Week 5 – between rally, Lisbon and the feeling of freedom

Auf einem Parkplatz bei Sagres

Week five began in Tavira. The air was clear, the place quiet, and yet there was a palpable tension in the air. The rally was practically on our doorstep. I only had to walk a few minutes. Suddenly, I was standing somewhere in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees, dust, and gravel. No grandstand, no announcements, just me and the track. For hours, I watched the drivers hurtle through the corners. Every engine sounded different, every driver had their own style. An unexpected moment that felt like pure adventure. A moment just for me. No van, no dogs, no hustle and bustle. Just engines, the smell of gasoline, and a few curious locals.

After Tavira, we continued westward to Sagres. This place feels like the last dot on the map. Cliffs jutting out into the sea. Wind that clears your head. Waves crashing incessantly against the rocks. We parked our van in a simple spot, right on the edge of Europe, and watched the sun sink into the Atlantic. Nearby were surfers, hikers, and a few other vans. It felt free. Peaceful. Just right before heading to the capital.

Then Lisbon. Driving into the city is an experience in itself. The moment you cross the Ponte 25 de Abril is unforgettable. You feel the height, hear the slight rumble of the steel structure, and below you, the Tagus River unfolds before you. To the right, the statue; to the left, the city. The traffic picks up, everything becomes denser, narrower, louder. The GPS says left, the lane says right, and suddenly you're in the heart of this vibrant city, both charming and chaotic.

Lisbon itself is beautiful, warm, and vibrant. Narrow streets, old houses, coffee, pastéis, and a light that appears almost golden in December.

And yet, another impression lingers: many people approach you. Some want to lure you into bars or restaurants, others try to sell you drugs. It's not dangerous, but it gets annoying after a while. Especially when you just want to stroll through the city in peace. Interestingly, Lisbon is considered very safe. And yet, you'll be approached ten times a day. A strange mix of beauty and intrusiveness.

In the evening, we stood by the water, drank mulled wine in almost 20-degree weather, and gazed at the city lights. Mooi and Milo were with us, just as happy enjoying the warmth as we were.