PORTUGAL! Third and Final Stop: Lisbon (First day: July 20th)

 A truly fine day, indeed! 

After some difficulty with figuring out--and navigating--the rail system here, I made my way to the downtown, historical center of Lisbon. There, I joined a group of English-speaking tourists for a free walking tour of the area. It was led by a delightful young woman, Andreia, who was a native of Lisbon and phenomenally knowledgeable about the history of Portugal and her city.

The tour was long--about three hours-- so rather tiring, but worth it. Best of all was meeting a lovely Malaysian couple who used to live in Sacramento! I mean, what are the chances, eh?! We immediately bonded, and even after the tour ended, spent the rest of the day together. We wandered around and visited churches and the mirador. They ate pizza and we shared about our lives... they told me a great many details about life in Malaysia, and invited me to come stay with them! I will definitely plan to take them up on this, eventually. It sounds like an amazing country! (They told me it is also home to lots of expats and digital nomads like myself!) 

In any event, it was a most gratifying day, and the three of us signed up for another tour together tomorrow! It is presumably of castles and palaces, or some such thing, so should be interesting as well. 

And now for the photos from today: 


From a high point on a hill, overlooking the lovely red-tiled rooftops, so iconic of Portuguese cities (and elsewhere in Europe I have seen.) Not all of Lisbon is pretty... but as always in the historical centers, there is much that is truly impressive and picturesque. 

I am of course ALWAYS enthralled with the beautiful old architecture... so MANY variations of the decor and details! 


This old trolley car is apparently iconic in the city... and, much like San Francisco cable cars, is much loved by tourists and locals alike. 


And speaking of San Francisco, the bridge you see in the distance over the Lisbon river reminded me very much of the Golden Gate Bridge! Tbis photo was taken from the mirador (lookout point), on top of the highest hill in the city. 


Our guide, Andreia, laughingly told us that there were as many churches in Lisbon as there were Starbuck's in the U.S.!! She may well be right about this!!! (I believe this was also true of Rome, right!?! Portugal is, of course, also very Catholic.) 


                            
                                    A most unusual and lovely interior... 

                                            

I couldn't believe the monstrosity of a cruise ship sitting out there on the river... a floating city, no?!?! Apparently Lisbon is a fairly popular destination for many cruises. 




According to our guide, there are stairs like this all over the city, which has 8 major hills. One can definitely get a good amount of exercise going up and down these streets and stairs! 




And, of course, what would ANY major city in Europe be without its own version of the Arc de Triumphe?!?! This is a particularly pretty one, I have to say... 


One of the most major, pedestrian-only streets in the city center. It was wonderfully vibrant, and filled with a plethora of cafes, street musicians and lots of people strolling about. 
 

This and the next two photos are of a famous church...famous because it burned up inside and and all of the gold ornaments and wall coverings melted away! They decided NOT to restore it but merely painted it the unusual shade of pink you see in the photos below. 








A line up of guards in full regalia, outside of the National Guard building. Apparently a most unusual sight to witness, they were in formation today in order to greet arriving dignitaries. What a treat! 




Beautiful ancient fountain in front of the National Guard building... 


Yet another church, but of course!!! 


A classic, pretty little side street with cafes and the like.. 


Some famous monument or other... 




I loved these buildings for the design of their windows and wrought iron balconies. 



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