Travel – thoutsoutloud

Portugal — Lagos (21.05.15 – 22.05.15)

2 days was definitely not enough for a trip to this beautiful place, but I’m so grateful for the time we had here nonetheless. Especially since it was such a last-minute decision — we literally sat down together at 12am the night before to book bus tickets, after which came a mad rush to pack our bags and never look back!

We didn’t even have a hostel booked (at least the last 3 of us) but thankfully Blue Moon Hostel had an opening for a private 4 bedroom for a really reasonable price, less than 15€ a night! They checked us in as soon as we reached. The facilities were pretty impressive considering how little we paid, the bathroom looked so clean and new and there was barely any other people there at the same time as us which is always a relief to have more space and privacy.

The first day filled with one activity only, which is something I’d like to call “beach-hopping”. Starting of at Batata beach (meaning Potato in Portuguese!), we decided to keep on going to see others after taking a few pictures. Though I would have preferred to go straight to frolicking in the sand and sea, it turned out to be a pretty good decision since the other beaches were even prettier with their beautiful rock formations and nooks and crannies for some exploring.

By the time it hit 6pm, it was a wrestle to get a spot furthest to the right on the beach for the last bit of sunshine before the night and howling wind set in. I was a little disappointed we had so little time at the beach but our nice dinner made up for it!

This dinner is testament to the fact that service could be the thing that MAKES a meal. We initially wanted to eat somewhere that had really rave reviews, however, we were met with a rude waiter who was indignant that we do not give them any business since they had already a table filled with about 10 people, and were informed that we’d only be able to get our food in an hour. Who could ever think a restaurant could serve more than 10 people at a time, isn’t that just the most absurd thing you’ve ever heard?!?! Hahaha, ok, sarcasm aside, it was the best decision to leave because if we hadn’t we wouldn’t have discovered this gem of a restaurant — .

I don’t think I’ve ever received better service before: this waiter who happened to be the son of the chef treated us to a free serving of snails to try, free alcohol and even a free loan of his own personal jackets because he saw us shivering in the cold while sitting outside!

The food was excellent too, though we still had space in our stomachs to grab ice cream and pizza after. Perhaps their portions aren’t the biggest, but still an amazing place to visit!

The next day, even though I was feeling kinda tired, I decided to go kayaking with Christianne, Carlos and Claudia (3Cs, hahaha). It started off with a boat ride to the middle of the sea, which to me was already unexpected. What happened next was even more surprising — they practically dumped us, each pair into their own little canoe without giving us any instructions other than to follow a guy with a blue cap. Struggling on the boat with Claudia, us 2 girls probably had the most trouble managing our canoe. Being uncoordinated and clumsily rowing, not knowing any proper techniques while weaving in and out of the caves I have to admit that I probably almost got arrested by WWF that day, every time I took a hit to the rocks around me which led to a chunk of it falling off… I guess that’s one way to “be one with nature”.

Though I have to say that kayaking was a really awesome way to explore the caves. I wish we’d been given more time to just sit there and marvel at God’s handiwork close-up before our very eyes but the tumbling waves would pull us in different directions and our guide was rather impatient, only giving us the name of the cave and we’re off as fast as we entered! Interesting fact though, the names of the caves including things like “Living Room” and “Kitchen”. The rocks were so beautiful and though I couldn’t tell the difference sometimes it was just nice to take it all in even if we didn’t have a camera out at sea. We also got to see crabs scurry away when our paddles hit the rocks, both a horrifying and marvellous sight!

After everything was done we were invited to go out onto a trampoline and take a jump into the waters. Having no towel and feeling groggy from being out in the water for too long, I was a little hesitant to do it, especially since the others were insistent that they didn’t want to. We ended up just lying on the trampoline to enjoy the sun and bouncing for a little while lol losers… It was so relaxing till a boat came and sprayed sea water all over us HAHA, I guess it was a little embarrassing for them to see us tourists lying on the trampoline instead of jumping in.

The rest of the day I spent with Shuhui and Steffi just exploring the town area. Lagos is so small and it has many interesting nooks and crannies, albeit being a little touristy. The sights are charming and it was (to my surprise) relatively clean everywhere! My favourite place had to be this stall selling all kinds of nuts for really cheap, each of us went home with at least a bag since nuts in Lisbon were much more expensive!

Getting seasick from the kayaking experience, I didn’t have much to eat so I got 1 yogurt and that was it. Also, the famous Lagos Coffee with almond liquor, topped off with whipped cream, gave me a headache. Such a sad way to waste 4€ on a perfectly good drink but how could I leave without tasting it!

Then came the 4-hour long bus ride home where I contemplated how time left here was dwindling; with the sand in my hourglass running low on supply. What will I do after this life I’ve led? How can I ever go back to the old mundane ways after tasting the sweet sweet nectar of freedom and adventure?

I haven’t exactly answered those questions myself but I guess it’s about trying to balance focusing on the here and now and reminding myself of the beckoning reality.

Portugal you are amazing, and you continue ceasing to amaze. (Next stop, Porto!)