As I jumped on my plane out of Portugal, I began thinking about how much Id miss the sun and Spain and Portugal and how much Id seen and how much I didnt see. It was great tho, nice and chilled and had me thinking how badly I needed to brush up on my language skills!!

Sunday 24th August: It seems a long time ago we stepped off the plane at Barcelona in the wee hours of the morning, trudged our way to our hostel, slept on uncomfortable couches until 1pm, found out it was the wrong hostel, went to the metro, Em realised her wallet was gone, I realised my backpack was gone and we all thought Spain was the s***test place in the world. Luckily first impressions dont always last!

Monday 25th August: After a crappy start, Spain improved outa sight! We quickly got out of Barcelona after that (we had planned it anyways) and travelled south to Valencia, which would be our base for the next few days in the build up to La Tomatina. We were back into the whole camping thing but luckily me, Claire and Ange were sharing the luxury model which you could actually stand in. We spent the first night getting aquainted to our friend, Don

Tuesday 26th August: Next day we got into seeing the sights (or shops) of Valencia. That night was a big 'This is your life' as people I knew from everywhere seemed to be paraded down the street.

Wednesday 27th August: This was it-La Tomatina!! We were bused out early morning to the town of Bunol and made the trek to where we would be spending a good few hours. Lots of waiting around and watching the greasy ham pole and finally the tomatoes came out!! Then it was absolute insanity, dont know how to even describe it except absolute madness!! Was soo much fun and tomatoes everywhere, especially trying to get out where the tomato juice was up to your shins!!! It wasnt so good tho on the walk back as it dried onto you. Who knew tomato was soo hard to clean off??

Thursday 28th August: Barcelona Round 2 was a lot better. Bagels for lunch and a little window shopping made for a good start. Seeing Ange get to see her parents made me a lil homesick but me, Claire and Em found some amazing udon noodles and a chocolate shop tha soon fixed that.

Friday 29th August: Today we spent the day sightseeing (lots of buildings!!) on the double decker bus with Ange's parents and friends. We just HAD to take Ange back to our alleyways of discoverey so it was udon noodles for dinner again, not that anyone was complaining.

Saturday 30th August: Today we headed down La Rambla which was probably me and Clo's worst nightmare put together. For Clo: lots of cages of weird animals in these bizarre 'pet shops' and for me: street performers. We finished the day with a little bit of reatil therapy, we actually spent some money!! Soon enough it was time to leave the nest and say goodbye to Ange and Claire who I had been with for around 6 weeks :( Me and Em caught the overnight to Madrid and after the initial worry of the dodgy guys stealing our stuff-we had a great sleep.

Sunday 31st August: Madrid was a whirlwing of no breakfast, the best markets where me and Em proceeded to spend every spare bit of money we had (which was sweet F.A.), police stations and an afternoon sightseeing walking tour. Stll trying to get over our sexy sounding colds it was an early night.

Monday 1st Septmember: Too soon we were leaving Madrid and bound for Granada, landing upon our charming little hostel somewhere in the mazy streets of the Albayzin and our great view of the amazing Alhambra.

Tuesday 2nd September: We spent the next day going first to a pretty impressive church (its Europe, Iv seen a lot!) then a hike up Sacramonte then to my favourite place the Alhambra!! Me and Em went nuts with the photos but it still couldnt justify the greatness of the place!! I still cannot even begin to explain how amazingly beautiful and different it was.

Wednesday 3rd September: The next day Em was gone and I was "all by myself..." which was quite weird after being with people 24/7 for most of the trip. Anyways I hit the markets hard and had an Arabic Bath which was the most relaxing, beautiful experience in an underground cavern with hot, cold and warm baths, candles, a massage and lovely peppermint tea. Had my last 'Worlds Best' falafel and chicken kebab (im still dreaming of them most nights) and feel asleep only to be woken up by Ange and Claire!!

Thursday 4th Septemeber: Just as I got my friends back, it was time to move on this time to Sevilla, where luckily I had some more people I know and randomly they were all together. So that night I headed out with Calv, Di and George for dinner but the night out in Sevilla was a massive let down.

Friday 5th September: Today we got into some hardcore sightseeing with Calv, George and Di which also didnt impress me much! Friends gone again but luckily a roof top pool and paella night turned into quite a drinking fest and with my new friends from Oasis went through a bit of alcohol. Had a comfy sleep on the bathroom floorand ended up with me being part of quite a story.

Saturday 6th September: A day of sleeping it off, some shopping, finally finding the Plaza de Espana and getting friends back, this time Claire & Ange. Was good to catch up with the girls but was an early night.

Sunday 7th September: Lagos it was, and I was in my element as soon as I got off the bus. A private room with tv, DOUBLE bed was good enough then the beaches and 2 days of activity-finally!! I headed to the beach but the water was at Espo temp so I headed back to my room for some relaxation.

Monday 8th September: First day was kayaking and what a fantastic place to do it. After I found my future dog, we got started on our tour with our Aussie guide (of course). We paddled around the beaches through archways, caves and grottos which was oh so beautiful! A romantic dinner for one rounded off a great day.

Tuesday 9th September: Today was surfing and we headed to the west coast where I was feeling a little nervous as I was a little out of practice (and the only Aussie on the trip 'of course u can surf')! Anywas luckily only 1m swell so good to ease back into and it was long before I was back standing up and improving quickly! The instructor was great and had me doing all kinds of manourves before I basically collapsed dead on the beach (after I enjoyed body surfing the only waves I had seen all trip!!). A lovely dinner with my girls and a quick trip to the bar and it was time to leave them all again.

Wednesday 10th September: It was time to head to Lisbon, I managed to squeeze in a tiny bit of sightseeing but again all to briefly and Portugal was finished.