Nearly had Hamburgers in Hamburg

I finally returned to Hamburg. Having made a promise a long time ago to some former guests that I'd visit them in Hamburg I finally took a flight back up that way. Here I was thinking finally made it back. So much has changed, gosh their daughter must be like 1 and a half by now. Nope Chad, try 2 and a half. It had been 5 years since my friends had been in Brisbane. Whoops! Seriously that long.

Anyway I scheduled 2 nights in Hamburg as I wanted to catch up with my friends, and I wanted to see more of Hamburg. I had only spend 1 night there 10 years before.

Luckily Valentina and George were very hospitable. They even did a German BBQ for me the 2nd night. I was stoked. After 2 weeks of travel I was hankering for just something with salad! That was an awesome dinner. So great to have friends all around the world. I don't get to see them all the time. But it's good to know I got friends who will catch up whenever we're in the some location.

My days were spent walking around the city and river district. I toured the most recent skyline tourist headline act, the Elbphilharmonie. A building that if you ask locals was expected to cost $70 million but cost $700 million. Whoops.

I also stumbled onto a "Free Walking Tour" of St Pauli as I was along the riverfront. This worked out well. 3 hours of following a guide around the city centre. Including getting the full story of the exploitation of 5 young boys from the UK during the 1960s. An unscrupulous nightclub owner that made rising pop acts play 10 hours straight. Often the same song over and over again. Worked out to be a great way of finding your groove for The Beatles. And yes the Beatles started out as 5 members.

Tram time in Lisbon

Lisbon is the darling of the tourism world at the moment if you take the time to read the travel websites. Portugal is of course the place you should be, as all other countries are considered old news. And to add to it's attraction Portugal is priced nicely too. Although busy it's not Barcelona, nor London. Lisbon is a place many travellers visit after they've seen some of the more famous European cities. Yet if I remember my educational history of ocean explorers of the 1600s I really am under selling the importance of Portugal as an influencing country of the ages. Portugal is though for size punching above it's weight. A bit like Australia really. Perhaps why I like it. It is in the shadow of Spain trying to get attention. So in retrospect it's probably more like Canada. I suspect their tourism slogan is "we're not Spain". It's a shame really because from what I've seen Portugal really is an under explored gem of a country.

I still don't like sardines. But this made a good tourist photo.

After Madrid I returned to Lisbon to actually explore the city. Sure the workings of my holiday planning was pretty haphazard. Why I didn't just stay in Madrid or go north to San Sebastian had merit. But this trip was originally about seeing Portugal. And the fitting tour dates had just interrupted my original ideas of seeing Lisbon and then going around. Plus Lisbon did interest me more than the idea of Madrid for 4 nights. Hence my return.

Belem Tower

I returned this time to staying in an Airbnb. Time for me to be hosted instead of hosting. Which for most may not be a big deal. But for me and my fear of the unknown, and need for minimal intrusion or disturbance it was confronting. The process of showing up at someones place with a backpack I don't just take in my stride like when I am the host. Thankfully I persisted with booking an Airbnb as I also know I am one for confidence in experience. So after having done this again, and then again later in the trip in Hamburg I'm now getting more comfortable with the process of being the hosted. My hosts were nice. And the location down near the waterfront was perfect for convenience in making a side trip to Belem for a morning to see Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.

Lisbon is an up and down city. So trams are the choice ride around town. Alas every tourist and his dog wanted to get onto the Tram 28 with it's bold yellow colour and old school charm. The historical star was so packed they were human sardines inside. So it was a much more enjoyable experience for me to just get a photo of these trams, and then take the true tourist version in red. This took me through the Lisbon hills past all the tourist spots. And importantly you couldn't hop on unless there was a spare seat.

Ironically the historical funiculars going straight up the hill near my guest house were not that popular. The street with it stairs was quite manageable by foot. So I suspect the bars aligning the path just want the funicular to keep going just for it's ability to attract gawking patrons. For me it guided the path towards the Fado streets. Fado is Lisbon's answer to the Flamenco in so many ways. I can't say I found it my favourite traditional music above Flamenco. But I can see how this all relates to the greater region.

And my final comment on Lisbon. I can confirm the best Pastel de Natas are at the Timeout Markets. These were fresh warm and heavenly. And I was proud to be able to talk the counter assistant through the process of making me a mocha to go with my morning tea. At least somewhere in Lisbon that isn't Starbucks can make me a mocha.

Making it to Madrid in the middle

Madrid was the last stop on my whirlwind tour of Southern Spain and Portugal. However it wasn't merely a "we're here" type of day. Tour really wanted to kind of say to people we'll get you to Madrid, but first we'll visit Toledo.

And when you get to Madrid must try the burrito, and what you do after that, freedom. But burrito first.

Why burrito, and why do I mention the Burrito. First off it was the customary last meal with our guide and tour group. And secondly it was the biggest and best burrito I've ever had. That's why. This was a meal the tour leader had looked forward to all trip. And it didn't disappoint. I was not underfed by this monster. I slept well after too.

 

And I was smart enough to avoid the pub crawl after. For I had plans for breakfast the next morning to catch up with my cousin who of all things had flown out for a pharmacy medical conference in the Madrid. It's not everyday you get to meet up with your cousin who resides in the US halfway around the world in a random European city. So cool how that just worked out.

After meeting up with my cousin my extra day in Madrid was spent walking the streets. Caught up with another of the now former tour group for a quick walking tour. Was great as he had seen the city before and knew a few spots to experience. So it was my own free guide.

Otherwise I so was tired. Even the Churros didn't perk me up.

So glad to had a 3 nights in Lisbon after. It would be my longest stop on this trip retracing my path back to Lisbon as I hadn't actually seen it first time around.

I felt like the statue. I needed rest.

Granada. Where they gave birth to Spain... and danced in between Beer Pong

When reading the list of cities along the way through southern Spain Granada was the city where I thought I would be having a rest day. Granada isn't on the coast, and doesn't rate a mention as a place you would normally fly into Europe to. So what's with the 2 nights. Well Granada has a lot to offer really. And well as I now understand it's the birthplace of Spain. The holdout of the Moors when everything had turned Christian. The city then provided the knowledge that made the development of Spain possible when everyone was fighting over religion and the dying thanks to dirty water during the dark ages. With its aqueducts, purposeful design, and thin streets this place prospered.

Luckily royalty liked the palace when it finally fell to the Christians. Otherwise it all would have been made into another church. It would of been such a shame to have lost all of the mesmerising patterns.

Nights in Granada were spent not just eating and drinking Tapas. We were whisk away for a night of Flamenco in the Sacramento region where the gypsies were kings and we were their willing attendees. I myself wasn't so interested in the dancing itself but was in awe of the traditional singing and guitar when accompanied the dancers. I can see how this music combined with the music of southern France to then be transported into the Gypsy Jazz i had liked in New Orleans on Frenchman Street years earlier (Vavavoom).

After our night of local music for the tour group it was a night we could safely party and off to the club on a pub crawl we were. It was though a night where it was hard to find a venue. So into an Irish pub we were herded. No to worry for many as they found Beer Pong was something to create entertainment for all.


The next day included the most important issues of Granada. A visit to a Hammam baths to soothe the weary legs, and then a tour of the Alhambra. Such a great city overall. In the middle of nowhere. But somewhere I could visit again.

Dracula retired to Tangiers

One of the little side benefits of doing a tour as opposed to doing it myself is that I was able to complete more. And by more I also mean places I would never had attempted myself. Busabout's Iberian Adventure crossed the ditch over to Tangiers, Morocco. I've now been to Northern Africa cool. Be it only overnight, and no camel trading for wives area. Or well we didn't see it.

Tour completed this by leaving Seville heading to Tarifa. It's just an hour long ferry ride from there. A very bumpy one at that on the way there. The memories of 2007 in the Greek islands, and lunch were about to come back if it went any longer. Needed only a bit more smell of spew and everyone would have been down. The staff had even started passing out little blue baggies to the woosey looking.

Anyway Tangiers consisted of a combination driving and walking tour of city, and the Kasbah markets. Of course we had the obligatory pressure sales display of bundles of skin, perfume, and cooking herbs. Felt like I had been placed into an Avon meeting. Only not presented by someones mum. The presentation was by a very old Dracula stunt double. He did have some freakishly long fingers and a delivery style developed by watching "the count" from Sesame Street for years. If someone had of started bleeding he would of sucked the blood out, whilst rubbing hand cream onto their arm telling us the third one was free. I just wanted the Saffron. It sounded cheap as. For the rest I needed only sit around finding the ladies in the group praying on third persons to split purchases with. By the end of it I felt like a commodities trader from the stock exchange. No idea who I had deals with. But knew I had plenty of some products with Argan in them, Sounded impressive at the time. According to Dracula Argan cures everything.

It's Seville. No Bull

So Day 3 of my Iberian Adventure. It was time to leave Vitor and his old style guesthouse of Lagos and move onto Spain. Starting with the extremes of Seville. Alas it was over 40 degrees on our arrival into Seville. Can't fault Spain for living upto expectations in terms of heat.

Straight up must admit my only disappointment of Seville was not not seeing our Italian bus driver Davide perform the Barber of Seville Opera. After all he had been introduced by Morgane our tour leader as having been a classically trained opera singer in his youth. Davide if you read this there is still time to shine! Perhaps watch this clip from my childhood as training Rabbit of Seville .

Okay jokes aside it was not an opera we were here to see. First up was a visit the the iconic Plaza de Espagña. 20 minutes in 40 degree heat didn't give it justice. But it was a bit further out from the centre of town where we were staying, and was a must see. Hence why we were transported straight there first. 

From there it was onto our hostel accommodation for check in. As we would get to learn our hostels on the trip would be great for their central locations. But it also meant often we'd hop and there would be a 200m or so walk down winding cobblestone streets through historical centres to go. Upon check in we had 2 hours before our walking tour. I straight lined it for the Bull fighting arena. And score! Being a Monday afternoon it was free entry after 3pm. Winner winner chicken dinner. Heck I still would have paid even if it wasn't free. But I'll take any win. Tour was fantastic. Gave the historical background of bull fighting, it's most famous performers, and it's development. I like the historical story of it all. Just hate the fact it's inhumane and should be stopped. What's wrong with letting it live a happy life like a Bugs bunny bull fight.

Seville's walking tour gave us the start of what would be an introduction to the Moorish backgrounds of Spain. I never realised that Spain was such an Islamic stronghold into Europe. Always thought it was only from Turkey that the East and West were divided. We have so much to appreciate that came out of Spain in terms of getting Europe out of the Dark Ages.
 

No Kayak, no problem. Grab a old salty in a dinghy

So I joined a short 7 day Busabout tour. Sure I admit I am a bit older than their usual target age. But they are open to the young at heart still. Although Busabout is more known for it's younger target market there is no age limit. Just as long as you understand the style of travel they provide. Until now I had always seen them as just a bus pass provider. Their short tours are great addition for me as I'm not Contiki, and adamant that I'm also not An-tiq-ue. Plus the tour fit into my timetable (Le Tour bound) and goal of going south towards the Algarve. 

Days 1 and 2, Lagos and the Algarve, were always going to be my highlight. Tour set out okay. First stop was a side trip for family photo on western most point of Europe before making for Lagos. Expectations we're quickly set for night 1. Dinner and drinking in the world of no responsible service of alcohol filled with bar staff with English and American accents. For those after a shirt there was the 9 shot challenge at the end of a pub crawl. For me after memories there was not 9 shots. Plus I also had to consider I was not entirely in the timezone. 

Day 2 had confirmed worst fears. No kayaking of the Algarve coast. The weather was fine, but the ocean was choppy enough to make kayaking a chore, not a charm. So we were given a suggestion that we could complete by boat tour be it with less cave entries. Fortunately it was fine by boat. In fact better by boat. No paddling with a hated partner in a dual kayak! We found our dinghy of Lagos and took the best hour long tour for a measly 15 euro each for the hour long trip. Best tour money ever spent. And best of all you got a genuine local "salty" taking the tour. Afternoon was spent exploring the top photographic beach. The second night also offered a back it up opportunity for drinking for some. However most opted for the gelato and crash...

And I couldn't help but show the proof of why a boat was better. Check out these kayakers having "fun" with their partners.

Reversing history to discover Lisbon and beyond

I don't know how Portugal managed to discover anything. The first evidence encountered when I finally got out of the airport terminal says it was luck. I experienced what is probably the most moronic airport pick up and drop off area ever. Cars would just drive up and double park blocking lanes of free flowing cars. Uber drivers and dropping off locals causing chaos everywhere. They'd be just getting out and having a 5 minute chat whilst dropping off a friend, double parked next to a police car on a pedestrian crossing. That was the norm. The taxi queue was no better. It did not help that my airport bus service I chose to take (instead of the subway) was lost in translation. Big sign said every 20 minutes. Evidence said there hadn't a bus in 40minutes.

Street art on the buildings

 My overnight hotel was close to my departure for the mini tour I would do for the next week. Alas after booking flight I booked tour a tour to fit instead of other way around. So it's meant a bit of back and forth as I'll return in a week's time. But in the meantime I had 4 flight meals, and 2 airports worth of food to burn off. Dropped the bags and started the explore. First goal was to find departure point hostel of my tour. Where I wasn't staying. My tour is focused on the 35 and under crowd but not strictly age restricted. But the starting hostel was. I didn't mind though, as I needed a decent shower, uninterrupted sleep, and comfort after 24 hours of transit.

Anyway I completed the goal, and true to form I completed the first Chad-ism. Something I always seems to manage. I tripped up and skinned my knee. Footpaths and I don't get on. Every time without fail I'll do this when in Europe. It wasn't even the cobblestones. Managed to trip on a hotel welcome mat as I walked past. Actually think it was hotel mat a previous time also. Alas hotel was only 3 star, so no help forthcoming from a concierge. Only I could have known. But I'm coming clean on this because it'll only be a later photo that would have led to family and friends asking.

Managed after getting the formalities done to navigate my first subway ride into the old town area. Walk the streets a bit. Even if my legs were tired and blisters had formed I was there to get out and see something. Otherwise it would have been just a transit day. And I'm not here to do nothing. So discover Lisbon I did. It seemed fitting that I would end my day walking down to the Lisbon waterfront to see the 2 pillars in the water. Boats in the past would have departed with this as their final image of Europe before going off to Africa, or later South America. Whereas I was turning around looking in from these pillars to my new frontier of southern Portugal and Spain.

I have an ability to have problems travelling

Okay. So those who know me, know I've made many a mistake, and had many a problem in traveling before.

Missed my connecting flight in Frankfurt. (I'm still sorry Darren)

I've been lost in NY.

Had my camera die on the first day transiting in Auckland.

Had my nose broken in Hawaii.(Jason. Where ever you are I'm still grateful for your support after. Mum I still remember calling you from the emergency room in Hawaii!)

Lost my phone in Bangkok. (still thank the Refill Now Hostel for their help after)

Been chased by trannies in Chang Mai.

Been left stranded in a bus terminal at night in Mobile, Alabama. (still not happy with you Greyhound. Or as I called you, My Dog Stumpy)

Mugged in Phnom Penh, (Thanks Brett for being there in Singapore after)

Locked out of my hotel at 1am in Val Cenis skiing (Mick, still one of my best ever trips. Thank you)

Ended up with DVT after a flight from Vietnam,

and

Sprained my ankle skiing in Austria. (thanks for helping again Peter and Dani)

As you can see my trips have built in stories I like to remember.

Finally I've done the next step.... I've stuffed up my trip 2 weeks before departure.
I booked my Hong Kong hotel for 6th June. I arrive the 6th July.

I only found out yesterday. Google let me know with this message below.
Thanks Google. You could have told me earlier. Agoda could have done more for me a month ago. And no I'm not going... thanks for asking.

Stay at Inn Hotel Hong Kong

When	Tue 6 Jun – Thu 8 Jun 2017
Where	60 Portland St, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong (map)
Who	• unknownorganizer@calendar.google.com- organiser

Going?   Yes - Maybe - No    

The good news is my friends in Hong Kong are having a Staycation!