GOING SOUTH

It’s the third day here now and then to Tavira, in the south, tomorrow. Had another wander around the city using a day pass which is probably the most convenient way of getting around.

Plac de Comercio

One of the places I came across is by the sea south of the Old Town, a square called Plac de Comercio. Lisbon seems to be littered with huge monuments such at the super grand archway to the square. 

Feeding Frenzy

Down by the water’s edge seemed to be very popular with the fish. The brown cloudy water was the attraction – raw sewage running into the sea at a couple of places. 

Chestnuts roasting

It is the chestnut season which was obscuring  the streets with white smoke from the typical roasting burners. 
Once again on the number 28 tram, which is the most useful of all the trams, I happened to notice a guy carrying something instantly recognizable to anyone older than 40 – a rather dog eared record sleeve. No prizes for guessing the name of this album. Maybe there’s a good market for memorabilia of the 70’s.

the Dark Side of Lisbon

To the west of the city, the 28 tram terminates at the city’s most exclusive cemetery. The family tombs are incredibly elaborate affairs, from the size of a small garden shed up to the proportions of a small house. This form of burial is a tradition here but only for the very wealthy.

The end of the line! (No 28) 

My sleep on Saturday night was fitful to say the least. It was a repeat of Friday night with huge crowds of revellers who only dispersed a few hours before sunrise. On my way out to the metro, to begin the journey to Tavira, 250 km south, a massive cleanup was going on. I must admit I was looking forward to an uninterrupted night’s sleep. 

After a normal Saturday night

Finally, the main terminal station, Oriente, is more like an airport than a railway station. 

My train to Faro

The train left perfectly on time, getting me to Tavira some 4 hours later, on a perfect summer day. D

Night before I left. From the Grand Lift