Portraits of Portugal

The Rendezvous, Porto :: Tejas // Blanko Noir // No flash

On Friday the 3rd of June, after four and a half days in Barcelona, I flew southwest from that wonderful city to Lisbon, Portugal. My plan to immediately board a train to Porto, in the north of Portugal was foiled by a train strike, and I was forced to stay in Lisbon for a night. For a moment I baulked, but then I realised this was actually a good thing, because who wants things to go smoothly all the time? That would be boring! And leaves no room for adventures besides.

…who wants things to go smoothly all the time? That would be boring!

So I found a little hostel in the Alfama district with (almost) a view of the water and spent a pleasant day wandering around the city, endlessly clicking my camera shutter, indulging in nata (Portuguese custard tarts), browsing in quirky shops etc. I had to be up extremely early for my train to Porto the next morning, so the street festival outside my pensione was only mildly distracting.

What indulgence, wandering round foreign cities with no itinerary, and no idea what day it is. Can’t wait to do it again. Meanwhile, my travel photos instantly transport me back and I can feel the European sunshine on my face and arms again.