Lisbon

It's hard for me to find a place to start when I'm writing, so I'll start where I think it would be best, looking at the hill that I had to make it up before I could get to my hostel. 

Hill after hill after hill. Then, steps! So many steps. However, little did I know about all the fun that I would have in just three short days in Lisbon.

From day one, we met so many great, interesting people from all over the world. People who are now my friends and that I plan to visit in the near future!

I will never forget getting to the hostel at 6 in the morning three days in a row and going to the airport to head towards London at 5 in the morning still stumbling around. One of the best parts though, I must admit, was the walking tour. Our tour guide was brilliant and truly knew the history of Lisbon and made it fun to listen to him. I learned so much in just a few hours and honestly, I felt inspired to travel even more by the time the tour was over. I am thankful to everyone who made my time in Lisbon great and unforgettable. 

Best wishes, 

Jairo 

Train ride

After an amazing time in Olesa, came a not so amazing train ride to my next adventure, Lisbon, Portugal.

I remember getting to the train station in Olesa around 8 in the morning, or so? I was still drunk from the night before and my friend Hector was limping his way across the station with an ankle swollen the size of an orange. What happened? Who knows. We are still trying to figure that out to this day.

After looking around and eventually finding our train, we board, only to find ourselves in a hot, stuffy train with 9 hours of travel ahead of us. I managed to fall asleep, thankfully. I found out later though that I was sweating the entire time I was asleep. Once we arrived in Madrid, our half way point, we had a 5 hour layover to rest and relax, before another 8 hour ride to Lisbon. Once again, our dreams were crushed, when we found out we didn't have a bed, like we were promised. Instead, a small chair in a section filled with crying babies and crying babies. I was so happy when we arrived. Little did I know of the fun that was ahead. 

Best wishes, 

Jairo 

Olesa

Oh, Olesa. How you have inspired me. I truly have fallen in love with this town. The people, the culture, the food and wine are to die for. Estrella and Tapas for dinner? Sure! What else could I possibly ask for. I am truly happy and not stressed for the first time in a long time. 

Today, I learned how to make Paella. The smell is still on my mind. The wine we had before dinner, I can still taste it. The Paella was delicious. I will never forget it. Better yet, sitting down and having dinner with my new friends and family in Olesa has to be one of the best experiences of my life. 

I am so thankful for having the opportunity to have dinner at home with a local Olesa family and have home cooked Paella. 

Best wishes, 

Jairo 

Euro Trip

Ah, Paris, the city of love and fashion, as well as the city of car horns that never stop no matter what time of the day it is. Great food, fine wines, world famous art and architecture only begin the describe the city. Paris truly is a city that must be seen and experienced in order to understand it. I will never forget my time in Paris, the people I met and the things I learned. I made great memories with great people and that is something that I will treasure forever. Now, after a 15 hour bus ride, I find myself in Barcelona. Can't wait for the adventures to come. 

Best wishes, 

Jairo 

Belgium!

After my four days in Amsterdam I have already experienced more than I thought I would. I had so much fun there, the last day is still a bit blurry! I will never forget my time there. 

Now I'm in Belgium! I'll only be here two days, but by the looks of it, that will be more than enough to have fun! My first night in Belgium was great. I walked on the beach, took great pictures and had all you can eat ribs! I was so happy! 

My host is incredibly nice and I have enjoyed hearing her stories. Looking forward to today and the adventures yet to come! 

Best wishes, 

Jairo 

Amsterdam

Well, I just got home from my second day in Amsterdam. All I can say is WOW! This city is amazing. I've walked more than I ever have before and I loved every moment of it. Including the moments I was lost, standing around with a big map in my hands. I wasn't sticking out at all! 

The best moment, the USA vs The Netherlands soccer game! We were down 3 - 1 and managed to win 4 - 3!!

It was amazing. Screaming USA while surrounded by a sea of orange was a bit scary, but worth it. So far, a great success! I can't wait for the adventures that are yet to come. 

Also, if you ever lose your debit card and ID TWICE in one day, don't panic. Just go back, look down, and you'll find it! 

P.S. I was only semi calm.  I must admit, when I realized I lost my ID and debit card not once, but TWICE in one day, I had nothing more to do than laugh at my bad luck! 

Best wishes, 

Jairo 

Today is the day!

It's 4:50 A.M., haven't slept and sitting at gate 19 waiting to board my first plane. I'm excited, tired, hungry, sleepy. Just a few more hours to go until I'm in Amsterdam. I'll see you soon U.S.A., with lots of stories.

Best wishes, 

Jairo