Next Stop. Sevilla.

Last night I set off from Lisboa. Estacao Oriente at 9pm and arriving in Sevilla at 5:15am. Right? Ahem. Sort of. I met a really sweet couple and their friend, both guys from Minas Gerais and the wife from Morocco, and two adorable little ones. I also met a girl from Salvador, Marta who I instantly clicked with considering we were both on a similar kind of wanderish adventure. Both with semi plans but looking to see which direction the wind takes us. We sat together and yapped, exchanging stories and laughs. 

And I realized on that bus trip that one of my favorite things on this journey will most likely be the stories. The chance meetings. The conversations. The idea that I met a girl from Morocco, mother of 3 at age 24, who escaped her country, hidden in the back of a truck for fear of being an unwed mother at the age of 17. Fascinating to hear where points from such different sides meet. 

The bus drove through a fog filled night and luckily I think we all dozed off enough throughout. Woke up midway at a rest stop at 1am. Whew, half way there. When at 3:30am the bus pulled into the most desolate of bus stations, "Sevilla, Plaza de Armas". And off the bus Marta and I went, both confused but glad we had become comrades. Luckily there was a cab just outside the station which took us to the hostel for a little under 6 euro. 

The hostel which didn't expect me till noon was sweet enough to let me sleep on the couch in the common area, makeshift pillow and comforter. And Marta went off to her hostel. 

This morning I awoke to people having breakfast in the common area and ran into David again, who I had met the night before. Got to chatting for a while and got to know his story. David. Born in Portugal. Raised in Belgium. Moved to London age 17. Also lived in France where his mother is from. Currently lives in Scotland. Visiting Sevilla then off to visit friends in various parts of Spain. Knows Europe like the back of his hand. Married. Divorced. He wanted to travel the world. She didn't. Somewhere in his story he lived in Africa as a peacekeeper, not to mention endless counts of travel where he just sets up tent and finds odd jobs. Has slept outside on the border of Spain and Portugal where he says there is not one house. Has had his clothes and backpack stolen in the same day. And has been in the army somewhere along the way.

Then met another great girl from Brasil, didn't catch her name. Studying in Lisboa from Belo Horizonte. Sociology labor student. One year. Can't wait to get back home to her family and boyfriend though while she's here she's travelled to Turkey, Spain, Italy, Israel, and off to Morocco next. Egypt she's decide to leave for another time. 

Today I spent the day getting lost in Sevilla which is beautiful. Quaint little winding streets. Lovely people all along the way... I wandered my way down to Real Alcantara, thanks to Fernanda's recommendation and fell in heart. A lovely palace filled with courtyards and general's rooms. A place where it is said the first world atlas was drawn and Magellan's first journey was planned. There were countless gardens, some with fountains, others overflowing with orange trees. And my favorite. The labyrinth. A garden like something out of Alice in Wonderland. Yes please. And thank you. 

I left Real Alcantara and made my way back toward the hostel and have stopped off at an Irish pub for a burger and a Guiness. Both of which I craved all day. Tonight I set off for a good night's sleep so I can enjoy my next three days here. First stop tomorrow? Plaza de Espana...