San Francisco California?... No Lisbon Portugal!!

For the first time since arriving in Europe did I actually feel like I was back in the United States. I think the only thing that gave it away was the cobblestone streets that hurt my ankle (the one I fractured last summer). If you have even been to San Francisco just picture that city when I talk about Lisbon. We are staying at an amazing hostel called Yes! Hostel. Its got pretty much everything I love about hostels starting with free breakfast, free internet, lounge, bar and ending with laundry service oh and my favorite part... the "Cave". The "Cave" is actually my bed and I named it that cause its a bunk bed that they have surrounded with curtains so when you go in it I am magically sent back to my fort making days under the kitchen table. 

Lisbon is old like most European cities its flanked with cobble stones and ancient looking buildings. The city was ruled by the Romans, then Germanic tribes, then the Moors, then finally christian crusaders and the Knights Templar's.Our first day we walked up and down the streets to see the Castle of Lisbon in the Alfama district. The castle sits up on a hill over looking the entire city even the tower far off in the distance. It was built in the 16th century and had lived through multiply wars and types of government. We didn't go inside because it was 5 Euros which was way too much. One thing about this city is its very cheap but the sights are so expensive. After walking around the entire Castle we continued to climb to the many look outs above the city. The city is beautiful it sits between the River Tejo and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many Cathedrals and monasteries flanking it on the hill tops. 


After a lovely afternoon on the top of Lisbon we emerged ourselves into the culture below. There was a marathon going on in one of the Major squares Rossio so we grabbed some lunch and watched the festivities while sipping coffee. We met an interesting Philippine man named Andy who was probably mid 60's. He had been traveling for as long as he could remember and he even lived in Istanbul for a period of time. I was interested in that part and asked him tons of questions like where to go and what to see. He mentioned the obvious like the Hippodrome of Constantine and the Hagia Sophia along with some parks to go to. He made me even more excited to go. He mentioned Prince Islands as a wonderful place to visit as well as all the Greek islands. I was actually unaware that traditionally Greeks and Turks don't get along and am curious to find out more about that. 


After the Marathon we spent the night walking through the streets which are still full of Christmas lights! They are all different sizes and shapes some are snowflakes, some are mistletoe, others are trees, and some are Christmas ornaments. Overall I would have to say Portugal has the cleanest cities I have been to thus far.