The first challenge we faced was getting to the hostel, little did we know this involved a rather steep, and rather lengthy hill - not ideal with our bags. After catching our breaths, our first day involved lots of wandering around, exploring the many huge squares and the port. We very quickly stopped for some sorbetbefore finding somewhere for lunch.

Gloria Funicular

Down at the port there were a few bars, lots of music, and fancy benches that were more reclined than usual to enjoy the views. From the port you could see Christ the King; Portugal’s version of Christ the Redeemer which overlooks Lisbon, and the 25 de Abril Bridge (very similar looking to the Golden Gate Bridge). We went to check in to our hostel which meant the dreaded hill again! The hill; Calçada da Glória, is home to the Gloria Funicular which in 2002 was named a national monument. At the top there is an observation area with some lovely views over the city.


 Before arriving we had read about a free walking tour of Lisbon, it departed from our Hostel at 10 so we had planned this for our second day. We were picked up fron our hostel and taken to Rossio Square to meet Diana our guide before beginning our tour of the historical center and area called Alfama. Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon and the only place not to be destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, meaning it’s hone to the ‘true’ Portuguese people. Before reaching this area, many steep and winding alleys were taken - but the views did not disappoint. Whilst st the viewpoint we were told about a national drink; the ginjinha, describes by Diana our tour guide as ‘a cure for all illnesses’ is a sweet thick cherry tasting liquor. We learnt so much about the history of Lisbon and really enjoyed our time exploring parts of the city we wouldn’t have thought to visit ourselves.







H After over 46,500 steps in two days we were both very tired and very ready to get on the plane and sleep for as long as we could before arriving in Brazil!