Awesome Lisbon

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Saturday, 10 July 2010 Ritz - now Yes! Lisbon
Slept fairly well until 4am then and dozed until alarm. Some people were just getting home. Transfer came on time and had paid Voyo already. Only took ½ hr to airport with no traffic. Checked out a couple of exchange rates and similar but one charged commission and percentage and one only percentage. A couple of locals pushed in which I bitched about loudly and then got charged commission there anyway! Got 9.78 to rand which worked out .62 to Euro but that is with commission included. I think it is around .70 for Euro now? Oh well, what is another $15 just to change money, is cheaper than the $45 stolen! Neck was extra tight this morning so not looking forward to flight. Watched the 1970s World Cup highlights in an hour before the flight which was a good waste of time before sunrise. Then flight was only half full which was good although I had to sit up straight most of the way from my neck. Read the paper which wasted a couple of hours, Ronaldo has had a surrogate baby, US and Russia are swapping spies bla bla usual stuff. Watched the end of Flicka II which made me cry, then I think Post Grade 21, then Flicka II completely and it made me cry again! Then staring out the window saw what I think was the Sahara Desert. Took my attention for a few minutes, could make out red earth/sand barely through suspended dirt particles and I must admit I wondered how airplane engines handled dust as to volcanic ash. Then watched Date Night, which I had to check was 88 minutes, because I looked out the window again at the end and the Sahara was still there! How huge must it be! We may have flown over the old path of the Nile though, I saw a doco on where a psychic said it used to drain into the Atlantic Ocean, somewhere around Ivory Coast, but it was amazing just staring out into red dust for another hour or so. Then they put the flight path on as we came off of Africa and I watched out window as we flew past the south west tip of Portugal and followed the coastline comparing the map all the way up to Lisbon. Flying in was absolutely stunning, reminded me of Florence with all the old red tiled roofs. Which reminds me of two other memorable incoming flights - one over St Petersburg when we flew to England, it was tended fields for hours out which I though was amazing, then flying into Cairo, I remember just huge storied buildings for an hour out as well. When we landed, after a few hair raising nosedives, everyone was up and out of their seatbelts getting overhead luggage before we even finished taxiing, so I had a little chuckle when we braked and a lot lost their balance  Had to walk at least a 2km if not 3km total out of the airport. Then asked information about prepaid taxi and she said to pay by meter it is cheaper and should be about 10-12 euro. Got a few pamphlets and then taxi put the meter on and it only came to just over 8 euro so I was even going to tip him up to E10 but then he pulled out his airport pricelist and charged me 18.45 anyway. It was a good drive and nice chatting and beautiful city with heaps of nice squares. Can’t wait to get out and glad I have the extra couple of days. Then checked in to hostel and got a groovy little wrist electronic key that gives you access to room and bed storage. Free breakfast, tea and coffee and internet/wireless. Settled in and because I’ve lost an hour the cup playoff game is on in only 20 mins. Is bloody hot here too, I saw 27 degree and can’t wait for shower. Oh damn, was just going to quickly do internet before going down for cup but needs key I will have to go and get, thought for a quick second that somehow my new wrist band might make it work. I thought I was over the flu, but today it is back as a sharp phlem drizzle down the back of my throat, I hope that doesn’t turn into the usual sore throat. Went down and saw Germany v Uruguay for 3rd Place which Germany won after a good battle. Read tour brochures and there is so much to do, but some tours seem to overlap. Made a theory and asked reception and girl said I could do it myself a bit cheaper but would take longer, I don’t have the time. So decided on a Fatima Obidos & Batalha Tour tomorrow with a 48h hop on hop off bus which I’ll do Monday and maybe Tuesday if I don’t finish. Then book a Sintra Cascais Tour for either Tuesday or Wednesday. Couldn’t book though so will get up early and have a quick early breakfast, opens at 8am but girl said it would be ready early, and then catch a bus down to the departure point for 9am take off. Is now 10pm, which is 11pm in my recent body clock but will do a quick bit of internet, well hopefully quick after being fairly deprived in Joburg, and get some sleep.

Sunday, 11 July 2010 Ritz - now Yes! Lisbon
Had a good nights sleep once I got to sleep. Oh, for first time this trip I have the top bunk, but it is ok because it is fairly easy to climb into, thank god because it is a mixed dorm, as a matter of fact, I’m the only girl in the 4 person room. Pity those poor boys watching my fat ass haul up onto the top bunk. And I’m on the 4th Floor too, but there is a lift, well I used it for luggage, but then I am getting exercise and walking any other time. Water smells like sewerage here, but it tastes ok. Neck was seizing up so took 2 panadeine with breakfast, which is not bad for included in hostel price, freshly baked bread rolls and nice fresh orange juice too. Checked google maps for walk time to tour pickup point and reckons half hour but was doing a side track so left at 20 past and got there in ½ hour, but was so excited to be walking around in awesome weather and awesome place kept stopping to take photos. Oh, changed batteries before I left home but brand new set and a spare didn’t bother to go back upstairs and get more. Then I thought my camera broke, the same as mine and Joanne’s did in Melbourne, just seized out. Changed batteries and worked ok thank god. Got to pick up point at Marques de Pombal and there was a Fatima bus so I asked about it and driver wrote me out a ticket for the E56. Then I asked the guide about 48h hopon hopoff and she kinda blew me off. Anyway, I think I worked out in the end that I was on the expensive tour I didn’t opt for because of that and kinda should’ve been E72, but only does Alcobaca more anyway. So off we went, an hours drive to Obidos. It was cool listening to commentary in Portugese, then Spanish then English, I already had half a gist by that time. Portugal is 880km long and 200km wide has 10.5m people with 2.5m in Lisbon area. Obidos is a walled town, one of few left in Europe and is beautiful. It must have had a romantic feel about it because I started to think I need someone to share these holidays with. Was awesome and had cobbled streets and then I got to climb up onto the Fort Walls and walked back to entrance which was great. Then had a ginga drink which is cherry liqueur and I had it in a chocolate cup and got to eat it when finished. Onto Alcobaca, which is name of two rivers both near same mouth, King of 1st century named area and built a monastery. Portugal got independence from Spain in 1143 which makes it one of the oldest European countries, and another big date was the earthquake of 1744 by memory. Anyway, the best story about this church, apart from it is over 100m long, is young Prince Pedro was to be married to some Spanish chick and she of course was escorted by her best friend who he fell in love with. After the wife (who he dutifully married) died, he wanted to marry Inesh but his father wouldn’t let him because her father was plotting to bring down Portugal, so anyway King dies, Prince becomes King and Inesh is already dead 5 years by now, but he marries her anyway, she got all dressed up in her tomb. No kids apparently but how sweet J Still now at front of church are 2 tombs of Pedro and Inesh. Also, to get into church is normally E6 but because it is Sunday it was free before 2pm which is cool. Saw other models of every King up until the earthquake, and the kitchen where a huge chimney about 50m high could cook 3 oxen at once. Kept thinking of Rod from work when I was taking photos of the Cloister and how it could be my whole world! The region and country’s economy is based on Wine, fruit and some industry, mostly porcelain and crystal making. Next stop was little beachside town of Nazare, very quaint and nice cobbled streets again. Wandered around and bought some coconut yoghurts and a drink for lunch and had some shortbread as well. Mum and Joanne would love this place with the smell of fish on every corner, Dad would love the canaries singing everywhere though. Off to Batalha which is Battle in English and another church, based on second dynasty because no sons remaining of first, so Pedro’s illegitimate son, not from Inesh of course, took reign, Prince Harry (I thought guide was saying this all day) or Henry (was written on a plaque) the Navigator. He actually invented the sextan which is still used today for navigating. It is a gothic style church built over 100 years but never finished over reigns of 6 Kings and 21 architects. Last stop was Fatima, which is a church placed where Fatima appeared as apparition to 3 kids who were herding sheep or goat or something. They wanted to run shitting themselves but, it was 13 May 1917 and she said come back every 13th until October. By October, there were 70,000 people waiting to prove this miracle themselves but it was cloudy and rainy, but then out of nowhere the sun appeared and looked like it was coming to earth - that was the miracle apparently. Fatima was real life Muslim and wife of a King and she was buried in this valley. We must have travelled a fair way, because then at 5.40pm they said we had nearly 1 ½ hours to drive home. Got dropped nearly to hotel but still missed first 10 mins of WC final Spain and Nederlands who Spain finally slotted a goal in the 118th minute after missing about a thousand chances. I was cheering for whoever had the ball until DeJong from Nederlands tagged a guy in the chest about an hour late and a foot under the ball. Got a yellow card, but the only thing he could’ve done worse was tag the guy in the face. So was probably 10pm when I got to room, quick shower that was finally deserved today and then doing photos and batteries and diary. Haven’t even got to internet yet and it is nearly midnight already. Am maybe not supposed to internet tonight because I can’t get connected, couldn’t last night either but got there, ½ hour later and after midnight I’m giving up!

Monday, 12 July 2010 Travellers House Lisbon
Slept well again - beds here are awesome, I could live in this hostel! Someone rang at 6am but don’t know the number, then I dreamed that John was bitten by a shark and old Rod Rocket was putting cars on top of my house in Deeragun? Must’ve been the couple of Panadeine I took going to bed? Up at 7.30am, repack and breakfast. Thought I shouldn’t take another panadeine today so tried a GrandPa bex type thing, it didn’t dissolve and tasted like shite so I think the rest are going to be wasted! Got out laptop and did some internet and finally sent off email to Swaziland in case my money went missing there. Moved down to Travellers House which was rated recently as Number 1 Hostel in the World. Yes! Lisbon was 4 or 6 or something and was beautiful so excited about this one. Couldn’t check in until 1pm so locked luggage up. Reception on 1st floor and had to carry luggage up so already not my number 1, and then on 4th floor and have to carry luggage up again so definitely not my number 1. Staff are great though and room is nice. Wandered off to go and draw some Euros. Tried a few Multibanco ATMs and they are all the same. Asked inside a couple of banks and one said the ATMs are all owned by one company and the ATMs inside their banks only service their cards but keep trying I might get lucky and someone will have a swipe machine? Took photos of square at beach end of Rua Augusta too which was nice (and smelly, reminded me of crabbing at Gordon which, knowing how much I love Portugal already, I am not running it down when I say Gordon was a creek near a shit pipe). Anyway, forgot my ticket so went back to hostel and asked if I could overcharge my credit card if necessary to draw some money and they agreed as a last resort. Then off on hopon hopoff tour about 11am, already having done about 2 hours walking about. Could hardly hear guide talk but heard that bridge is take off of SanFrancisco bridge which is a giveaway and the Christ Redeemer Statue on other point and got off around Belem, which has a nice tower, Belem Tower built on Tagum River and next to Fort which is now museum. Also is the Padrao de Descobriemente. Also had to try a dessert which is a specialty still baked traditionally here, basically a custard tart, but it was the best custard tart I’ve ever had. Walked around here for nearly 2 hours and had some lunch waiting for bus. Got off at Park Eduardo VII and walked down to Marques de Pombel again to check on some banks and couldn’t be bothered waiting for bus so walked the 3km home as well, so nearly another hours walking. Got home about 3.30pm and was knackered but it was then I had to carry my suitcase up 3 flights, receptionist carried my day pack and she had to rest with that…. It was pretty heavy though too. Now just doing diary and photos again and will then had a little sleep. Internet doesn’t work up here so have to go to first floor to use the net. Was bloody hot out in the sun today too, nice with breeze or shade. They have a couple of cheaper tours here to so will probably do Sintra with these guys as well as maybe night tour. Came down and spent ages on net after finally getting connected, and now 5am at home and tempted to call whoever called me at 6am today, but I suppose they don’t know I’m over here or wouldn’t have so I’ll be nice - for now. Got to draw E150 from reception on credit, at first it didn’t work with pin either but then signing did luckily. Then checked Wizard online and it all looks ok, but wrote down their number to call on skype if I need. Should get through here now and then using lots of currencies, would be good to have Euro to change though. Anyway, headed up to bed about 8.30pm. Chatted to couple of couples who are in the other 2 rooms up here, from Belgium. Then finally had a pokey shower and did some washing and only got to bed just before 11pm. Oh, it doesn’t get dark here until 9 or 9.30pm which is deceiving too. And coughing over last couple of days, everytime I cough my neck kills me, so it has had a good workout over the past few weeks and probably just gave up trying to stay in place.

Tuesday, 13 July 2010 Travellers House, Lisbon
Watch alarm went off around 7am but I normally don’t hear it. Is overcast outside but might be ok at Sintra. The other tour was beautiful day and then went through overcast and then beautiful again. Most of my clothes are dry which is awesome. Getting ready for today and then will head down for brekky with no intention of coming back up 3 flights of stairs until after the tour. Oh, and the last flight gets steeper, thought it was my mind playing tricks when I had my pack on, but they are, the top of the building is skinnier and obviously the floors are still spaced the same so you have to get higher quicker! That was a good plan but guide said we might need a jumper today, I clarified the 3 floors might and he said yes. Brekky was good, even scrambled eggs cooked for you. Tour was half hour late because of a guy sleeping in, we tried to convince guide we should leave. Finally off to Sintra, nice drive up mountains and I had a strange thought of how I love country driving as my stomach turned over from the windy roads. Didn’t pay to go in to Pena Palace or gardens because it was so cloudy and would’ve missed most of it and just walked around Sintra centre which was cool and then it cleared up though. Had a nice lunch of chicken curry at Indian restaurant, with a drink and coffee, which was short, black, sweet and nice, I like my men a little taller  Then walked up to Regaleira Palace and gardens which were pretty awesome, Noo Noo had a torch for us which was great to crawl around the tunnels with, was scary with that so would not have gone without it, reminded me of the great day I had crawling, literally around under Blarney Castle with a couple of kids. Then off to Cabo de Roca, mainland Europe’s westernmost point, was cloud blowing up over cliffs though so didn’t really see the lighthouse but was still nice, past Guincho beach and down to Cascais which had a nice beach and then a better little one and same guy and others were 15 mins late again and in no rush at all. We passed Boca de Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) which isn’t in tour but because we are so late can’t squeeze it in. I was picturing the blow hole near 12 Apostles with water gushing in and making gurgling noises. Might catch a train back and see it tomorrow. Was nearly 6pm when we got home, god damn, now nearly 8pm and it is still bright daylight. Seeing as I am awake, I might go and sign up for the night tour at 9pm, that will give me all day tomorrow and a fair sleep in Thursday as well. Wandered down but tour was cancelled because there was only 2 others and there in minimum 3. Oh well, checked emails and then wandered back upstairs and chatted to Belgians again. Got to bed about 10.30pm but didn’t go to sleep easy.

Wednesday, 14 July 2010 Travellers House, Lisbon
Woke at 6am again. That is both mornings at this place? Anyway, straight back to sleep and got up about 9.30am. Another couple of panadeine to face the day. Packed for day and had breakfast before finding out about Boca de Inferno. Guy said it wasn’t really worth it if that was my only plan and said I should check out Alfama, the old district, especially when I said I love wandering and surprising myself. Checked out where airport bus leaves from for tomorrow and caught yellow tram up to somewhere near Igreja da Graca Church and saw an awesome view over city and 25 April bridge. Oh, found out why 25 April is so important and it isn’t Anzac Day  Early 1900’s Portugal was in dictatorship and then again through mid century which ended on 25 April 1974. Wandered around Alfama for a bit with little cobbled streets and winding stairways that just had to be checked out which generally lead to more winding stairways or cobbled streets. Got my bottle of Moscatel wine which was recommended after I said I didn’t mind moscato and a couple of softies. Finally wandered home after only a couple of hours which seemed way longer and got a kebab for lunch. Put my bottle of wine in freezer and was reading/relaxing and will update photos now. Tonights dinner menu is a 6 Euro pub crawl through Bairro Alto with a shooter at 3 different pubs. Starts at 10pm so if I am up I’ll do that instead of the night tour I think. Is now 3pm and trying out the Moscatel which is quite nice, a bit more on the porty side I’d say. Actually have been meaning to whinge but too happy and kept forgetting, I kicked my toe the other night and broke my toenail off halfway up and jambed my thumb in the heavy door and tore skin off. Was amazing though I kicked my toe that hard I think I numbed it and was able to cut off the chunk of nail without any pain at all! Oh I’ve mentioned about getting over public toilets, I don’t even squat, a quick wipe of the seat and I am happy. I think it is relative to the cleanliness though, toilets are generally clean and utilized. Public toilets at home are only used by dad in an emergency (at least men can stand up) or some of George Michael’s friends in Anderson Park. I don’t think the cleaners even go there. Park bench seats as well are always nice to have a little sit and stare in, no bird poo, and generally clean. Maybe our life is just too fast to keep cleaning them with our bums  Well that bottle of wine was the best $4 I’ve spent by myself, gees that took 4 times to get right! Pissed at the moment after whole bottle of 12% (they dodn’t put drinsk per bottle on over here, but that would be lots in 2 hours) and listening to country music, whoa, lucky for auto orrrect or you woul’dve be able to ready this… he he. Bottle of wine and country music! Yay. I just listended to Boy Like Me - basically I’ve just got to find a boy like me - shouldn’t be too hard. Oh, there is a cutie at this hotel, hpoeuflly he will be on pub crawl tonight  Now listening to “you get me” you get my contstant stupid jokies, somestime holey blue jeans, ababy you get me  Oh,no more wine, might have to do thae 4 flights of stairs and go and get some more….. Now listening to Tough Little Boys and thinking of John and Max, ok I’ll be honest a little tear!  Of course Beccy Cole and Better Woman came up a couple of times. Wandered down to see what is going on with tonight and maybe get more wine and some food. Got a burger and chips but opted out of the wine. Asked about aerobus and they pointed me to different direction so will have to leave a bit earlier in the morning now. Was quiet downstairs so wandered up and went to bed before 10pm.

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Photos

Flying into Lisbon
Already excited!

Parks and statues
I can't name them all, but awesome feel just walking around.

Avenida de Liberdades
Don't know if that is spelt right, but this is down the main street, there is more greenery than roadway!

Obidos
Small walled town which was awesome to walk along the walls.

Alcobaca Church
Not one for posting church pictures, but this is the story of Pedro and Inesh which was funny but romantic.

Belem Tower
And replica so the vision impaired can appreciate it.

Padrao de Descobriementos
Think I spelt that right. Basically the discovery monument.

SanFrancisco Bridge
Well the Lisbon copy - and the statue you'd think was Rio.

Quinta da Regaleira coming out of Guardians Gate
Another awesome day crawling around caves.
This was at Sintra, near Lisbon.

Quinta da Regaleira
Oh no! A castle photo!