Blogs from Lisbon & Tagus Valley, Portugal, Europe - page 3

Lisbon, Portugal Monday, March 28, 2022 LAND. This is the longest we’ve ever gone without disembarking the ship. We were hesitant as far as our walking capabilities, but we prevailed. Just one foot in front of the other, without tripping. Well….we had a few trips! We took our time exiting the ship because the line was QUITE LONG for those flying home. LONG. Only about 300 stayed on board for Barcelona – where we shall arrive next week (I think). I can’t even remember what day or time it is. I know we lose another hour tonight. This may be the last one, but don’t quote me. Like I said – I’m out of it. First things first. We have to find a FedEx so we can send out “wet signatures” to our broker. High Finance, ... read more

March 2012. My first ever holiday and my first time experiencing flying. Also the first time I travelled alone. I was really nervous as I had never travelled so far away from home, at that point, I had only been as far as Cornwall and Norfolk. I was terrified! I have OCD and I have always been a nervous traveller - making sure that I had everything with me ( money, tickets, passport, etc.) I got to Heathrow by using the Piccadilly Line which is great for me as I can ride it from Cockfosters in North London all the way to Heathrow. Which for someone with a big suitcase is amazing as there are very few people on the train and so you get first dibs on the suitcase storage area. Because of my OCD ... read more

HIKING THE PORTUGAL EL CAMINO LISBON The El Camino; these are magic words to me ever since I first learned about the many pilgrimage routes that wend through Europe to the Cathedral in Santiago, Spain. In 2017, my daughter, Lauren, and I hiked the French Way, starting in St. Jean Pied de Porte in France. After forty-five grueling days and five hundred miles, we arrived in Santiago. Though exhausting, it was a trip of a lifetime. Ever since that trip I've wanted to go again. I read about many different routes to Santiago but I liked the Portuguese Camino because much of it borders the sea. Most pilgrims start the Portugal walk in Lisbon or Porto, both World Heritage cities. Since I have more time I wanted to start in Lisbon; the city is full of ... read more

http://www.heygo.com 20th February - Óbidos, the Medieval Queen's Village in Portugal The mediaeval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well preserved in Portugal. Just 70kms from Lisbon. Our guide Igor grew up in the area & was very passionate to show us this ancient town despite the rain pouring down. Located on high ground near the Atlantic coast Óbidos has had a strategic importance & had already been settled prior to the Romans’ arrival in the Iberian Peninsula. The town prospered after being chosen by the royal family. King Dinis offered it to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century, and it became part of Casa das Rainhas (Queens’ Estate).This is one of the main reasons for the high concentration of churches in this small place. The start of the tour ... read more

15th December 2020 Chiado district Lisbon Home to the theatres, the cafés and the oldest bookstore still active in the world, Chiado is the location for today’s tour with Ines our guide. We travelled back in time to the 19th century Chiado district. The district is named after, António Ribeiro, a Franciscan monk who left the order to become a satirical poet and actor. António’s distinctive style was his shrill and high voice, which gave him the nickname Screech (Chiado in Portuguese). The statue of Fernando Pessoa depicts him drinking coffee outside the Café A Brasileira. The Art Deco interior of the Cafe a Brasileira has remained unchanged since opening in 1905, with wooden booths, mirrored walls, brass fittings, and a long oak bar. The Elevador de Santa Justa is one of the truly unique tourist ... read more