Today was walking/exploring marathon. We were on our own. We started walking at 8:30 am and did not stop till 10:30 pm ( with few breaks)
First we walked the roads recommended for the tourists, old town, new town, castles, churches, 120 year old coffee shop. Lisbon is the older brother of San Francisco without the glamor and is wiser. It is spread out on seven hills and if you think San Francisco has steep hill, come see the big brother and you will see the real steep, narrow and cobble stone streets..all in one. We discussed about the logistics of getting the driver's license for the kids ( being the parents we are). I am also wondering about the logistics of laying down the stones all over the country, I guess that's why there was no unemployment back then.
One of many squares
Gothic Church in the old town
Buildings with tile facades
Tuk Tuk...
Another great meal
Mother
After the recommended walks, we decided to walk the unrecommended walks where we met interesting locals, saw little shops and real Lisbon. I have to say that Lisbon and the country in general is very clean, green and pretty. It seems to be lot cleaner than our own USA even in the non touristic areas. The farms in the country side are small ( perhaps owned by families rather than corporations) and the houses in the towns are all tile roof and white washed. Other very impressive thing is that the infrastructure ( roads, water, sewer, electricity) is all well planned and public transportation is easy and efficient.
Person from Bangla Desh..
Non Tourist areas
Anyways, speaking of the locals, Portugal seems to be a true melting pot. There are people from all over the world and they claim there is no discrimination. Our "Indian" friend of a friend ( Prakash Bhai) and others we talked to are very comfortable here. In fact, there are many "Indians" from African countries who have never been to India and consider Portugal as their home
San francisco can learn few things from the older/wiser brother. First one is to have elevators and funicular ( some free and some for nominal charge) to get from the lower streets to the higher ones. Second thing is to make as many streets " pedestrian only" as it can have a party all day long. And the most important thing is to get rid of the fog.
For the grand farewell there was a quick 3D light and sound show in the square on the water just five minutes walk away from the apartment. ( another thing we can learn from them) . Overall, Lisbon and Portugal definitely was a nice surprise and a wonderful place to feel at home.
Good night from Lisbon...
First we walked the roads recommended for the tourists, old town, new town, castles, churches, 120 year old coffee shop. Lisbon is the older brother of San Francisco without the glamor and is wiser. It is spread out on seven hills and if you think San Francisco has steep hill, come see the big brother and you will see the real steep, narrow and cobble stone streets..all in one. We discussed about the logistics of getting the driver's license for the kids ( being the parents we are). I am also wondering about the logistics of laying down the stones all over the country, I guess that's why there was no unemployment back then.
Gothic Church in the old town
After the recommended walks, we decided to walk the unrecommended walks where we met interesting locals, saw little shops and real Lisbon. I have to say that Lisbon and the country in general is very clean, green and pretty. It seems to be lot cleaner than our own USA even in the non touristic areas. The farms in the country side are small ( perhaps owned by families rather than corporations) and the houses in the towns are all tile roof and white washed. Other very impressive thing is that the infrastructure ( roads, water, sewer, electricity) is all well planned and public transportation is easy and efficient.
Anyways, speaking of the locals, Portugal seems to be a true melting pot. There are people from all over the world and they claim there is no discrimination. Our "Indian" friend of a friend ( Prakash Bhai) and others we talked to are very comfortable here. In fact, there are many "Indians" from African countries who have never been to India and consider Portugal as their home
San francisco can learn few things from the older/wiser brother. First one is to have elevators and funicular ( some free and some for nominal charge) to get from the lower streets to the higher ones. Second thing is to make as many streets " pedestrian only" as it can have a party all day long. And the most important thing is to get rid of the fog.
For the grand farewell there was a quick 3D light and sound show in the square on the water just five minutes walk away from the apartment. ( another thing we can learn from them) . Overall, Lisbon and Portugal definitely was a nice surprise and a wonderful place to feel at home.
Good night from Lisbon...
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