Today we started the morning off with a long bike ride along the coast. We were all very excited and slightly shocked when we found out that we could rent bikes for free. Our bike ride began a bit bumpy as we had to navigate our way through the cobblestone streets before reaching the bike path. After pedaling for 8km (5 miles) right next to the ocean, we reached our destination; a secluded beach with breathtaking views. Our awesome tour guide, Pedro, planned this excursion for us as he knew it would not disappoint. We ended up only being a few hundred meters away from the most western point of Europe.
While at the beach, Karlee, Emily, Marie, Alesha, Nellie, Courtney, Pedro, and I took a swim in the frigid Atlantic Ocean. I do not think the water temperatures were much colder than the ocean water in the northeast right now but it was quite a shock when we first jumped in. Several others took the opportunity to take pictures and play some beach tennis. After about a half hour at the beach we began our bike ride back to our hotel.
When we returned to our hotel, everyone was very hungry and ready for lunch. The girls found various spots to grab lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon shopping and napping. The adults ate at a delicious portuguese restaurant that was unknown to tourists. Knowing the local cuisine so well, Pedro has been in charge of picking the restaurants for all of our meals. He has not failed us yet! Today's lunch consisted of clams, octopus salad, and sausages for starters and then everyone tried the prego sandwich. This portuguese staple is comparable to a thin piece of steak on a roll. Following lunch, we returned to our favorite gelado place, Santini. The coaches and Sallie are hoping that they will consider franchising to Bethlehem and Milwaukee (where Sallie is from) because it is so good!
This evening, we had our last game of the trip. Although it was not the result we were hoping for, we did some great things. The team we played against was tall and very skilled. On a positive note, I thought we improved each game we played. After the game, we took a few pictures and chatted with the other team before returning to Cascais.
We went straight to the marina for a late dinner as a team. Again, Pedro led the way and took us to a great restaurant. I decided to order pizza with mushroom, pineapple, and banana on it. Surprisingly, it was delicious! I am hoping there is a place in the United States that will serve pizza with banana!
I am really looking forward to tomorrow's adventure. We are taking a private sailing trip around Belem, an historical beach town in Portugal. I hear that Belem is famous for a pastry and I will definitely be trying it! After the tour, we are heading to Lisbon to visit the Oceanario, the second largest aquarium in the world. We will conclude our day with a team dinner on our last night abroad.
It is very late here so it is time for me to get some rest for tomorrow's busy day. Thank you for following along with us!
-Coach Sara
Morgan, Emily, Marie, Alesha, and Karlee enjoying the Atlantic Ocean!
Tristen, Cori, Natalie, Courtney, and Nellie take the opportunity to capture photos at the scenic beach.
Team picture with our opponents.
Enjoying our daily dose of gelado from Santini!
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