Below is a little information about Lagos, Portugal I stole from the program website:
While today Lagos is a cultural crossroads where locals and travelers alike enjoy over 3000 hours of sunshine a year and some of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, it was once a cultural meeting ground of a different kind. As evidenced by the fortified city wall and coastal fortresses, it is a town that has endured the Roman Empire, Moorish invasions, numerous pirate raids, and even the Great Earthquake of 1755.
From 1578 to 1756 Lagos was the capital of Portugal’s now popular Algarve region in the South of Portugal, but the city’s history extends much further back into the past. It was first part of the Roman Empire and then occupied by the Moors until 1189. In fact, the word “Algarve” is derived from the Moorish word for the west, “Al Gharb”. Historically, Lagos is a hub of seafaring activity—both exploration and aggression. The famous explorer Vasco da Gama used Lagos as his departure point for his expedition to the New World. Lagos was also the muster point for King Dom Sebastiao whose teenage ambition led him to invade Ceuta in Morocco where he was killed and his forces were crushed. The Spanish Armada also used the city as a rally point and it was under constant threat of pirates, slave traders, and even once thwarted an attack by Sir Francis Drake.
Today, its history is apparent in monuments such as the Forte de Ponta da Bandeira, an impressive 17th century fortress that overlooks the marina. Another eerie reminder of the city’s violent past is the old slave market or Mercado dos Escravos. Located in the town square along the waterfront, this is the site where African slaves were sold in the 1400’s.
To get to Lagos, I had to get to the bus stop at 5 in the morning. Along the way we stopped in Sevilla to pick up other students doing the program and then we went to Lagos. When we arrived I finally saw Morgyn. Morgyn is one of my best friends from high school and she is studying abroad in Cordoba, Spain. We are each others designated travel buddy while abroad. Because of our different family situations I haven't seen Morgyn in over 2 years but it doesn't feel like that since we talk often. I was so happy to see her in person though. When we arrived in Lagos the first thing we did was go to the beach. I think this is the first time I placed my feet in the Atlantic Ocean. We played in the water and ended up falling asleep on the beach to be awaken by a huge wave. :(. That night we went to a Mexican restaurant where they gave me a free birthday shot! Afterwards we went to a club and partied pretty much all night. I ended up running into Deisy a girl I met in the airport on our way to Spain. What a coincidence!
The next day we went to a park to see the coast of Portugal and another beach in Lagos. It was windy but still a nice day. We played in the water, played soccer in the sand, played Steal the Bacon (which I beasted at), fell asleep in the sun and woke up dark, and ate food in a shaft by the beach. It was great day. Afterwards we went to what people used to believe was the end of the world when they thought it was flat before Christopher Columbus founded the Americas. We watched the sunset and it was beautiful. For miles all you could see was water with the reflection from the sun. Next, was round two of partying in Lagos!
On Sunday, Morgyn and I was supposed to go surfing but we missed the bus contemplating if we should go or not. I was a little sad but I guess I will learn how to surf back in LA. We spent the day at the beach again. Morgyn fell asleep and I laid there reflecting on life. Then all of sudden I heard a scream and a woman was dragging a man out of the water. The man was white and not breathing. People hurried around him to see what happened. I was to scared to walk towards him because I thought he had passed and I didn't want to see a dead person upfront but after 5 minutes he started breathing again. He was extremely lucky he only had scratches. Apparently the tide was too strong for him and he ended up getting sucked into the water. He was extremely weak from fighting the tide and the only strength he had left was to grab on to a rock. He was lucky his wife saw him and went to rescue him. This was an scary and emotional experience for Morgyn and I. We shed a few tears after what we saw and reflected on how valuable life is.
The coast line in front of our hotel.
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