I just got back from a trip to Portugal, and think it’s a great country to visit. Here are some travel tips and  suggestions, if you decide to go there. First, we started in Lisbon, and then went to Porto.

Alfama is no joke with its hills, stairs, and cobblestone. You will need a good pair of flats. I love to walk, but this is walking at a whole new level. I easily did 15,000+ steps a day, just getting around. I found that the souvenoirs were cheaper in Alfama (and you can always haggle) than in Baixa-Chiado or other stores. Don’t let the graffiti scare you. Where I’m from alleys and graffiti mark terrorities I don’t frequent, but here it was the norm. Once you realize that alleys in Alfama were alright, it was a cool experience. You walk by places at night, hear live music, and sit down. By the end of the night you are dancing and singing with strangers. . . . Read More