Lisbon

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09/07/14



Lisbon: After leaving Gibraltar we entered into the Atlantic Ocean and continued our voyage on a Westerly and then a Northerly course towards Lisbon. In the early morning we approached Lisbon from the south, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest city in Western Europe, predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris, and Rome by hundreds of years. Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal, and lies in the Western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the river Tagus. Portugal being recognized for some of the world’s most famous explorers only has a population of ten and a half million people, and is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Indiana. We have nearly a full day in Lisbon today so after our tour we should have enough time to explore on our own, but have ben advised to be wary of pick pockets in densely populated areas of the city. Today we had a fantastic tour of Lisbon city which was made more enjoyable by our marvelous guide. The highlight of our tour was a tram ride up and down the seven hills of Lisbon. The streets are so narrow that when a delivery truck was making a delivery there was no room for the tram to pass, so the tram driver just blared on the horn until the driver moved his vehicle. We visited the cathedral where the tomb of Vasco Da Gama is located, just another church in our opinion but by Portuguese standards it is exceptional. Our guide also told us today that for those under 25 years of age the unemployment rate is 40%, it is extremely difficult for those young people to find work, That is why I guess most of the tram drivers are young people, educated, low wages, and not much future. We are looking forward to spending a few nights at sea to catch up, all this touring is very tiring, must be an indication that we are finally starting to show our age.

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Photos

Lisbon fortress
This fortress used to be an island but in the 1960's the land was reclaimed and turned into parkland.

Lisbon fortress
Nice photo of Colleen.

Lisbon monument
This monument is dedicated to the Portuguese explorers.

Lisbon
Nice photo of the city as we are departing, this is the North side.

Lisbon
Vasco Da Garma's tomb