últimos dias de portugal

Outfit 1: H&M button-up shirt (similar here, here), American Apparel circle skirt (similar here, here), Nasty Gal leather wrap watch (similar here, here) ALDO tennis shoes (similar here, here)

Outfit 2: Stradivarius cropped tee (similar here, here), Gap sweater (similar here, here), vintage Levi's denim shorts (similar here, here), Karen Walker "Number One" sunglasses (similar here, here) ALDO tennis shoes (similar here, here)

The final two days in Portugal were bittersweet, as it always is when all good things come to an end. Not because of the incredible sights, food, and the wonders of experiencing an entirely different culture, but because I hate saying goodbyes, especially to my best friends. Of course you've noticed, but in case you haven't, quite a few of my photos have featured my wonderful friend, Raquel. A native to Portugal, she and her lovely mother had both been so generous in taking me into her home and showing me all the marvelous sights around Lisbon and beyond. Raquel, I love you and I can't wait to return the favor when you come visit me in the States! ♥

The day after visiting the Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência (National Museum of Natural History and Science) and frolicking about large gardens as well as wandering around historical downtown Lisbon, we were off to see two more castles and the royal palace! I know that I sound like a broken record at this point, and European readers, you're probably chuckling at this starry-eyed American, but the architecture! The architecture is everything. The Castelo Dos Mouros (which literally means "Castle of the Moors") was a strategic fort during an Arab occupation and the medieval Moorish design is apparent: stark with large stones that overlooks the foggy Sintra mountains.

The Palácio da Pena (Pena National Palace) is, and there really is no other word to describe it, beautiful. Much like other buildings in Portugal, it is unique in that it features a splendid mix of different architectural styles, influenced from different eras and cultures from Europe. The atrium and courtyard of the palace is almost entirely decorated in tiles, which is a very Portuguese trademark, as Portugal is famous for its tile artwork. The interior royal rooms are just as majestic as I'd imagine a royal palace would be, with lavish gold gilded plates, rich plush curtains, and awe-inspiring stained glass windows. As both the Castelo Dos Mouros and the palace are set in the mountains, it was foggy and overcast, which added a great atmospheric feel as we ventured around both national treasures. Lastly, the Castelo de Palmelo, which was originally another Moorish castle and military point. Relatively smaller in size than the other castles that we visited, it was nevertheless just as impressive, although the general consensus is that, unfortunately, there is very little documented history about it.

Portugal, you were so wonderful to me! And your pastries... oh, Portuguese pastries are just out of this world; seriously, if you happen to go, make sure to eat your weight in malasadas and cinnamon-sprinkled egg tarts. Raquel, I've told you this plenty of times, but I miss you so much and I think that it's so funny that you had told me that you've never actually talked so much until the week I had arrived! We'll always have our complaints of never-ending walking, much laughter, feelings about Game of Thones (I still have yet to finish the series, but I promise I shall!), people on the beach complaining about our loud talking, our new ritual tea-times, Leonardo, and everything else! Thank you again, meu melhor amigo. :)

Next up with my fantastic holiday around Europe: the UK, France, and Amsterdam! It's literally been over a month (oop), but bear with me, please! If it hadn't already been apparent, I'm very excited to share my photos and experiences with you! x