Lisboa Lisboa

Lisboa is a city full of hidden treasures and one that shines of its former glory. Coming here you feel as if you are transported back in time to when Portugal was once a naval empire spanning from Brazil to Africa and Asia. One of the oldest capitals in europe it predates London and Paris by hundreds of years. It was part of the roman empire, conquered by germanic tribes and then by the moors before the crusaders came. Their influences remain to this day.There are castles, canons, alleys, monastries and so many world heritage sites you are at a lost as to which one to visit. Lisbon lies at the mouth of the Tagus river and the Atlantic ocean. Life here revolves around the ocean and its no wonder why so many great explorers have set sail from here. Vasco da gama discovered India and was later named Governor. What is there to see in Lisboa? There’s a large castle ( Castelo Sao Jorge) where you get stunning views of Lisbon and the river. The castle walls are still intact and as you walk along the walls, climb towers and peer through holes, you wonder if soon knights would appear. The Praca Commercio is breathtakingly beautiful looking out towards the ocean and the arc exudes Lisbon’s former glory. My favorite though is the Monasterio Jeronimos and the Belem tower which are also both World Heritage. Its magically beautiful and at first sight I literally gave out a sign of amazement. I had not expected this much beauty in Lisbon. Foodwise on almost every corner are pastelieras where you can stop for a quick cup of ‘bica’ or black coffee. Snack? Egg tarts or pasteis de nata are everywhere. Amazing how they traveled all the way to asia… I’ll post pictures and more later.. For now, good night from Lisboa! !