Okay, I admit it, I'm penniless, in clear "savings" mode, so much so that I have been postponing shopping for almost a week, feeding on what I find. But how to give up the proposal of a group of friends, those of the worst kind, who are always on the move, who tell you: Are you coming to Lisbon with us this weekend?
I've always dreamed of visiting the Portuguese capital, so I didn't think twice: Ok, but it's a low cost trip! And so it was. Seville-Lisbon by bus with Eurolines: six hours of travel, departing at midnight on Friday and arriving at five in the morning, and staying in a hostal, Baluarte Citadino Hostel, very nice and clean, but above all super cheap.
And what about Lisbon? A magical city, where impossible stories come to life… The San Jorge Castle, on the hill of the ancient Alfama district, which offers a breathtaking view, the Belém Tower, a reminder of the ancient glories of a now forgotten Portuguese Empire. And then up and down the narrow streets of the Barrio Alto and up to hold your breath once you get to the Nations Park, site of Expo '98.
And for the night? Lisbon is tremendously on the move. And you live on the street, with plastic cups and blaring music. The heart of the nightlife is the Barrio Alto, and it was the strong smell of mint that led me to this bar. Portas Largas, in Rua da Atalaia 105, makes liters upon liters of tasty mojito at bargain prices (one liter 6 euros). And the night goes on like this, passing from one bar to another, until the morning when tired and hungry you look for the first open pastry shop to enjoy a warm pastéis de nata, a typical dessert of the city.
