I apologize for not being around much lately. School is taking over my life. I feel the bittersweet irony of being abroad and having all these places to visit right outside my doorstep, yet having more schoolwork and less time than ever. I decided, however, not to make this a semester about academics. I did after all not come to Lisbon to bury myself in books (At least not in those kind that I'm more or less indifferent to). So my last trip to Sintra was carried out with a (still) clean conscience.
And I couldn't have been more happy about signing up for a trip like the one to Sintra yesterday. Although we went through everything in a hurry, there are few things that have made greater impression on me like the charming old town of Sintra and the Quinta da Regaleira. The last one is a castle with symbolism, old Greek mythology and Christianity hidden everywhere in the surrounding luxurious garden.
I wanted to cry when I came home, exhausted and realizing that how much night work I had ahead of me. But I know that the things that we make certain sacrifices for, are those we value the most.
oh-sorry you are feeling overwhelmed with work. hopefully your trip also made you feel a bit more ready to get stuck into studies again.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Oh gosh what a double edged sword... so much study and so many beautiful place to explore in Lisbon! I wouldn't want to be buried in books either! Good luck in striking a good balance between the two :)
ReplyDeleteI think I soon will, but it is a little hard when the sun and the air makes you feel like your on a vacation in some distant, exotic place :)
Deletestudying abroad is a true test of balancing life. these pictures are so lovely
ReplyDeleteAnd it's not an easy one, I admit :)
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