Bit damp but nothing to stop us getting out and about in this lovely city, one of the oldest in the world. Took ride up another steep hill on the Elevator da Gloria which links the lower and upper areas. It is actually a funicular elevator (as opposed to the vertical Santa Justa we rode yesterday). It has two funky looking old trams (with four small wheels each) which go up and down – lovely views out over city despite the mist. Trams are very interesting as they stay level- how is way too technical for me – some mechanism underneath that you will be able to see in the photos.
Toured out through the new modern Lisbon – wow, some amazing buildings and architecture – bold and interesting. Some of the buildings and much of the area was designed for the Expo 89. Classy looking train station and some futuristic looking waterfront buildings. At one point it is hard to see across the estuary of the river – the Vasco da Gama Bridge is 17km in length! The longest Bridge in Europe – apparently engineers had to consider the curvature of the earth when they designed it.
Really interesting contrasts in the buildings and city design – some of the medieval buildings survived the earthquake and tsunami and have been restored and/or modernised retaining classic features and clinging to the hillsides while other areas are the result of deliberate attempts to rebuild according to modern urban design. Nice the way history has been preserved though – statues everywhere recognising the important people in this history.
Wandered through the city area and lunched at a seafood restaurant. Fascinated by all the different patterns in the cobblestones.
Dined tonight at a restaurant recommended by one of the cruise waiters- was very nice fine dining. Mark had a crab soup for entree served in a massive crab shell while I had Portugese olives and breads. Then black rice and seafood for mains and a chocolate meringue and lemon sorbet to finish. Very nice! (Dishes had Portugese names of course but can’t remember them!) Given a lovely carnation as we left.
Restaurant is next to another funicular – this time the Elevador do Lavra, might have to try this one tomorrow.
Decided we must be staying at an ok hotel – Rick Stein (chef and travel writer, TV series etc) is here with a tour party for the “Best of Portugal.”
(Some photos below- sorry some not the best and not as many as I hoped. Have not really mastered photo taking from moving vehicle)
Comments
Comment by Jon Dimock on 2013-10-01 18:14:47 -0700
Hi there you two. Have just caught up some more on your blog and this time I was able to look over the photos. Most impressive. The Brighton ones are great. Especially liked the one of the Pier with the seagull in the foreground – how many times have I seen that image/scene in moveis etc over the years. Hey was that tram self levelling? it looked pretty amazing. Also the high tea – sounds like me!! Kylee says hi and thanks you for the grammer and lexicon lesson this new word – funicular – isn’t that in one of those songs??!! Possibly Gilbert and Sullivan. P.S. Kylee is saying its about time you came home – lots of work to do. Saw the photo of Mark with the “granddy” nice. Weather here is coming right. Daylight saving implemented this week – OMG – it sure takes the bod a few days to get used to it. Dark again in the mornings!! See you soon
