Lisbon, Portugal. This is an elegant city, most famous for its black and white cobble-stoned walkways and early explorers. It is, of course, on the sea, and prone to beautiful sunrises like this quiet one captured on my last morning there. I was lucky to get it, since it down-poured several times during my weekend stay! But, if you are heading there soon, fret not. The skies opened to sunshine in between showers and it was alternately cold and warm, cool and sunny, and overall, very pleasant.
The buildings' facades are often tiled, giving the city a unique flair within Europe. Somehow, it reminded me a little of Venice, with it's quaint, decaying buildings, tiny eateries and proximity to water. But Lisbon is a fun weekend trip all in its own right.
Things worth seeing:
1. The Elevator: Built by Miseur Eiffel, of the Eiffel Tower, this elevator still runs daily and offers superb views of the city from it's high platform. Next door is the Igreja do Carmo, an elegant skeleton of arches of the once-largest church in Lisbon, now hosts a museum after the 1755 earthquake.
2. Vasco da Gama Memorial: Walk along the "boardwalk" and you'll be sure to see this beautiful monument to the explorers, with it's own mini-museum inside (which I did not go into). You'll also see a beautiful copy of the San Francisco Bridge, Christo Rei, a knock off of the Christo Redentor (in Rio de Janeiro), and the beautiful Tower of Belem (where Ali, from the Bachelorette had a fun date...did anybody else see this?), but which was -before reality tv- known as a fortress point for navigators.
3. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos: This monastery is worth paying for if you enjoy grand architecture. It's only a few dollars, and, though I've seen many churches, castles, and museums since moving to Europe, I was thoroughly impressed by the inner workings of this place. It is tranquil, intricately designed, and interesting to walk through. Plus, the shadows created with all the arches and designs made it a feast for my camera to enjoy!
Good Eats Found:
1. Brasileira Cafe: This cafe with golden-framed mirrors is a 1920's classic in Lisbon. Get some tasty treats with your cappuccino here, and you won't be disappointed.
2. Hole in the Wall places: most food is good here, I found, no matter where we stopped!
3. Any Seafood (no surprise there, I'm sure)
History of Lisbon:
You can find it anywhere online, but of course, Vasco de Gama sort of steals the show. He is mentioned everywhere. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasco_da_Gama
We saw an exact copy of the ship he sailed to South Africa while exploring the Capetown region, pictured below.
Thought for Food: It's amazing to think that Portugal was once such a world power. Like England, it's such a tiny place. Yet, there are treasures gallore, and they accomplished much during their prime time. Now the country is a service country, and gives off only an impression of power in things past. What happens to these great places? And what will happen to the US, I sometimes wonder?
If you spend time walking around the city, even without going into any of the popular places, you will likely have a good time. It's a pretty place, with not-too-steep hills and good food. Just beware of the cheesy dinners with "authentic singing". It's probably not worth your time...
see more photos at: photo-therapie.org/blog
The buildings' facades are often tiled, giving the city a unique flair within Europe. Somehow, it reminded me a little of Venice, with it's quaint, decaying buildings, tiny eateries and proximity to water. But Lisbon is a fun weekend trip all in its own right.
Things worth seeing:
1. The Elevator: Built by Miseur Eiffel, of the Eiffel Tower, this elevator still runs daily and offers superb views of the city from it's high platform. Next door is the Igreja do Carmo, an elegant skeleton of arches of the once-largest church in Lisbon, now hosts a museum after the 1755 earthquake.
2. Vasco da Gama Memorial: Walk along the "boardwalk" and you'll be sure to see this beautiful monument to the explorers, with it's own mini-museum inside (which I did not go into). You'll also see a beautiful copy of the San Francisco Bridge, Christo Rei, a knock off of the Christo Redentor (in Rio de Janeiro), and the beautiful Tower of Belem (where Ali, from the Bachelorette had a fun date...did anybody else see this?), but which was -before reality tv- known as a fortress point for navigators.
3. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos: This monastery is worth paying for if you enjoy grand architecture. It's only a few dollars, and, though I've seen many churches, castles, and museums since moving to Europe, I was thoroughly impressed by the inner workings of this place. It is tranquil, intricately designed, and interesting to walk through. Plus, the shadows created with all the arches and designs made it a feast for my camera to enjoy!
Good Eats Found:
1. Brasileira Cafe: This cafe with golden-framed mirrors is a 1920's classic in Lisbon. Get some tasty treats with your cappuccino here, and you won't be disappointed.
2. Hole in the Wall places: most food is good here, I found, no matter where we stopped!
3. Any Seafood (no surprise there, I'm sure)
History of Lisbon:
You can find it anywhere online, but of course, Vasco de Gama sort of steals the show. He is mentioned everywhere. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasco_da_Gama
We saw an exact copy of the ship he sailed to South Africa while exploring the Capetown region, pictured below.
Thought for Food: It's amazing to think that Portugal was once such a world power. Like England, it's such a tiny place. Yet, there are treasures gallore, and they accomplished much during their prime time. Now the country is a service country, and gives off only an impression of power in things past. What happens to these great places? And what will happen to the US, I sometimes wonder?
If you spend time walking around the city, even without going into any of the popular places, you will likely have a good time. It's a pretty place, with not-too-steep hills and good food. Just beware of the cheesy dinners with "authentic singing". It's probably not worth your time...
see more photos at: photo-therapie.org/blog
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