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