After Marrakech, our next destination was Lisbon, Portugal. Europe's underdog, as it is labelled now as the 'most underrated city'. I can understand why - it's one of the most picturesque and colourful cities I have been to, and each building has it's own flair that made me think of what the decision maker was experiencing at the time, to publish their feelings on an entire building to make up the beauty of Lisbon. 

It's also super cheap compared to other main cities like Paris (or Nice, where I am currently... and starving) and has so much to do and see.. including a short trip to the most Western point of Europe. 

But you know what is lacking from the guidebooks and recommendation lists for this whimsical destination?

A sweat towel. 

Man, Lisbon has as many steep hills as they do Pastel de Natas. In some cases, it almost feels like a vertical climb. When you travel like me, there are two important aspects to note: a) We want to see as much as we can with our own eyes and really feel the city. For this, we travel on foot. And b) We are also looking to save every cent so Ubers and taxis are a no-go zone. 

It made me think of all the beautiful women on Instagram taking photos with the colourful buildings, in their dressed-to-the-nines ensembles and unrealistic shoes and thinking "HOW?" It's freezing in the morning, striking hot at midday and you're a sweaty MESS of a human by the end of the day. 

But I also think that's something I love about travel. The love for exploring overrides the pressure of looking a certain way and pretending you have your shit together. Travel is messy, sweaty, late, tiring, hangry, budgeting and feeling like an elephant exploring the streets of a new city as you consume everything in sight in no less than two bites. You give in the expectations of how you should be and completely submit yourself to the wonderful miracle of seeing the world as a child again.