Another great day at the beach. I had rented a nicer upright bike yesterday so first thing this morning I rode along the coast about 6 miles to what is considered Lisbon's most beautiful beach, Guincho Beach. I had seen it a couple days ago when the wind was howling and it was filled with kite surfers. Today when I arrived it was windy but not bad and tons of surfers. It was like surf camp day, tons of kids on boards out in the water. The beach is extremely wide and long with a constant break. It was a great place to relax and watch the kids surfing. I hung out for about an hour and then rode back into town and stopped at the hotel for lunch. The hotel I have to say has about the best service I have had anywhere in the world. Everyone addressed me by my name, no idea how they keep everyone's names straight and just incredible service and had the most delicious salad I have had in a month for lunch. I decided I wanted to spend a few more hours down at the beach and rode back to my spot yesterday. It was so funny, same people in their same spots today too: 2 super tan bathers, 2 older couple still sitting on what look like bean bag chairs and reading books, and the paddle board guys. They were nice to let me take them out today at no charge and it was so nice to paddle along and I could see tons of fish swimming all around- not colorful fish, but fish you would eat for lunch. No wonder all anyone eats around here is fish, you can put your hand in the water and just grab one out. It was relaxing being at the beach and people watching and reading my new book about Jessie Ownes. I became intrigued again with him when I was in Berlin and heard more about his story.
When it was time to go I was actually sad to say goodbye to the most friendly staff. No one felt pretentious at all and they had a driver waiting to take me to my hotel in Lisbon. What a great stay at Grand Villa Italia. I would recommend it to anyone but I honestly might take the Albatross Hotel that is right on my favorite beach.
I checked into my hotel which I chose to be totally centrally located and the weather was warm and sunny and I decided I wanted to walk the city. I strolled up and down about 40 streets around the area, down to the river through my favorite arch and then up into these alleyways where I had eaten dinner a few nights ago. The whole city was just bustling with street performers and musicians and as many locals out as tourists. Really fun atmosphere. I picked a spot for dinner which was the most festive with streamers lining the streets and an acordion player and narrow streets and outside cafes. I situated myself at a perfect table for one. Across the way was a restaurant that has a guy that stands in the street and charms people into the restaurant. The guy was like he was out of a sitcom, too good to be real. He was the smooth talker, hair all slicked back, poiny black shoes and a stilly tapered white shirt that was tucked into his pants and he just is using his ADHD to his advantage, carousing people left and right into his restaurant. It was like magic. The power of persuasion. He wa literally on his toes for the 90 mins that I stayed and had my dinner. Oh my heavens, so entertaining.
Back in my hotel, which is right off a main plaza and going to hit the sack early, have to leave the hotel at 6 a.m. to catch flight to Malaga, Spain. Can't wait to see Sammy!
When it was time to go I was actually sad to say goodbye to the most friendly staff. No one felt pretentious at all and they had a driver waiting to take me to my hotel in Lisbon. What a great stay at Grand Villa Italia. I would recommend it to anyone but I honestly might take the Albatross Hotel that is right on my favorite beach.
I checked into my hotel which I chose to be totally centrally located and the weather was warm and sunny and I decided I wanted to walk the city. I strolled up and down about 40 streets around the area, down to the river through my favorite arch and then up into these alleyways where I had eaten dinner a few nights ago. The whole city was just bustling with street performers and musicians and as many locals out as tourists. Really fun atmosphere. I picked a spot for dinner which was the most festive with streamers lining the streets and an acordion player and narrow streets and outside cafes. I situated myself at a perfect table for one. Across the way was a restaurant that has a guy that stands in the street and charms people into the restaurant. The guy was like he was out of a sitcom, too good to be real. He was the smooth talker, hair all slicked back, poiny black shoes and a stilly tapered white shirt that was tucked into his pants and he just is using his ADHD to his advantage, carousing people left and right into his restaurant. It was like magic. The power of persuasion. He wa literally on his toes for the 90 mins that I stayed and had my dinner. Oh my heavens, so entertaining.
Back in my hotel, which is right off a main plaza and going to hit the sack early, have to leave the hotel at 6 a.m. to catch flight to Malaga, Spain. Can't wait to see Sammy!
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