Portugalala

Journal Entry August 5, 1993
Using the incomprehensible map from the airport information desk (accidentally took the Portuguese version) I wandered a wide, circular, mostly confused walk around the city center, bought a much needed “Let’s Go Portugal” in English and spent my first night at the Hotel V.I.P. The anticipation is delicious, adventure looms. But first, a little late night T.V.
Tomorrow I’ll camp.

Journal Entry August 6, 1993
Found the Pousada Da Juventude de Lisboa Youth Hostel at R. Andrade Corvo 46. Stashed my gear and headed down Ave de Libertad exploring squares, statues, shops, and narrow roads along the way. Visited the Castelo de Sao Jorge and the Cathedral of Lisbon. A radiantly sunny day and my superb walking boots are perfect for this leisure pleasure. Back at the hostel, I tried to sit quietly, observe interactions and pick up survival tips. But, the Youth Hostel night life is pretty active with backpackers from all over the world eager to establish contacts for future travels. Josie from Australia, Rob from South Africa, French Natalie, and Belgian Sophia eagerly dragged me (novice) to the nearest disco. We laughed, and drank and danced all night.
Tomorrow I’ll camp.

Journal Entry August 7, 1993
Josie led me to Sintra. We hiked up the long and windy lush mountain road to the Nacional Da Pena, the 14th century National Palace presented to Portugal’s Queen Maria II by her German husband in what the guidebooks called a romantic (I’d say loud) gesture. It is a massive mix of European and Middle Eastern design with an incredible view of the village below. Perched upon a mountain top, high above the sea, the Palace glowed as clouds swirled down in cinematic, misty visions. Back to the hostel where S. African Rob and German Martin argued through the night about racism and anti-semitism; whether apartheid was on par with nazism and who had it worse, the European Jews or black South Africans. I kept quiet.
Tomorrow I’ll camp.