Day 179
4 hrs, 7 .4 kms

Today is going to be a long day so I need an early start: I need to hike from Lisbon to Sintra--and explore a whole bunch of towns along the way. So I head out in the early hours, soaking in a bit more of Lisbon while I'm at it.

One thing cool about this city is its graffitti. Not the kind that defaces buildings--but rather saves them. Yes, you heard that right... there are some large, four story abandoned buildings in the middle of the city turned into fascinating murals--like a giant lizard covering the entire side of the building, or a king with a giant crown. A bit further there are some very well done political graffitti murals--one of them showing Angela Merkel as a puppetmaster and the Portuguese president as a puppet...

I continue on to where the famous aqueduct cuts through the city, creating this long arched bridge-like feel winding through and over the narrow streets. Here is a rather grittier feel that classy downtown Lisbon, with weatherstained old buildings--interrupted by an an occasional upscale office park. I do end up getting myself turned around again, which sets me back a bit... and when I finally reach the large park that I was planning to explore on my way out of the city, I find it fenced off and I'm forced to follow a busy highway until I finally find a way in.

Inside I find a vast forest park with with hiking trails, cliffs and obstacle course tyle activities with cables strung between the trees... a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of crowded Lisbon. The aqueduct also runs through the park--although it's not quite as impressive when its at ground level or below--still nice to get a better feel for the full extent of this massive project