Madrid - Seville - Faro

A few weeks ago, I finally got to revisit the city that made me fall in love with Spain: Sevilla. The other great part about being able to go back to Sevilla was that one of my best friends, Adriana, now lives there. It really felt like I was back for real. But alas, it was only a pit stop on our way to the beach in Faro, Portugal.

Río Guadalquivir in Sevilla

Although the weather forecast was iffy, we still hoped on the bus for a 3 hour ride to the beautiful Algarve coast of Portugal. It rained almost the entire first day we were there unfortunately. When it finally stopped, we walked around the old city of Faro. It is the only part of the city that still has old buildings since an earthquake destroyed most of them a few hundred years ago. The windy cobblestone streets were picturesque.

The entrance to the old city of Faro

One of the pedestrian streets

This particular weekend was an annual fair in Faro. We enjoyed delicious Portguese meat, cheese, wine and of course, sweets. While walking around the game and food booths, rides and watching people enjoy the lively fair, I got that feeling: we aren't all that different. This feeling comes up for me every once in a while. This fair was almost identical to one that you would find in the US. And I just felt like...it's so cool that I'm here in Portugal but it almost feels like I could be back home.

Ferriswheel & games at the fair

Faro is a port city that is surrounded by small islands that are part of a natural park. We took a boat out to an island called La Ilha Deserta (The Deserted Island). The only thing on the island is a restaurant and an lighthouse. That's it. It was so peaceful and pristine. There aren't many places like that anymore. At least that I have had the chance to experience.

Portugal has become easily become one of my favorite countries. Visiting Lagos two years ago and Faro this year, I have learned that Portuguese people are so unbelievably kind and caring. They'll try to help you find your hostel when it's pouring rain and neither of you can understand what the other is saying. I love Portugal so much that I'm going back next week: this time, to the capital, Lisbon.

Faro's Marina