Lessons from days 1 - 4

Don't worry, my writing won't always take such a twee format. I just feel like I've learned some stuff that absolutely must be passed on.

- Staying awake for 40 hours for a gigantic neverending going away party (thanks, guys!) will make you really, really sick, especially if you spend the next night on the train - transferring every 2h.
- Being sick alone in a hostel in Portugal (or anywhere) sucks
- Hostels with owners named Mama who make you soup makes this a bit more bearable.
- Ignoring the sick/surfing while sick will lead to...more sick.
- Check train schedules carefully to see where/how many times you'll be transferring...
- Also check to make sure busses run on the weekends.(Trapped in paradise for 2 more days? Damnit!)
- If you're reading a book about Nazis with a gigantic swastika on the cover, learn the local language for "I'm not a Nazi, just a history geek.."
- Little old men in McDs who sit and chat with you can actually be really interesting
- There's nothing better than a day on the beach reading and watching the waves
- Fighting the sand is a losing battle. It's better just to roll with it.

Bonus: Lessons from my going away party
- WATCH YOUR SHIT IN CLUBS!
- My coworkers give amazing gifts...
- I'll burst into tears for no real reason when overemotional/tired/homesick
- Leave on time or you'll wind up paying 50 quid for a cab to the airport....