I uploaded the first set of photos from Lisbon – enjoy them until I prepare the photos from Sintra

Lisbon seems like a very nice city, more relaxed than Madrid. However, arriving at 8am at the airport (after having the pleasure of sleeping only 4 hours), I was not in the mood to really appreciate it. Still, even the (long) walk to the hostel was pleasant.

And so I get to the first thing that strikes one when he gets to Lisbon: it really is a hilly city. While I did not particularly look for them, I do not think there are ANY streets completely level. And the metro network is not so extensive like in Madrid.

However, this has the benefit of creating unique views and photo opportunities.

The hostel where I am staying – Lisbon Chillout Hostel – while not particularly bad, is nothing impressive. I even have some grudges regarding the lack of space and the toilets which were probably designed by a japanese. I find it a real challenge not to bump into any walls or doors. However, it is located in a nice, central area, it’s resonably clean, so I am ok.

Returning to the interesting part – the Lisbon itself – I also went to the ocean. This is, at least symbolically, the place through which all the riches of Indies and the New World came to Portugal, and also all the visitors or merchants.

Now it is a nice place to stroll and enjoy the breeze. It is also close to the Comercio area, where you can find teh greatest concentration of shops, restaurants and other tourist traps. Having said that, this is also the area where I enjoyed my first pastel de nata (or more correctly pasteis de nata as I ate more than one). Delicious little cakes!

I still have a lot of places to see in Lisbon, and I will start my day by either going to Belem, or Barrio Alto… or castel de Sao Jorge. Ah, decisions, decisions….

Until I upload the photos from Sintra, you can enjoy the rest of the Lisbon album.

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