Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a small but sweet city that is very much reminisce of San Fransisco. They have a suspension bridge that looks like the Golden Gate. The old city is very hilly.  They have almost 800 earthquakes a years. They are a maritime city on the west coast. It has a character and a vitality that is palatable in uniqueness of the people, the art and the music.

The buildings are often clad in beautiful tiles in both repetitive or composed in wonderful murals. It gives a distinctive character to the buildings and the town as a whole.

The Portuguese have a complicated national identity that embraces a little sadness and life acceptance along with a pride in their history and accomplishments that far outpace it's country's small size.  It's like a small kid who out performs in sports and academics all the bigger more privileged kids in his school but, is a little withdrawn yet friendly and likeable.

We are missing out by leaving tomorrow.  Lisbon is getting ready to have a celebration that will fill the streets. Festa of Santo Antonio is bringing out all the decorations and food and drink vendors.  A cherry brandy called Ginja is sold in shots in little booths.  It is very good. I wish we were staying for the festival. It sounds a little like Mardi Gras.

Beer

 

The bridge looks very much like the Golden Gate Bridge.  It was built by the same designer
and was the longest suspinion bridge in Europe.

Struggling up the hill.  I did too. Everytime we turned a corner, there was another hill.

Homeless outside the train statio.

Four ships lined up.

Pastal de nada. This is the best pastry I've ever had. Flacky crust and a warm custard type filling.

There a long line to get in. A pick-pocket kept trying to get to my friend Bob in line. He kept moving up behind hime actually standing against him from behind. I had to shoulder the guy 3 times to back him off. 
He eye-balled me but finally kept his distance.

 

First aircraft to cross the south Atlantic.

Built in the 1920's and still in use.

Tower guarding river entrance to Lisbon.

This church was awsome