A weekend in Lisbon

This weekend Penny and I popped to Lisbon. Our flatmate was driving down anyway so we thought we'd accompany him for the ride! 4 hours later and after some dodgy driving in the city centre, we had arrived. 

We stayed at Travellers House, on recommendation from Penny's brother and it didn't disappoint! An inexpensive, well-located friendly hostel with an amazing breakfast included in the price! You can choose between bacon and eggs or chocolate pancakes, I went for the eggs but both looked amazing.

We arrived late afternoon and, after checking in and finding somewhere to park we headed straight down to Praça do Comércio just at the end of our road just in time to watch the sun set over the sea.

That evening we went for dinner and then drinks with some friends, none of which I took any photos off (sorry!). But if you're looking for somewhere to go, Bairro Alto is the obvious choice, a road full of bars that you can hop between until the early hours!  

When we stirred the next morning (just about), we were very much in need of breakfast, we wolfed it down and hopped on a tram to Belém in search of the famous portuguese Pastéis. Not only did we find them, but also a stunning monastery;  Mosteiro da Santa Maria de Belém and its beautiful grounds that we wondered through. Stumbling across the most bizarre and out of place oriental style pagoda! 

The Pastéis, the main reason for our trip up to Belém are a traditional portuguese pastry, think an individual custard tart but instead of shortcrust pastry, puff. A delightful little treat that you can adorn with extra icing sugar or cinnamon if you wish. 

Penny and I then decided to walk back into the centre, a decision we then started to regret as after about an hour of walking we weren't even half way there, so we jumped on the next passing tram. We then moseyed around the centre and came across Santini's a little ice cream shop with a queue out the door, and seeing as we're both ice cream fanatics we couldn't not stop in! Penny went for raspberry and chocolate chip, both were amazing especially the raspberry! Would definitely recommend. 

Sunday was our last day in Lisbon, so we got up had breakfast a decided to walk around Alfama the oldest district in Lisbon built on the hill between the Castle and the Tejo River. It was so nice to soak up the sun and take a wonder through the older parts of Lisbon. Penny and I were constantly amazed at the beautiful tiles that covered all the houses. And, as we climbed, we reached some amazing view points. 

We hopped back on one of the trams to where we left the car and said goodbye to Lisbon, promising to come back again soon. 

A walk in the sun

Since the New Year kicked in i vowed to myself that would get fitter, not just for summer but to be a bit more active all the time. Now that i'm living in Spain and the weather is getting warmer, I really want to make the most of it before it get's unbearable. And so keeping all this in mind, Penny and I decided to climb up to the church on the hill where there are beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. And climb we did. 

Half way to the church we came across this lion king-style rock and despite the fact it was a little out of our way, we couldn't not stop and channel our inner animal all the way to the top. Where we decided to lay and basque in the sun for a while. 

When we finally reached the top, the sun was at it's warmest so after briefly taking in the view we slumped into the nearest chairs and sipped on some water. And rather unbelievably after lugging my camera all the way to the top I didn't actually take any photos! 

But I did stop to snap the view on the way down, so those pictures will have to do! 

I'm sure we'll be climbing up again and that time i'll make sure to get some pics from the top. 

Tapería Bouquet, Cáceres

After a rather tiring and intense day at uni Penny and I decided to relieve some stress and head into town and find some food. We stumbled across Tapería Bouquet  and decided to pop in. 

Despite us both speaking Spanish we were slightly baffled by the menu and just decided to pick what we thought, from the few words we could understand, sounded good. Seeing as it was a Tapas restaurant we picked 4 plates and it turned out to be plenty. 

We started with Sinfonía de Croquetas de Setas, Jamón Ibérico y Morcilla. We both decided that the croquets were the least favourite dish of the meal, but still tasty even if we were unsure what the sweet orange sauce was supposed to accompany.

Next was the carpaccio (Carpaccio de Bacalao y Ralladura de Naranja al Pimentón). this we both enjoyed and would definitely order again, the slight spice of the paprika?, coupled with the tang of the orange against the salty cod was delightful. 

Next we went for Secreto Ibérico con Jarabe de Regaliz (Pork in a sticky sauce with vegetable crisps and potatoes) and Solomillo de Cerdo al café de Olla (pork again, this time with an amazing café au lait sauce). Both of these were perfect; beautifully tender meat, both served with delicious sauces. 

We were so excited to eat the Solomillo that i forgot to snap a photo of it, but as you can see we both wiped the plates clean! 

We mopped up each of the plates with the bread that was served with them, so much so that the waiter commented on it! Having enjoyed everything so far, we couldn't not try the deserts. Penny went for a nutty caramel concoction and I plumped for the 'Chocolate Passion'. 

Both were delicious, the chocolate suitably rich and the caramel was lovely, if a little solid but if we had been a little more patient this wouldn't have been a problem. 

We made such an impression on the owner that he said he'd whip us up a cocktail. A take on a traditional gin and tonic, but the gin was infused with fruits of the forest. A combination that I'd never heard of before, but will definitely be ordering when I go back again. 

Penny clearly thought the same and had to grab a photo for herself! 

The restaurant was great value, and i would recommend it to anyone in the area looking for an affordable, casual but delicious dinner in Cáceres. 

Find the website here.