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Lisbon really surprised me. Everything I read made me feel like Porto was the true star of the Portugal cities, and that the Algarve would be the winner of my heart. And while both of them swept me right off my feet, Lisbon sparkled in its own right. The architecture really stood out to me, and since to much of the city was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 it really gives the city it's own personality. So many of the buildings felt like art to me. I'm pretty sure Andrew would say I could spend weeks just walking around snapping picks of the all facades (he's right). 

Oh the Algarve. It's a magical place. Those rocky coastlines crashing into the sea are even more beautiful in person. The pictures don't do them justice. But, I will say, we had a hard time figuring out where we wanted to stay a long the coast - there are just so many beaches, and it's such a large area with so many towns to pick from. We felt like we were kind of guessing when we decided on a spot to rest our heads. 

This little trip was a birthday present from my (truly) amazing husband. Andrew and I aren't present people. We honestly have never purchased a thing for each other except for trips. That's our one big indulgence, and it just works out that neither of us really like getting gifts (we are both somewhat awkward at heart). But the gifts we end up getting for each other - the once in a lifetime, will always remember, adventures we'll tell our grandkids about - they always end up beating any piece of jewelry in my book. And the Douro Valley is the perfect example. 

Porto surprised me in so many ways. I genuinely loved everything about the sweet little, azulejo-covered city. The food, the people, the architecture - it all won my heart over the second we stepped off the plane. We always try to hit the ground running after a red eye flight to try and adjust to the time zone, and it wasn't hard to keep our eyes open while exploring every nook and cranny of this place. I literally woke up the first morning at 5:45AM because I just couldn't wait to start exploring again (I'm also a crazy person). It's a safe, easy to navigate, charming city that is just begging to get lost in. We obliged.