Since arriving in Portugal, every day has been a new experience. I never thought I would walk up and down so many cobblestone hills in my life, but the views are so worth it. Every direction I look, there is a picture-worthy sight. One of my favorite visits so far has been the Pena Palace in Sintra. The castle is straight out of a fairytale with so many vibrant colors and unique architecture. The views of the city below are also unbeatable.
Another favorite activity on this trip has been surfing. I never thought I would say that I’ve been surfing, let alone in a whole other country, but now I can! This past weekend we went to the Porto coast and were taught some surfing basics. I might have only stood on the surfboard for 0.1 seconds, but at least I can say I tried. The peak of this trip, however, has been attending a soccer game with Benfica vs. Braga. Benfica is the primary soccer team in Lisbon, and getting to experience one of their home games just a few rows up from the field was unreal. It felt like experiencing Portugal’s version of Alabama football in their own Bryant-Denny Stadium.
While the activities and sightseeing have been unforgettable, adjusting to everyday life in Portugal has also been an experience of its own. Although many people in Portugal speak English, there have still been moments where ordering food or reading menus has been challenging. Learning a few simple Portuguese phrases has made me appreciate the culture more and step out of my comfort zone. Something I have learned on this trip though is that Portuguese food is not really for me, but that hasn’t stopped me from trying new foods while abroad. I’ve discovered some amazing Venezuelan and Italian restaurants throughout the country, and even if I don’t crave Portuguese dishes, I still appreciate getting to experience such an important part of the culture. So far, this trip has been unforgettable, and every experience and challenge has made this trip even more memorable.