My sincere apologies for not writing sooner.
It has been an amazing time, and the internet can be a scarcity. However in case anyone was wondering, I can happily say that my beard has been growing as expected. Soon I hope i can braid it and put beads in it.
The last few days have been wild with various trips around Lisboa with my new Spanish crew. Its really interesting how you can meet really amazing people when traveling, and everytime I am somewhere new and I encounter complete strangers to share a room, the space reveals some incredible and brilliant peeps. I am lucky to have met some very good people while traveling. Especially in Portugal where I have met some cool super friendly young people. I thank Fortuna.
However, now I am once again on my own. There is a sense of saudade, to borrow a phrase from the Portuguese, but it is the curse and the blessing of traveling alone. One goes when, where and how he/she wants but sometimes when you need to share a laugh with someone, you are left with only your reflection in the bus window and the blur of villages and towns phasing out your thoughts. I usually get sleepy at that point.
I have since taken to talking to my Lonely Planet guide, and this antropomorphisation(spelling?) is helping. It is like having a friend in your backpack. But enough of this. Theorising can be boring.
I am now in a tiny coastal town about 100 km north from Lisboa. It is called Ericeira, and it is the place were the WQS for Surfing happen. Its a beautiful old place, the city centre is all little cobbled streets and whitewashed little houses hanging over the cliffs. The smell of grilled sardinighias waving through.
The plan was to get a tent, which I did and camp out by the ocean for a few days. Enjoy the weather, the sun and ofcourse most importantly -do some surfing.
The tent is up, and the surfboard all worked out. A 6.4 tri fin fish, but sadly as is usually the nature of dealing with the ocean, now the weather is crazy. The ocean looks like it can smother you, if only if you gaze at it, and peering over the cliff, I feel the heaviness, the solid saltiness of the air. A very ominous sight, and between the diffues light and fog you make gigantic white waves slamming on the shore, pushing and pulling, revealing black inky rocks, jagged underneath. An awe inspiring sight but not for surfing. It is but really a whirlpool, a washing machine. I am hoping tomorrow will be a bit more sane. And I can get some wave time.
The match between Chile and Brasil ofcourse brough out all the Brasilians and this slow quiet, introspective city became a insane party of horns and passionate cries of Brasil.
In a few days I head back to Lisboa and then the express to Porto. A few days in Porto and then off to Madrid to meet Javier and Renee.
Sorry this post will not have photos, as the machine will now allow but I promise I will add them soon.
Beijos and talk soon
