Well another day in Lisbon and we still have not found anything to dislike about this place.
We were up and about early as we wanted to beat whatever crowds might be about as the tram that we needed to catch was always packed yesterday, despite their being loads of them. We got to the terminal, joined the group trying to get on and we're the last two on...and we got the last seat! Winner!!
This tram took us up the mountain to the castle and we more or less spent the morning exploring it, and seeing ruins that dated back 700 BC. To see things that were in use so long again was just mind blowing, we learnt so much.
It was really disappointing that there was so much fog today, and it didn't lift at all. The view from the castle would have been absolutely sensational, so if there is a sunny day before we leave we will be back up there in a flash.
Rather than catch the tram back down the mountain, we chose to walk which was a great decision. It only took us about half an hour and we were able to walk in and out of so many little shops on the way.
The rest of the day was spent just wandering the streets, having a great lunch and buying a few souvenirs and pressies for those at home.
A highlight of the day was when we came across a street vendor who was polishing shoes. This bloke looked like he was a hard worker, and had some physical challenges as well so we were more than happy to get Jen's boots done. We thought it might take just a few minutes, but 15 minutes and the application of 4 different substances later he was just finishing. The end result was brilliant, and it was just so good watching someone doing their job with so much pride. His price was way too cheap we thought considering the time and effort he put in, so we didn't mind at all paying double what he was asking. His gratitude also made it worth it.
The locals are not happy that some steep steps are being replaced with an escalator.
This is how close the tram gets to the houses, you can touch them. At some stages the pedestrians on the footpath need to make way for the trams.
This would have been a great view out to sea, if not for the fog that did not lift at all today.
A foggy Lisbon street.
A narrow, winding road on the way up to the castle, complete with the washing hanging out.
A street urinal. Just a piece of iron sheeting and a small drain. Not very discreet at all.
Today's selfie at the castle.
Jen relaxing after a taxing climb at the castle.
Looking down from the castle at a house being built. The photo does not accurately capture the angle, the lack of space or the sheer effort involved in doing this concrete pour.
This shows how steep many of the streets are. Look at the angle beside the pink house.
An eating area looking out to sea. Or so we are lead to believe, as we could not see anything due to the fog!!!
A tram coming down the hill...
And away it goes.
A narrow house between a street going up and a street going down. And yet another Tuk Tuk heading up the hill with tourists on board.
Two of the ugliest and angriest looking angels in a shop window.
Loads of Tuk Tuks waiting for customers outside the Cathedral.
The Cathedral. The Catholics took it from the Muslims many years ago, showing that they weren't being very Christian at all!!
I finally gave in and tried one of their traditional pastries filled with a creamy custard. Just beautiful, but I made sure I ran some extra hills tonight when I got back to the hotel!!
Looking up to the castle from the city centre.
Someone cooking chestnuts in the street, and smoking the whole block out in the process.
Jen getting her shoes cleaned by the loveliest bloke. He got a really good tip as well, and thoroughly deserved it as he looked like he could really use the money.
He took so much care to make sure the job was done well.
This is one of the trams that takes people up and down the steepest hills in the city.
One of the main roads leading into the city.
The tram is on its way up the hill.
Hopefully this clip works, Jen getting the final polishing of her shoes done.
And here it is for today. One of my special socks at the Castle that overlooks Lisbon.
Tomorrow we are off to another place that Jen keeps telling me about but I keep forgetting! I think it is up a really big mountain and involves a 30 minute train ride to get there. I'm sure it will be good!!
Until my next post Readers...
Cheers!!
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