SEARCHING FOR SKIPPY’S
After Porto, we made our way back down to Lisbon for our flight to Barcelona. We had deliberately timed it so that we could go and see a bullfight. Kez laughed at Ads when he commented on the vintage posters with spears in the side of the bulls and blood pouring out of them – thinking that this was still the case. Kez assured him that he was ridiculous and as if they would be allowed to be so barbaric – nowadays it’s just men in tights waving red blankets at a cranky bull. Turned out, they are as barbaric as Ads had suggested. A bloody night followed and once again, Kez turned out to be the entertainment of the arena every time the poor beast was ‘spiked’. Still, semi enjoyable – once we were informed that they are ‘only’ surface wounds. Although, still not enough for a second visit. That night, we heard through the email grapevine that we just so happened to be a mere drive away from some good pals from the Colliers ‘family’; brother and sister duo Michael and Therese Dodds. Without hesitation, we shuffled flight arrangements and hired a car, and were soon south bound to Lagos (properly pronounced “La-goosh” according to Mike). We’d heard this small coastal village was a regular haunt for Aussies with a surfeit of amazing beaches. And us Aussies know a good honest beach when we see one. We checked into our friendly hostel, appropriately named the Gold Coast which just so happened to be less than 1 minute walk from Micky D and Therese’s beautiful abode. We’d been in town for less than an hour and we were all sitting poolside sipping local port, sampling some of our Cuban cigars and talking absolute rubbish. Ah, home sweet home. That afternoon soon rolled into night where we ventured out for some local staples. We got close and friendly with some other Aussies at a bar after dinner and pulled up stumps circa 3am. Apparently. The following morning we (slowly) walked to what could possibly be one of the best beaches we’ve spotted thus far – Praia Dona Ana. And Brad and Angelina agree – rumored to have purchased the imposing house overlooking the stunning slice of paradise. We soaked up some glorious rays, caught a bite to eat and a few cheeky ales at the beachfront cafe (Therese and Kez opted for the virgin type after the previous nights efforts) and meandered back home as the sun began to retreat. Round two was scheduled for 6pm and we walked down to the buzzing little ‘strip’ again. Some familiar faces caught our eye as we walked past enroute to the restaurant and we popped in for a ‘quick’ hello. We never made it to dinner. Instead we settled in for a heavy session and got pizza delivered to our bar stools. The rest of the night continued with Jaeger bombs, Port, JJJ Hottest 100 requests and severe memory blackouts. A fantabulous few days had by all (well, for us anyway) and we thoroughly enjoyed our 3 hour drive back to Lisbon to catch our flight to Barcelona the next morning. Why we continue to have last night benders is likely to remain an unsolved mystery.
WIN:
Ads excusing himself from the table to go to the bathroom and returning dressed up as the wait staff and taking orders from tables. Had the entire restaurant in stitches!
FAIL:
Misreading the flight time for Lisbon to Barcelona and having to hang around the airport for 5 hours with a dirty hangover.
NOTABLE NOTES
EAT: The best meal we had was at a restaurant that we have no idea where it’s located or what it’s name was. Too much Sangria will do that.
DRINK: Sangriaaaaaaaa. Broken up with plenty of water will help the throbbing head in the following A.M.
SLEEP: We stayed at The Gold Coast Hostel which isn’t too different to being from home, nearly everyone there was from Down Under. $25pp in a 4 share room! Lucky we had our room to ourselves but still, pretty exxy. If we weren’t so tight on funds, we’d be staying at Casa De Moura just around the corner, €125/night but worth every penny.
TIPS ‘N HINTS: Check out Praia Dona Ana beach, an easy 10 minute walk from the main centre. Postcard perfection.
theflightclub 