LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN - LISBON, PORTUGAL - DAY 2

With the time change, I had a lot of trouble sleeping last night. I woke up a bit late, and VERY tired. Kay had a delayed overnight train from Spain, so that worked in my favor for us not missing each other for our previously scheduled meet time. I went down for coffee and toast and waited for her to show up. Before I knew it, I hear "EMILIE"! I look up, and there's my best friend. I shout in excitement, and rush upstairs for a bear hug. I can't believe we're on the opposite side of the world together. This is awesome! She arrived early as I did yesterday. She can't check in yet, but does a bag drop, and we hit the city immediately! We did everything I did yesterday, including some things I missed. I got some great shots, and this time, I could explore the city when I wasn't in a state of delirium.

We started off by walking along the bay, all the way down to the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastary, which thankfully, was open today. When living on opposite sides of the country back home in America, we catch up on all the years we haven't seen each other. Technically we haven't spent consistent time together since high school, with only a handful of visits during undergrad, and two visits after University in between. I begin with my / our family's extremely difficult year that was 2017- Another good incentive for me leaving to go on this trip. She replies by recounting her worst moments in med school, and her difficult time visiting family in India. I ask for both of us why we didn't tell each other these things sooner when it was happening, but as reality would have it, distance, responsibilities, and sometimes shame can keep our demons buried.

Adulthood loneliness is a real thing, and it's amazing what good friendship can do to reshape your mood and your outlook on life. After 4 years of being away from my hometown on the East Coast, and away from most of my closest friends, it feels like coming up for a huge gasp of air after a long, deep dive in the ocean- I could finally vent to someone who gets it, and gets me. This may sound a bit dramatic, but it's the truth, and the closest comparison I have. We talk about our families, relationships that never happened, general major fuck-ups that happen in your 20s, and our career chase. After our heart-to-heart along the bay, our friendship snapped back to when we were in high school, and suddenly it felt like no time had passed...Except for when I told her about looking for the head of Diogo Alvez. She's a Doctor, and said that was weird of me to do- Even for her haha!

We come to the Belem Tower. It's expensive with a long line to get in. We take in the sight quickly by appreciating the outside. We then head back to the monastery and look around. I was hoping to see more of the garden, but it was closed off for a large tour fee. Going cheap side, we merely went to the free area, and admired the architecture. We carry on the same route I took yesterday so Kay can try the famous pasteis, and walk halfway to Rossio Square. Here, we split a cheap cab to grab tapas for lunch. My Greek friends, the Kiapos Sisters, recommended the best tapas place in the city, Da Prata 52. We wine and dine on indeed, the best tapas I've ever had. We share red wine, shrimp, fried chicken, a filet of fish with beet juice, and a slew of other delicacies. The staff is extremely kind, and social with us- Everyone is having a great time. Viva Europa! After stuffing our faces and our bellies, we cab back to the hostel to walk the remainder of our tour. Kay briefly checks in, and drops her stuff in our dorm. We head back out immediately to explore the Justa Lift. The tourist fee to go up is rather expensive. Both of us being frugal, (and dare I say clever with a pinch of mischief), our eyes follow the direction of the bridge. We find another way, above ground, to where the exit would typically be. We pass by an entrance to the Carmo Convent and sneak through, casually pass the guard who thinks we've paid, and climb the remaining stairs to the top. We overlook the city, and it's nothing short of beautiful. Spoiled, we are presented with a sunset happening before our eyes. We take it all in, and climb quickly back down to explore the Carmo Convent. It costs money to get in, but was totally worth it. The ruins that still stand are beautiful, and there's so much history within its museum located in the back. Thankfully, we still have our student ID cards which lessened the price.

Kay has this tidbit of info for finding the best Ginjina in Alfama. In my opinion, Alfama is the most beautiful part of all of Lisbon. Had I known, I would've spent my first day here. We finally have the chance to take the local trolley- Much cheaper, and accessible. We stroll through this new area seeking out Kay's Ginjina spot. Ginjina is their local drink. It's very sweet liquor with cherries, and apparently this place does it home-made with the neighborhood's local grandma. Sadly, our tour in Alfama ended with the place being closed. We double checked by asking a few locals- All of whom know the lady. One of them even calls her for us on his mobile, but there was no answer. A valiant effort, and a great experience to wander through the city of charming, old architecture and narrow alleys. We even picked up a postcard from the area, as Kay is collecting one from each city during her entire trip. Also, I'm thankful that Kay purchased cell data, or navigating through here would be impossible. At this point it was dark, and we take a trolley back to Rossio Square where we find a different whole-in-the-wall spot to try Ginjina. Most of the locals and other tourists there were pretty sloshed when we popped in, but we take our shots and call it a day. Admittedly, this drink isn't our favorite, but it was certainly fun to try.

We come back to the hostel totally wiped out. Kay and I relax and have our communal hostel dinner, which was Portuguese chicken and risotto- SO good! The meal came with two beers, and our energy picked back up. This being a party hostel, it was only natural that everyone played beer pong, and Cards Against Humanity after dinner. One of the girls that I hung out with yesterday, (and is another bunk mate in our dorm), performed a spoken word / rap for us while walking and stomping along the lengthy wooden dining table. Living on the Western side of the country for some time now back in the States, I'm a little more accustomed to this free-spirit behavior, but it didn't stop me and Kay from giving each other looks...Good ol' East Coast- We call it like we see it. All the same, we clapped and were supportive. I realize it would be entirely hypocritical to shut down someone else's way of expression when I too, am trying to make a career out of expressing myself.

Everyone went out for another round of clubbing after our International pre-gaming shenanigans, but Kay and I are going to bed now to catch our flight to Ireland tomorrow EARLY in the AM. We try and guess how much a split cab will cost- You have to pay for everything here in cash which is kind of inconvenient and draining our paper funds rather quickly but we’ll figure it out. Having a blast all the same!

Love you all!!

-eM

Xoxox