Lisbon, the city of vampires!!

I am really liking Lisbon.  I am here for a week, I just didn't have the energy to cram pack a lot of traveling within one week so I decided to just stay in one place.  Because I am staying in Lisbon for several days in a row I decided to to work at my hostel in exchange for a free room during my stay.  It has been really cool working at the hostel.  I am making beds which is funny because I don't habitually make my own bed at home so I find it a little ironic.  Being apart of the "staff" has been really fun!  There are several people working here that are from all over and getting to know them and socialize with them has been the best part! 

Lisbon is crazy!  I came here and my plan was to chill out, relax and rejuvenate for this entire week.  My average bed time has been 6am!!  During the day the city sort of sleeps but at night it completely comes alive and the streets fill with people!!  It's been really fun but I have been struggling to keep up with it, catching a few hours of nap here and there.  :-)

I have made a friend with a guy named Chris who works at the hostel.  He has been living in Lisbon for 4 months.  He is a very cool guy and it has been great to attach myself to him as his shadow.  He had a friend visiting from Australia so I tagged along with them for a great day at the beach and another day where we took the train to a great beach town where we rented bikes and peddled along the coast for some amazing views of the Atlantic!!  On the last night of Chris' friend's visit we had a big dinner party at a friend's house.  It was the highlight of my time in Lisbon!  The old building has so much character.  It was once a university building converted into an apartment building.  The party took place on the top floor so we had the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine on the roof for an amazing view of the city!!  It was so much fun to meet and party with the locals!  Portuguese are super friendly and nice.  Very warm and a great sense of humor!!  We made so much food and I ate way too much!!  I actually ate so much that it hurt!  Then after the big meal we went to a park that overlooked the city and the castle of Lisbon on a hill opposite us.  The castle was showered in warm lights that made it look like it was glowing in the dark of night.  The park was full of people!!  Really cool!!

Yesterday I had a very chilled out day including naps, some good home cooking and a movie.  All of the theaters show movies in their original language with subtitles.  I can't remember the last time I went to the movies, it was great!!

Lisbon has a certain authentic charm to it.  It's a little rough around the edges, if you will, but has such a laid back vibe filled with many creative people.  I really really like it!!  So far it is one of my all time favorite cities including Granada, Spain and Copenhagen, Denmark!!  Love these cities for the local people, music scene and creative vibe!!

Tomorrow I leave for the Netherlands..