The incandescent waves of summer struck Europe and left few avanposts to enjoy a fresh retreat. One appealing destination will have proved to be that precise long-waited gamechanger. Our eyes first met in 2007, when my travel companion was none other than my most precious gift from life and God - my mother. We met again in 2014 with the occassion of one of my best friend's batchelorette party. I strongly believe we as human beings connect with the people, places, times we currently are in profound need of so that we may allow ourselves to experience everything possible and live in the now. Lisbon is something like this for me. Light clothes, light mind, light conscience. conscience. Purity, great expectations, high on joy and laughter. This city's sights will linger in your thoughts for a long while. Old beautiful buildings perfectly merge with newer parts of Lisbon. The spirit of youth, freedom, that "dolce far niente" blends in perfectly with the elders' suave elegance. The ocean silently guards and protects as sandy beaches unfold in nearby suburbs such as Estoril, Cascais and not only (easy access by train, not expensive). Close-by, a surfers' paradise awaits: the long, wide, calm Guincho Beach. Also, in this area, do not hesitate in resting your thoughts for just few moments at Cabo da Roca, Europe's most western point. Keep in mind that this is a very windy place, with spectacular views, and that you are about to witness the anxious ocean and its furious waves unravel beneath the cliffs. In Lisbon's proximity, just a train ride away, rests Sintra, a highly spiritual village in the heart of genuine natural surroundings. Best icecream I have ever tasted in Portugal! The energy levels here may increase in intensity, you suddenly feel at ease, free and happy. Also a neighbouring location - Belem - will have provided us with the famous and scrumptious, fresh out of the oven pastry called Pastel da Nata. Lisbon's nightlife is amazingly vivid, there are a lot of restaurants fitted for dining or having a glass of delicious Portuguese wine. Here and there in discreet and very cosy bars in the oldcity center one can listen to Fado, the local musical genre. Beach parties are a blast, unforgettable and very fun! If you are in Lisbon, a traditional ride with the funicular may be a chance to visit old neighbourhoods and see the city from above. I have had some quiet walks and enjoyed tranquility and silence in the area of Lisbon's Oceanarium. This is also a great shopping spot featuring as leading star one of the city's biggest malls. Lisbon and all its surroundings invite you to create memories, to find inner peace, to enjoy nature, to be joyful, to forget about imposed rules and live and act freely; but most importantly, Lisbon provides you with the proper environment so that you can fall in love with life over and over again.
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