and if you do then you are either facing a tourist or you are hanging out in the touristy places.

The next day I left the Kitsch Hostel, and its outraging colorful Hindu-Pop-Hippy living room. After a last little walk, I took the train for Sintra for a little hour trip. This village embodies the perfect harmony between nature and cultural heritage. Classified as a UNESCO World heritage site, its cultural wonders and beautiful landscapes have become a must see for any Portugal visitor. The town is central to many castles and palaces, gardens and parks that would amaze any eye. The Castelo de la Pena is one of them and although it is quite a hike to visit the whole perimeter it occupies, it was worth it as it was an enchantment from the beginning until the end of the visit. After an exhausting race against the clock, I finally made it to the bus after having seen it all.

After a challenging sign talking and map pointing discussion with the locals, I finally arrived to my last destination. Praia das Macas stands for the “apple beach”, though I wonder why as I haven’t spotted any of those around there. The golden sand, the clear sea and the strong waves, this place is a surfing paradise. While some friends were tasting the water on their boards, the others and I enjoyed a breathtaking sunset that would only announce the beginning of the evening. The now 25 year old would be the main character of an unforgettable night starting with delicate seafood and ending feet in the sand.

Portugal was a breathtaking experience. However, my trip was only an introduction to the wonders its history, heritage and traditions have spread out throughout its land. What will it be next time? Fatima and its incredible shrine, Obidos and its medieval vibe, Porto and its many cultural delights, these and many more are part of the country’s highlights. Therefore Portugal awaits, what are we waiting for?