I LOVE LISBON

It's mid afternoon now and had a great day exploring Lisbon. From the point I stepped off the bus yesterday, from the airport, I somehow felt Lisbon was going to be one of those places to remember. I had already reserved a cheap room on the internet in the centre of the old town, called Biarro Alto, and found the hostel easily from memory. Google Street View is amazing!

Bottles waiting for their doom

Sleeping here  has competition from the many bars and restaurants that line this narrow cobbled street, but I have convinced myself its normal so sleep is possible. 

a loner

This morning looked as if there'd been street parties all over town with empty beer and wine bottles lining the pavements and window sills. 

wonder how the inhabitants feel

A party

Couldn't work it out until I spoke to the girl, who is an absolute mine of information in the reception here at the hostel. In appears that its only recently that shops have been allowed to sell alcoholic beverages, which are much less expensive than in bars, and so the bar owners are just a bit pissed and the street cleaners have quite a job on their hands, not to mention the racket that the outdoor enthusiasts are kicking up. 

as if on cue, right below my window

I think that's enough about bottles, so what about today so far? It was an hour earlier than I thought when I stepped out into the street and the first quest was to find a cafe for my first fix of coffee and croissant. The place I found was a step back in time, with an interior more like a Turkish bathroom than a cafe.

Great coffee though

Lisbon Metro

I bought a day ticket for the public transport in Lisbon and what a useful thing it has turned out to be. Have spent about six hours hopping on and off trams and one ride on the metro. 


The  tram number 28 seems to be the tourist choice as it goes all around the old town and up to St George's castle. One problem I encountered is that whole tourist groups use this tram, making it almost impossible to get on at times. The views from this relic are fantastic. Rather funny was the panoramic view point with a mosaic depicting the landmarks that could be seen before the gardener died.

one of the many towers

I think there's problem here. 

All that's left to do now is to upload the video. The new version of the editor sucks so sadly no effects. But anyhow it has some shots of clouds, jazz musicians, a ride on a tram complete with very fat man, a still of the castle (which should be moving???) and a excruciatingly painful rendition of fado in a restaurant near the castle. If I was trying to eat while that was going on, I'd have asked for my money back. D