Sunday Recap: April 26

On Thursday night I returned from my amazing trip to Lisbon. I left for Lisbon on Friday the 18th, arriving around midnight before catching the metro to my hostel. I stayed at Goodmorning Lisbon Hostel which was amazing with all of the activities it offered each night. They really made me feel welcome and I enjoyed my stay with them. I stayed in the four bedroom female dorm and there was a small balcony you could step out on and enjoy the view of Restauradores Square. The hostel was very accessible to all the main areas of Lisbon, the metro right in front of it and a short walk to Rossio train station to get to Sintra.

On my first morning, I took the metro over to the the flea market that happens at Campo de Santa Clara every Saturday and Tuesday. It is also known as the Feira da Ladra or Thieve's Market. I made sure to keep an eye on my belongings as I strolled through the market which was mostly people selling different things. Nothing caught by eye so I headed to explore Alfama a bit then took in a Sandeman's Free Walking Tour. The guide was really great so I joined him on his Alfama Tour and enjoyed it just as much.

On Sunday, I went to Sintra with We Hate Tourism Tours and visited the Monserrate Palace, Cabo de Roca and Cascais. 

Monday, I walked to Rato then to Marquês de Pombal to hunt for grafitti. Enjoying an amzing hot dog on Avenida da Liberdade. I went up the Santa Justa Lift and did a bit of shopping in 

Armazéns do Chiado. I rode Tram 28 around the city and explored the Prazeres Cemetary before having a bite to eat in the Estrela Gardens.

Tuesday, I ventured by tram to Belém where I visited the Tower, Padrão dos Descobrimentos (The Monument to the Discoveries), Jerónimos Monastery, Pastéis de Belém to try their famous custard tarts. I also went to the National Coach Museum before taking the bus back into the city centre. I enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Mercado da Ribeira then took in the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga which had a wonderful collection of art.

Wednesday, I took the train back to Sintra, taking the bus up to the Pena Palace where I explored the grounds, went horse riding and got lost. Taking the bus down to Sintra, I enjoyed lunch at the famous Pastelaria Piriquita. I walked to Quinta da Regaleira, a beautiful estate which I happily explored. I walked back to Sintra, enjoying a delicious hamburger for dinner before taking the train back to Lisbon.

My last day Thursday, I had almost ran out of all my Euros. I used what I had left to buy my metro ticket to the airport to make sure I did not spend the money. I walked to Alfama and visited the Castle of Saint George, using my credit card to pay for it. The views from the castle were stunning and I enjoyed climbing the walls. Spending the last of my coins on an amazing gelato, I wandered back to my hostel. Picking up my bag and heading for the airport.

Now I'm home. Trying to work on more posts. I sadly have not done a lot on my Ireland trip and there are so many photos to share from that as well as Portugal. Please be patient with me.

Meeting in Paris

What a joy it was to see my mother and sister at the airport. We had planned to meet at the Sheraton hotel lobby before heading to the metro. I arrived first and waited and waited. Getting a bit antsy, I headed to where they would be walking from. I waited some more. No signs of them. Giving in, I moved towards the gate they had flown into and was rewarded by finding them. Happy hugs from my mother and sister after not having seen them for a year. It was like I had never left their side. Gathering our bags, we headed to the train and purchased three tickets to get us into Paris. Getting on the train we sat down with our bags and smiles happy smiles at each other. They had made it all the way from Vancouver to meet me in Paris. They had left the day before and I had left that very morning, flying out of Liverpool.

The Return

I've been gone for two weeks now and have finally returned home. This time it is alone. I left my family in Dublin and flew the very short half hour flight across the Irish Sea to Liverpool. After a quick bite to eat in the airport, I arrived home by bus. It was a very happy feeling to walk into my room. I put on my pajamas and crawled into bed.  My trip to Paris, London and Liverpool with my mother and sister was amazing. We had so much fun and made so many memories. Flying to Belfast with them and meeting my sister's mother-in-law Carol for our week of driving around Ireland was so different that I would have to say they were two separate vacations. I'll be trying to make more posts about my adventures soon.

Going to Amsterdam!

So my week of holidays in October was approved so from October 11th to the 16th I shall be in Amsterdam. I fell in love with this city in my short time there in April. I will be staying at the Flying Pig Uptown Hostel which was recommended by Nomadic Matt one of my favourite travel bloggers.

The hostel is really close to the Vondel Park so I look forward to spending time there. The plans are so fresh but I will be working on them until the day I leave. I am quite excited to return. 

Whats in my bag?

Here's a lovely flattering shot of me packing for my trip.  All the important stuff going on here.  So what exactly went into my bag?

Let's find out.

The highlights of my Topdeck Tour

Hostel: Plus Berlin. The hostel was in a very large old building but the hostel was very well done. There was a very large internal courtyard and we had a great time playing ping pong.  On the third floor there was a very large hang out room but whenever I went in there it was quite empty and peaceful.

Country: Italy! I would have to say Italy because I spent the most time in it but it is truly beautiful with the Alps, lakes, canals, etc.

Moment: Bicycling through Amsterdam. Cruising the canals in Venice in a gondola. Enjoying the snow in Slovakia.

Books read: Harry Potter 1, 2 and 3. I was Doctor Mengel's Assistant.

Purchase: Tapir stuffed animal from the Prague Zoo. Never thought I would be able to have a stuffed Tapir.

Optional: The canal cruise in Amsterdam is tied with the canal cruise in Venice. The Amsterdam cruise was on a larger boat, had an open bar and allowed me to see a different side to Amsterdam then I would have if I had stayed on dry land. The cruise in Venice was just beautiful. Sliding through the water in our gondola amongst the buildings was something I won't forget.

Museum: Mucha Museum in Prague. I first discovered this artist in Powell River when I found a wall plaque in one of the stores with one of his works on it. I have been a fan of his art nouveau work ever since. It always makes me think of Stephanie.

Food: Before my trip it was the pizza I got from the bakery in Milan. On the trip I would have to say it was the stuffed cabbage rolls in Budapest. The seven different kinds of perogies in Krakow were also so so good.

Drink: Chili Hot Chocolate in Krakow, Poland.

Gelato flavour: Lemon! I always enjoy a good tart flavour. Second best was Lion bar flavour I had in Rome.

City that surprised me the most:  Budapest! I had no idea how much I would enjoy it. I knew nothing about it except that it was in Hungary and was formed by two cities Buda and Pest. I came away from it, wanting to return and it being a highlight of my trip. If you're reading this, put Budapest on your list of cities to check out.

City I would return to right away if I could: Amsterdam! I enjoyed all the cities we went to but I really felt I wanted more time in Amsterdam and was not ready to leave it. Hoping to get back ASAP.

Best zoo: Budapest won me by the closeness I got to the animals. I hate not being able to see the animals in exhibits or if the animal is too far away. I really enjoyed going in the early morning when it opened so it was not too crowded and gave me a lot of time to enjoy the animals. The only negative thing I had to say about the zoo was how the Tapir was hiding!

If you have any questions you would like answered. Let me know and I'll add them.