Day No. 52 - Cabo da Roca - The end of the world?

...Certainly not, but Cabo da Roca was long regarded as the end of the world. However, we discovered on site that the lighthouse was not upside down, nor did the sea drop into the bottomless sea at the edge. The rugged headland, which marks the westernmost tip of the European mainland, is nevertheless surrounded by an impressive, rugged-looking landscape. The waves of the Atlantic break thunderously at the foot of the rugged cliffs. Hiking trails meander left and right along the coast.

As I stand here on the cliffs and look out to sea, I have a sense of déjà vu. I remember having been here before. I guess it was almost 25 years ago. Back then, I was on an incentive tour here in Portugal with my brother Dirk. I remember Lisbon very well. But the end of the world seems to have fallen over the edge in my memory. Certainly a good time to talk to my big brother on the phone again. Conclusion: Dirk also remembered more about Lisbon and the delicious cherry schnapps than the end of the world. We Häusgens obviously don't have it in for the end of the world.

Torgit and I don't find the often-described lonely atmosphere at Cabo da Roca. Around the lighthouse there is a café, a souvenir store and a bus parking lot full of tourists. We quickly turn around and park Hector next to the nearest van. Here we meet Hayley and John, a young couple from England. They have been on the road for over a year. Now they are on their way to Morocco - we quickly get some tips: Where can we find the nearest water? How do they find their pitches, etc. - We keep coming across the "Park4Night" app in these conversations. - In general, we can say that there is an incredibly positive exchange between people "on the road".

Again, I ask the question of all questions: Are you happy and if so, why? - The two of them say that they have been traveling for so long because they can no longer identify with England. Although they were reconciled with their country, they realized that they were simply happier on the road. Here, too, the emphasis seems to be on simply. - The two of them have an old but comfortable bus. It looks rustic, but cozy. But it would be a little too simple for us without a cool box. We also come across the Buddhist prayer flags in this van. Always looks nice. Is there more to it than that? The two of them like to work hard for a while and then treat themselves to some time out.

Do you really want to get by as hippies, nomads with odd jobs? This was Martin's question last week. For Martin, who knows a life in a caravan from his childhood, it's unimaginable. But for us, more and more. But as I said, a little luxury is allowed.

For a while, we enjoy the view of the sea and the cliff covered in Carpobrotus. If you're wondering why I'm now throwing around plant terms, here's a hint. I downloaded a new plant identification app today. Maybe I can still learn something.

We decide to drive back to Sintra. We have forgotten our enamel mug at Christiane's place. But my Capital Rocker mug has to go back to Hector and me. On the way to Sintra, we discover two exciting architectural masterpieces. Firstly, a Bauhaus villa that not only has a spectacular view of Cabo da Roca and the sea, but is also very reminiscent of my old OKAL show home in Wuppertal. And then the poster of a construction company. Should this house really be from them or is it more likely to be a house from the German half-timbered and architectural icon HUF Haus? I would guess the latter.

As we are already in Sintra shortly before sunset, we take the opportunity to drive in the direction of the Palácio Nacional da Pena. We drive past the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the Quinta da Regaleira and make a short stop at the Palácio de Seteais. Along the road, one impressive building follows another. But even now there are still plenty of tourists around. We will certainly save ourselves another architectural tour. - As it is already dusk, we decide to give yesterday's campsite a second chance and set off for Santuário da Peninha. It is already dark when we get there. - Today we have a soup with cabbage, potatoes and kidney beans. A new mixture that tastes delicious and... you know!