Greetings Folks,
TODAY is our first official day in Lagos Portugal and it was definitely one for the books. Jen started off the day by getting up early (I have no idea how early because I was asleep but you will probably find out later in a parent note) (parent note: it was 6 am) and going for a rainy walk on the several trails along the cliffs. Everyone else got up around 9 and 10 AM (Portugal time) and made brunch (it really was breakfast but it was also late so several of us made lunch right after). After making lunch/breakfast we packed up some sandwiches and some snacks and headed out on our 3-4 hour walk along the trails. These trails consisted of several wooden paths and lookouts that allowed you to see the walk crashing along the bluffs and cliffs.
Within the water there were several cool rock formations and arches formed by the water crashing into them. One of the wooden paths brought you to these stone stairs that brought you straight to the water. Kayla Decided to go part of the way down and then was completely terrified of the wet stairs and decided to go part of the way down today (but stay tuned for when she tries it on a sunny day). However, luckily some of our group made it down there and got some incredible views.
After huffing and puffing it back up the stairs , we continued along the path where we saw several more lookouts and even more cliffs. After looking at the cliffs, we decided to head to a nearby beach where Griffin and Kayla went swimming (Griffin came prepared and was wearing a swimsuit but Kayla just decided to go for it and went swimming in her clothes). Now several of you may be thinking that we are insane and the water must be freezing (which you might be right BUT it was sorta raining all day so it did not feel that cold). However, those of you who do think it would be too cold, well Gage, Connor, Matt and Jen agreed with you and decided to just walk along the beach. While at the beach we also had a cute little dance party and then decided that it was time to go back to the apartment so everyone could change out of their wet clothes and Griffin and Kayla could change out of their really wet clothes.
Once we got back to the apartment, Kayla took a shower to wash off some of the salt water and then Kayla, Griffin, Connor, Matt, and Jen headed to the supermarket about a mile away. At the grocery store we stocked up on groceries for the week and Kayla got the best chocolate croissant she has ever had in the 21 (soon to be 22 on the 15 of February) years of her life. Great minds think alike because Jen had also gotten a Chocolate filled pastry and hers was just as good (sadly Griffin tax Jen and Kayla and took a bite of their delicious pastries). Also, Jen decided to get this lemon flavor gelato (which Kayla is actively trying as she is writing this and it is amazing).
After we got back from the grocery store, we all unpacked and everyone but Kayla and Connor had some relaxing time for the night. At this time, Kayla and Connor went out exploring some more of the beaches and cliffs before it got dark. Kayla and Connor went to the other side of the walkway and found a few beaches they were able to get down to.
At the first beach, they walked along the beach and took some super cute pictures. Within the cliff, there was this cave that a person was chilling in (which if you zoom in real close you can see him). However, they do have signs saying that landslides occur often so you should not go close to the slides of the rocks (Connor thought they were just suggestions but Kayla made sure he followed them).
After stopping for a little bit at this beach, they found a different set of stairs to walk up to continue along the path. They then stumbled upon another beach that had tunnels to go into. We did in fact try the tunnels and we did not in fact die. After exploring a little more, they decided they should probably start to head back because it was getting dark.
However, upon climbing the stairs to the top of the cliff, they found themselves right next to Lagos castle and an old fort. Sadly the fort was closed but Kayla and Connor were able to explore the castle.
They decided to walk along the castle walls and came across a super old and cool church which was open so they decided to walk in. However, since it was Sunday they were actively having a church service (which Kayla and Connor would have stayed and listened to but the service was being done in Portuguese which neither Kayla or Connor are very good at understanding).
So after they explored the church, they kept walking through this town in the castle and found several fancy buildings and murals. One of the buildings was the cultural center of Lagos which was also open and had lots of people around so Kayla and Connor decided to check it out. However, they might have walked into some type of conference happening because everyone was dressed in super nice clothes so they decided to exit rather quickly. Finally, after walking under a few unique bridges, they decided to make their way back to the rental apartment.
While Kayla and Connor were out exploring, Jen, Matt, Gage, and Griffin started to use the sound system in our amazing rental and have a dance party while making dinner. Dinner was a delicious array of pork chops, roasted potatoes with pepper and onions, and most importantly WINE (They all ate dinner where I’m sure they had a great time but not too good of a time because they were missing Kayla and Connor).
Once Kayla and Connor got back, everyone was done eating except for Griffin (as usual) and Kayla and Connor had some of the amazing meals. Luckily this apartment ALSO came with a wine opener (which we had to make sure worked) AND a bottle of WINE so Kayla and Connor had some of that (they approved). While Kayla and Connor were finishing their meal, TWO BITCH MINTS got handed out. The lucky recipients were Gage first and then Griffin second (yup that’s his second bitch mint folks).Thank goodness Jen had gotten some lemon flavored Gelato that helped calm people down (and tasted amazing). After the Gelato, Jen decided to get ready for bed, Gage FaceTimed Nolyn, and Connor, Griffin, and Matt decided to watch some interesting music videos and YouTube videos while Kayla wrote this outstanding blog. Until Next time folks, have a great day.
Signing off,
Kayla Daniel
Looks Amazing!
Great Pictures