January 14, 2023
We arrived in Lisbon in the early morning and the city was fogged in! As I headed off the ship I could barely see the Christ the King statue and the 25 de Abril Bridge!
A bit about Lisbon…..
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, with an estimated population of 544,851. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and the second-oldest European capital city (after Athens).
On 1 November 1755, the city was destroyed by another devastating earthquake, which killed an estimated 20% of the population and destroyed 85 percent of the city’s structures. Many more people were killed by the following tsunami.
Situated at the mouth of the Tagus River, Lisbon is built into the hills. If you live in Lisbon you have great legs walking up and down the hills!!!
The city is rich in history with narrow cobblestone streets filled with small café’s and lots of pastry shops. The world’s oldest and the world’s smallest book shops (it just a hallway!) are in Lisbon.
I left the ship early as the sun was rising and the fog thickened and took the ferry across to the Christ the King statue. The view of the statue plus the 25 de Abril Bridge even in the fog was spectacular even if the pictures do not show it!! Yes, I enhanced my picture of Christ the King, as the sky was not blue!
When I caught the ferry back I roamed around the city as it was waking up enjoying the small alleyway, steep streets and markets. Enjoying the quiet before the city became crowded
In the afternoon I did an excursion in a Tuk Tuk. I have been enamored with Tuk Tuks since I saw them in the Galapagos!! The light was a bit better in the afternoon but not by much. The Tuk Tuk adventure included trying the famous Pastéis de nata and port wine. Unfortunately I shared the Tuk Tuk with an arrogant couple from Texas and their Mexican maid (yes, the wife mentioned that multiple times). I was proud of myself for not engaging with their rudeness but did manage to cough on them several times. Did I mention that I was sick!!!
As we raced to get onboard because as we were late (10 minutes to all on board) due to the traffic from the teacher’s protest and an unplanned stop at a souvenir shop for the “maid” to purchase a magnet I was filled with joy for having experienced this incredible city!!
A maid?
I guess it was their idea of a maiden voyage 🙁
I have also been to Portugal and found it very different from other countries. Great fish dishes!!
Keep having a venture of a lifetime as I am living through you vicariously.
Forget the golf cart….you neeed a Tuk tuk
Now you can cross “be an international bioterrorist” off your bucket list. Glad you’re feeling well enough to adventure.
LOL! Not sure it was on my list but I will own it!!!
What fun, love the bakery.