Lisbon, Portugal

My first visit to Lisbon was a pleasure, with several balmy days spent in the middle of a drab winter. This trip was one of my spousal unit’s travel hops to see a location he wanted to buzz through. These hops usually last no longer than three days; for me, it isn’t enough time to get a city’s true feel.

I use these short trips to decide whether to return for a longer stay, possibly renting a car or using the train system to cover much of the surrounding country. After a friend explored the coast of Portugal last summer and reported her findings, my return trip to Portugal has moved up several places on the list.

Wandering

For three days, we did nothing but wander through the streets.

People-watching is a favorite thing for me, and fountains are people magnets (even though I waited until there was a gap in people to take the photo.)

Below is one of the locals at the Sāo Jorge castle located at the top of the hill of the same name. This fortress was built during the fifth century and then expanded by the Moors. Later it was used as a Royal Palace and now restored, is a tourist attraction.

And a home for wayward peacocks.

The photo below is the view from the castle. The grounds are large, so my photos of the castle are confusing. I’ll let you take photos when you visit. We enjoyed a glass of wine at a small cafe outside the castle gates, watching people and relaxing our feet from the walk up the hill and throughout the castle.

I always wonder what the inside looks like of these old buildings. Many cities like New Orleans and Istanbul are deceiving, and I think Lisbon is the same. For example, ancient buildings of this type in Istanbul will hold ultra-modern apartments and lush courtyards hidden from the street. Some buildings tease, with a glimpse now and then of the treasures inside. The buildings in Lisbon, however, give no way to see inside or past the outer walls for me to see if there is a garden.

Like Istanbul, Lisbon has stone streets that require sturdy walking shoes. Unless you want to flag yourself as an American like me, wear something other than running shoes when you visit overseas. I didn’t plan well when packing my carry-on, and my black airport running shoes were all I had.

On my trips, I always look for that neighborhood where I can envision living. Lisbon has many, but three days is not enough time for me to determine one neighborhood from another. The good thing about Lisbon? Easy mass transit. When your feet are tired, or that hill is just too much at the end of the day, catch a tram or the clean, easy subway.

When I return, I want this place in the photo below. The top floor is the best place to hang my undies for the world to see.

We knew after the first night of fresh fish, nice wine, and a pleasant proprietor that we both wanted to return. Get ready, Lisbon. I’ll be back, and you and I will see some things.