What a weekend - wonderful 30 degree heat all day every day, a crew of 21 friends and many, many hilarious times. We couldn't have had a more perfect weekend to celebrate our engagement.
We arrived on the Friday night, slightly tipsy from free red wine, giggling away at all and sundry. Our hostel was right in amongst it all, but as Lisbon isn't particularly big (population of around 700,000) everything was within walking distance.
Upon arrival at the hostel the other 11 members of the group were waiting and we spent the night drinking free shots and getting reacquainted with one another. Our crew included a mix of newer friends and old, and despite having an extremely large group which obviously presents logistical details, we all operated together perfectly, sticking together and getting on like a house on fire.
Saturday we were up in time to fill ourselves with a delicious free breakfast, before embarking on a free walking tour organised by our hostel. Due to our large number we had our own tour guide, who operated at our pace as we lazily wandered our way around the beautiful city, visiting main squares, castles, crumbling facades which were ruined in the catastrophic earthquake in 1755, whilst slurping back the ice-blocks at an attempt at keeping cool in the 30 degree heat! The tour ended at a big flea market which we wandered around, before stopping at a lovely bar on the cliff, overlooking the cathedral and ocean.
After stopping for a photo shoot with Morgan, we were running through the street to catch up with the group, giggling away, and I was struck with a sense that life just doesn't get better. I've said it before, I'll say it again - I absolutely love Lisbon. I know we love it all and enjoy each weekend or trip, which is why I was so surprised to be as blown away as I was. I was starting to think I was an old hat at this travelling game!
Our next stop was the Jeronimos Monastery, which we caught a tram to before jumping off halfway when we caught a glimpse of the dreaded ticket inspectors. Brad and I being the lickarses we are, we'd already brought our tickets, but we still had fun sneaking off with the rest of them, letting our daredevil streak run loose vicariously through the others! We walked the rest of the way along the river and whilst we were all bagging on Donna for declaring a 40 minute walk, as being 'just a 10 min walk around the corner', I was secretly enjoying the fun in the sun. After a hard winter in which the only sun we saw was a delicious two week stint in NZ, we were all keen to make the most of the tanning time.
The monastery was amazing, as were the delicious Portuguese custard tarts which are famed for being the best in the world. They were much nicer cold than warm, but after stuffing mine in before they had a chance to cool, I only learned this after scrounging around Morgan a few hours later!
It was then close to six and so we decided to head back for a kip. I opted to wander around Lisbon some more whilst the team relaxed - I just couldn't get enough. I ended up sitting on the pier watching the cruise ships come in and out, as well as the little fishes swimming around - that is, until I noticed a pack of creepy African men making lecherous gestures at me. Creeps! I scurried away before I was sold into the Portuguese sex trade unable to escape due to an expensive crack habit, and joined the rest of the team who were now lying in the lounge rehydrating with glasses of sangria.
Our hostel, voted the best hostel worldwide for groups, was AWESOME and offered an authentic Portuguese four course meal with three free drinks, for just eight euro. This saved the hassle of having to make a reservation elsewhere for 20+ and came highly recommended by Donna who had flown out on the Wednesday. It was flipping amazing and meant we essentially had our own private party and could be as raucous as we wanted, and raucous we were!
We'd also arranged to take part in a pub crawl, which saw us guided around the city by partying experts and we all had a ball visiting different bars and clubs. The evening wasn't without its dramas, which we all laughed ourselves silly over the following day, but the only downside was that Morgs was pickpocketed. The bars are down tiny cobbled streets and party-goers spill out all over the show, meaning you have to navigate your way through crowds. As we were walking through Morgs felt someone tugging at her bag and knew straight away what had happened, but by the time she turned around to confront them, they'd disappeared into the crowds taking her new and beloved iPhone and credit card with her. Thankfully she had travel insurance and cancelled her credit card straight away. She didn't let it ruin her night though and carried on like nothing had happened - a real trooper.
The next day we laughed ourselves sick retelling stories, and because there were 21 of us, everyone had new gossip to share which left our sides aching. The only sensible solution on this beautifully hot day was to head to the beach, so off we went to Caixa, where we spent the afternoon slurping on ice-creams, swimming in the Atlantic and peering at all the crazies on the beach. The water was divine, although super cold - a strong contrast to the 30 degree heat, and those that could face the water (myself included) felt their hangovers dissipate as the salt water worked its magic.
Sadly we had to head to the airport at around 4pm, saying goodbye to a few of the lucky ones who are able to stay on in Portugal for longer. Hamish, Laura and Sarah aren't working at the moment, and so are staying on indefinitely until London calls - either London, or the debt collector anyhow!
Lisbon provided a barrel of laughs right up the very last second and the plane and tube ride back home, still had us giggling away. Not to mention the fact that we were up until well after 1am, still reminiscing and laughing at the photos.
It was the most perfect weekend - wonderful friends, lovely weather and a beautiful city. I swear, I could easily slot into this city, never to leave and I'm already counting down the days until I can return!
Love to all.
xx
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