Day 180
12 hrs, 17 .9 kms

As in Spain, some of my most interesting encounters here are at the hostel. Wijnand, a Dutch fellow who is actually working short term at the hostel, is actually in the middle of an epic hike unlike any I've ever heard of: walking from the Netherlands to Rome... to Santiago de Compostela... and next on to Egypt. Doing the 3 great European pilgrimages.

But what really catches my attention about his amazing journey is that, almost every night he's invited to stay at people's houses. Rather than being a loner who's wandering to disconnect from society, he's actually connecting with people all throughout the way. Carrying a smartphone and a tablet, he blogs about his experiences, meets people... people spread the word to other people further down the road... and voila! an invitation to stay the night!

"It's not about just getting a free place to stay--it's about spending quality time with people . I was inspired by the queen of Netherland's statement that technology is making people less connected with each other. I want to show that technology can be used to help us connect with each other"

I'm quite intrigued by this lifestyle choice. Wijnand could easily work and save up money and travel independently as I do--or camp out as other's do. But he chooses to stay with people, traveling with very little money. I'm not sure I'd be up for this sort of travelstyle--but it's fascinating to see how this sort of project can actually succeed.

We chat a bit more. Wijnand has another perspective on Dutch culture, which I consider one of the most admirable culture's in the world with its simple, eco-friendly lifestyle.

"The government can actually be quite wasteful" he tells me. "for example, unlike neighboring countries, all the country roads are lit up at night in the Netherlands--a huge waste of energy"

As for the socialist system . "People nowadays depend to much on the government for everything, rather than reaching out to each other. For example, if a guy's brother were to break his leg, he wouldn't think 'oh, I need to go help out my brother!' rather he'd think 'oh, the government will take care of him.' "

An interesting perspective.

Another Day Exploring Lisbon

Today I need to spend some more time exploring Lisbon. For one thing, I need to hike out to the airport to connect with my Sacavem hike which I did back in 2010 on a long layover from the USA. This city does definitely deserve another full day of exploring. I head into the quiet, overcast Sunday morning to see what there is to see.

The northside of town finally flattens out a bit, with wide boulevards and mansions with beautiful gardens. It's not too long and I reach the airport--one of the most accessible for pedestrians that I've been to ... then I hop on the metro and back downtown to expore the southwestern coast.

On under the stunning suspension bridge is a long walking path along the bay, lined with interesting things to see. There's an old power plant turned museum, with interesting displays of how an old fashioned coal based power plant worked--really gives a feel for how toilsome this used to be... then further on is a beautiful palace turned archaeology museum. I don't feel like coughing up the entrance fee for this one right now--but the cathedral next door is free and an interesting visit.

In front of it is one of Lisbon's iconic monuments: the Padrao do Descobrementos, a monument to Portugal's great explorers. Meant to look like a ship from the side, but a cross from behind seems a fitting design: from one angle, these men look like heroic discoverers who would link the continents and pave the way for a new era in world history. From another angle, you see them as the men who led the way for one of the greatest destructions of culture in the world's history as they imposed their religion on an entire continent.

Anyway, what's done is done... And the Portuguese don't strike my as being all high and haughty about the great achievements of their ancestors. This country has been humbled for quite some time and more preoccupied with its troubled present.

I continue on down the road... past a beautiful little castle out in the sea, then a solemn monument to fallen soldiers... and finally Lisbon comes to an end.