Vanessa's Lisbon Tour (Part 2)

*From the archives 2014*

Visiting Belem - a short tram ride from where I stayed. Belem is home to two structures that are incredible architectural feats--the Jeronimos Monastary and Belem Tower, an old defensive structure, built in the exquisitely detailed, moorish-inspired gothic Manueline style.

Another gem of Belem, impossible to miss on a visit to Lisbon, were the Pasteis de Belem from a cafe of the same name - an egg-tart type pastry that had me waiting in a minimum 10 minute line to get one. Why all the hype? Well, the recipe of the pastry is kept under immense secrecy, only know by three people at any given time. I can't really describe to you the experience of eating one--okay maybe two--of these things, but I can try to sum it up in a single word: Divine.

Finally, taking a day trip out of the city to Sintra and Cabo da Roca. Sintra is a town just outside of Lisbon home to numerous, stunningly designed palaces and castles. I was able to visit Pena Palace, perched on a hill with an amazing aerial view of the entire surrounding area. Pena Palace was like something out of a fantasy Disney set--it didn't seem real!

It was painted in wonderfully bright, kitschy colours and heavily influenced by Moorish architecture, full of incredibly detailed arches and tiles. On our way to Cabo da Roca, our guide put on a CD of Fado music, the traditional music of Lisbon that is full of passionate emotion. Listening to Amalia Rodrigues croon as we wound our way through the stunning countryside was something I won't forget.

Cabo da Roca is also known as Finisterre--the end of the Earth. For the Europeans pre-age of discovery, it really was the end of the earth, or the easternmost point of Europe. The cliffs were absolutely breathtaking.

Ultimately, buying those tickets was probably the best impulse decision I've ever made. I was able to visit a city full of amazing culture, sights, people, food, and wine.

SO, if your thinking about it--GO TO LISBON! Alone or not ;)