Not only did my father and I want to travel to this very famous religious spot, Fatima. But, we also got many requests from my mom and grandma as well, asking us to send them home some holy water. (The package has been sent, so look for it in the mail!)

Click here to read the story of the lady of Fatima.

It took us an hour and a half to get from Lisbon, to Fatima and when we got off the bus, we didn't know where to go. We followed all the people who exited our bus and like we were on a pilgrimage, we all walked together until the courtyard opened up before us and the gilded church shot up through the sky.

Along the sides of the church, there were beautiful plaques for the twelve stations of the cross, and the three graves for each of the shepherds.

At the front, Our Lady of Fatima stood modest in front of her many admirers. A large painting and beautiful carving looming behind her.

After the church, we walked to the fountain in the middle of the courtyard and filled up our water bottle with the healing water of Fatima. In the courtyard there was a large gathering of people chanting and singing the rosary, so we joined them. When we were all finished we purchased a candle and lit one for our loved ones and offered prayers for health and a safe trip.

Budget for the day (in Euros)

Hostel ------------------------ 22,00
Ice cream --------------------- 3,60
Wine --------------------------- 3,00
Water/Fruit ------------------- 0,86
Journal ------------------------ 6,95

Total -------------------------- 36,41

Today we wanted to just relax by the beach, jet lag is still getting the better of us. We were recommended by the staff at Home hostel to try Cascais beach. On our walk over to the metro we saw something very familiar... Are you sure we're in Portugal?

Turns out this bridge was designed by the same guy who designed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. They look identical except for some minor differences. In Portugal, between the towers, it is more of a square shape rather than triangles, and there is a train that runs along the bottom.

Once in Cascais, we walked onto the overly populated beach where they charge you to sit in the shade provided spots. Walking across the sand was torture it was SO hot! Immediately burning your feet, we had to hurry to set down our towels, and then run into the ice cold water. We also had to take turns with who got to go on into the water so that someone could always keep an eye on our day packs. The water was so refreshing, especially since today it was well into the 100 degree range.

After we were there for an hour or so, Natasha kept wanting to leave so as not to get too much sun. I kept saying that maybe she could put on another layer of sunblock. I really wanted to stay to enjoy the beach, but in the end, she was right... and I got a little sun burned.

 

Walking through the little town of Cascais, we spotted a father-son duo performing on the street.

Happy Fourth of July!

To all those back home in America, Happy Fourth! I am missing you all and wishing I could be back home, BBQ'ing and enjoying the fireworks!

I've only been gone a short while, but there are already many things and people I miss. We are lucky we live in such an active state such as California, with so many activities, sports, and restaurants to frequent. I often wonder what the locals do for fun, but if you're not touring like me, there isn't much else to do besides get drunk, it seems.

What is the one thing you would miss if you left your home town?

Budget for the day (in Euros)

Hostel ------------------------ 16,00
Ice cream --------------------- 1,30
Lunch -------------------------- 1,75
Bus to Cascais -------------- 4,30
Post Card --------------------- 0,40
Dinner ------------------------- 6,50

Total -------------------------- 30,25

 

Today, we left with the intention of going to the beach but ended up taking a very welcome detour. Taking the bus in Sintra we discovered there was the Mouros Castle and Pena Palace to explore so of course we had to go!

Castelo dos Mouros

Castle of the Moors (Portuguese: Castelo dos Mouros) is a hilltop medieval castle. We couldn't afford to see both Pena Palace and Moros Castle, but we were able to walk a little ways up to the entrance where they collect tickets. The path was paved in dark slick stones and you had to be cautious not to slip. All around it was so lush and green, it was like a scene right out of Lord of the Rings. Moss and ferns covered all the surfaces and the trees shaded us from way up above. A cool breeze swept through giving us respite from the increasingly hot temperatures of the day.

Towards the end I spotted a small lookout point with a skull and crossbones! I thought that was super interesting to find in such an old place. Sometimes with more common motifs, you forget they have been used hundreds of years ago.

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My father and I finally arrived in Lisbon, Portugal on Tuesday July 2, after a short jaunt/layover in Boston. During our flight over we mostly slept... a lot... I must say one of the best things about flying internationally, is being woken up by a lady pushing a tray of food in front of your face, yes please! Also, surprisingly... The food on Sata airlines was very tasty.

We picked up our luggage from baggage claim, thankful that our backpacks actually made it without being lost in transit. Then we made our way to the metro and expertly navigated our way to Home Hostel in Lisbon, Portugal. For only 16 euro a night, in an eight person dorm, we get many luxuries. It's no wonder this hostel is the 2013 winner of the best medium hostel in the world!

I was so excited, I was meeting my friend Natasha here, whom I haven't seen in well over a year! I think I can count on two hands the number of times we've hung out in person, but still, I count her among one of my best friends. I was so excited to find her sitting there in the lounge waiting for my arrival.

Not too long after settling in, a young man barged into the hostel asking if we would like a free walking tour of the city. Of course we were exhausted from jet lag, but were also very interested in this as it would help us to not only see parts of the city but also to get our bearings in this new place.

The tour was really interesting, we went and wandered around the old part of the city and the nearby castle, and learned that we missed out on a huge celebration of the saints only two days prior. Boo. We also learned that the old part of town, is called this because during the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, 85% of the city was destroyed and had to be rebuilt except for this section of the city.

We then wandered around looking for our first Portuguese meal. I had a really tender chicken in sauce with rice and.. French fries. Haha, the Portuguese love their French fries! Welp! I'm exhausted, so goodnight and until next time!

Budget for the day (in Euros)

Hostel ------------------------ 16,00
Dinner ------------------------ 7,00

Total -------------------------- 23,00

 

All my life I dreamed of traveling the world, but you need money to do this. I worked hard and went to an amazing college and got a great job as a web developer right after graduation. It was here that I spent three years building up my portfolio, gaining valuable experience. Although my life seemed on track, I felt like a large part of me was missing. I craved something more than sitting in a windowless room in front of a computer all day. I wanted to see the world, I felt trapped in a dungeon. When I finally realized that my life was just not heading in the direction I had anticipated, I decided to make the change I was craving. I was going to start traveling any way I could.

When I thought of who I could go with, my father came to mind. Just last year, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, had surgery and almost passed away. Luckily, I still have my father, and I wanted to make some memories with him that would stay with me forever. I also knew it was a dream of his own and that upon our return he would have to undergo extensive chemo treatments. This would be something he needed in life.

Whenever I tell anyone that I'm taking on this adventure they consistently reply with how jealous they are that they can't go. If I could offer up one piece of advice, it would be that there is never going to be a right time. Just save as much money as you can and go with the intention of budgeting and scrimping.

For me, my main goal for this trip is just to explore and try the native foods. I have no real desire for experiencing the mainstream touristy restaurants and five star hotels. The simple life sounds far more appealing; meeting new people and making friends from all over the world in a hostel, strolling through markets and hitting up street vendors for local food. My dad and I are even bringing camping gear along with us so that we can also stay in campsites; I'm really looking forward to camping at Plitvice Lakes.

During our trip, we plan to visit many countries. Starting off in Portugal then onto Spain for the Running of the Bulls. France, Italy, Croatia (to get out of the Schengen countries since we will be traveling longer than 90 days). Austria and then Germany for Oktoberfest and our return flight home. I'm so excited, but I will definitely miss you all!

When life gives you lemons...

As a parting gift, I give to you my "secret" Lemon Bar Recipe so that whenever you make them, you can think of me! This recipe was passed down to a select few family members from our Aunt Peachie. Count yourself lucky, she wasn't too happy that I was sharing the secret!! shhh....

Aunt Peachie's Lemon Bars

• 2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• pinch salt
• 1 cup butter

• 4 eggs
• 2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch salt
• finely grated zest from juiced lemons