Okay, I am falling asleep writing these posts since I have not gotten much sleep and I still have to pack for PARIS (yay!!!) tomorrow, but if I don’t write this now, it will likely never get written. So let’s make this snappy, shall we?! I know, I know, you like my overly-wordy posts with pictures that all look the same. I’ll continue that trend next week, I promise.
On my last day in Portugal, my only goal was to soak up as much time in the sun with my book as possible. And to see all of the extra nooks and crannies that I had missed on my first day. So after a quick breakfast of as many carbs as my stomach would hold, I walked down to Starbucks. “You were in Portugal and you went to Starbucks twice?!”…”Yes, I did. But I had my Americano with a view of a castle, so that makes me less basic!!”
I was thoroughly enjoying every minute that passed by, but eventually I packed up and headed back to the hostel for a walking tour. The walking tour was nothing to write home about since I didn’t exactly pay attention, but I did meet some other fellow Americans who were nice to talk to!! And we may meet up in Madrid. More friends!! (emoji Hallelujah hands here).
We walked through the old city and (some people) listened to the tour guide. When it was over, I opted to get myself a little lost through the winding streets of Lisboa and I seriously spent the next 4 hours with this big goofy grin on my face. 
It was sunny and warm and just incredibly enjoyable for whatever reason. I kept telling myself that I want to travel (alone or with others) more often because this is what life is about. (deep, right)
That last one looks a little like Cuba with the people hanging out outside of the shop and the old car. Minus the trolley.
Eventually, my stomach was growling so I went to find some local food for a little snack. The guide recommended this place that was good for cod cakes. Except this place did it differently with cheese on the inside.
I wasn’t impressed and left thinking “mom is right…cheese and fish = no).
After that, I went back to the water and sat in the sunshine for a little over an hour. I didn’t have a book or internet, so I was forced to just watch the birds and think about how LUCKY I am to be able to do what I am doing. To be able to travel freely, be happy and healthy, and to have these opportunities.
I felt like the luckiest girl in the world in that moment. And still do!
I had to peel myself away from the water and make my way back to the hostel to head to the airport for my flight. I fell asleep on the plane like usual, but woke up to make sure I got my sandwich! Haha. And before I knew it, I was back.
Home, sweet home.
I’m off to finish packing before heading back to the airport for a morning flight to PARIS! Life is so, so good.