Far from an impromptu getaway, I always had a desperate longing to visit Cabo da Roca since I’d started to map out my Iberian trip. Always mesmerized by extremities and filled with insatiable curiosity to delve into the unknowns, nothing could help me resist the temptation of Cabo da Roca, the westernmost end of the Eurasian land mass which was somewhat synonymous for ‘the ends of the world’
Roma Metro Station
I took a train at the modestly embellished Roma Metro Station, a 10-minute walk from the hotel I stayed.
Cais do Sodre Metro/Railway Station
Cais do Sodre Station was a major interchange station of metro and train, at which I changed the train bound for Cascais.
As against the derelict, shabby and exceptionally stinky intermediate concourse, on the airy platform, I couldn’t take my eyes off the luminous colors splattered on the once-lifeless train carriages by some charismatic graffiti artists. The general tolerance and understanding of the overt expression of this art form is uncommon in East Asia.
Cascais
After alighting at the Cascais Railway Station, thankfully I could catch up with the bus bound for Cabo da Roca or I had to wait for 30 minutes.
Thankfully, yet again, the expressionless seemingly-unfriendly bus driver, to my suprise, asked me my destination to make sure I was on the right bus. I was so appreciative of him being so amiable and thoughtful.
Cabo da Roca Lighthouse
After alighting at the Cabo da Roca bus stop, I came in sight of the ochre-roofed whitewashed Cabo da Roca Lighthouse, which interestingly enough, was somewhat suggestive of the little hut that I saw in many eye examination machines.
The beautiful lighthouse which began operating in 1772, has become the third oldest lighthouse along the Portugese coast.
Cabo da Roca
Standing at the edge of the lofty cliff more than 100 meters in height, beholding the monstrous waves breaking on the tenacious stretch of cliffs, listening to the uproarious waves crashing on the unbeaten rocks, feeling the pleasant sea breeze on my face, such once-in-a-lifetime experience was beyond compare.
Gazing exceptionally long at the endless Atlantic Ocean in complete awe, walking gingerly at ‘the ends of the world’, I was completely overwhelmed by the breathtaking splendour of the mighty Mother Nature and all the clutter in my mind went away.
Written on the monument announcing Cabo da Roca as the westernmost point of continental Europe was ‘Onde a terra acaba e o mar começa’ (here the land ends the sea begins)
Cascais
The single decker bus carried me back to Cascais following my unforgettable worthwhile journey in Cabo da Roca.
According to Wikipedia, Cascais is a major seaside resort town in Portugal and the area is one of the most wealthiest in Portugal and Iberia Peninsula. Cascais’s coastline is also home to 17 beaches and the Conception Beach is one of them.
Ambling solo along the broad esplanade flanked by the expansive long stretch of beaches, all I could hear was the roaring waves breaking on the shore.
The setting sun grew so huge as soon as it’d broken through the fluffy clouds. Whenever I turned my head for the panoramic view of the beach, I was dazzled by the strong sunlight.
The footprints-loaded lonesome beaches was very good company for me, a loner who enjoyed my own company so much.
My Travel Journal TWO 