Today is November 20th, 2009
Event Calendar
Click Day
to View Event Details
November 2009
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30      
<<  221 events  >>

Splash Magazines Worldwide
Now Available:
Los Angeles
New York Chicago
Paris London
Boston Atlanta
Miami Dallas
San Diego Denver
Detroit Las Vegas
Toronto Tokyo
Barcelona Bangkok
Amsterdam Hawaii
San Francisco
Washington D.C.


Search



http://www.lacarguy.com/index.htm# , blah blah blah

Travel and Leisure : International



Lisbon Portugal Review - Linking Portugal's Past and Present

Looking toward the ocean, Baixa and Avenida

Looking toward the ocean, Baixa and Avenida


The chance to finally visit Portugal came our way when my husband attended a Euromech conference in Lisbon, Portugal.  We had hoped to go there many times before, having friends there, but it was not possible and, as fate would have it, our friends were in Singapore visiting their son when we finally did visit.  But at last, we really were in Lisbon - a user friendly, hospitable and beautiful place to be.

We loved wandering the streets, stopping for a beer, taking the Metro, tram and funicular, stepping into areas with breathtaking views and always being pleasantly surprised by kindnesses, beauty, food, drink and more.
The second largest Oceanarium in the world

The second largest Oceanarium in the world


Our first day there was a Sunday and our hotel concierge suggested we visit the Parque das Nacoes. Some friendly and helpful tourists were getting tickets at the Metro and helped us use the machines to get day passes.  We were impressed with how clean and beautiful the Metro stations were. The cars were also modern in their design and the seats extremely comfortable.  It was also easy to figure out where to go.
Looking to the oldest castles in Portugal-Sintra

Looking to the oldest castles in Portugal-Sintra


At the end of the red line, Oriente Station, we exited. Stepping outside and looking back, we saw that the station was noteworthy in its design – it looked a bit like palm trees.  Later we learned that the architect, “ Santiago Calatrava won the competition for the design of a station for visitors to the 1998 Expo. He transformed this former industrial wasteland into an urban renewal project and in the process created an important station not only for the World's Fair visitors, but also travelers on intercity trains, bus lines, and metro lines.” We then found our way to the waterfront and Parque das Nacoes and enjoyed its gondola ride, Oceanarium (the second largest in the world), lovely walks and a great restaurant that overlooked the water, Agua E Sal.
Kitchen at the castle and our guide, Lenor

Kitchen at the castle and our guide, Lenor


Conference organizers arranged with Abreu Tours (291.205.916) for a variety of tours on different days and at different times.  We enjoyed two of the tours; one to the mediaeval city of Sintra, and another to the walled city of Evora, where the gala dinner for the conference was held.  Our guide for both trips was Leonor, the company’s shortest, easiest to understand (she was loud and clear), and we thought most interesting guide.  The trip to Sintra brought into view of some of the oldest castles in the country, and made a stop at the most Western point in Europe.  At this point, the winds are so strong; you can be swept into the ocean if not careful.
The most western point in central Europe - the winds can blow you away

The most western point in central Europe - the winds can blow you away


Western Point marker

Western Point marker


Our trip to Evora was a tour within a tour. We drove on the Vasco de Gama bridge, at 17 kilometers, the second longest in Europe.  It is beautiful and had many features that respect Europe’s largest estuary and bird sanctuary.  Lights are carefully placed and cork insulates noise.  We were shown an area if salt extraction and then driving further, we went into an area of cork trees.  Cork is extracted every nine years and the trees life is lengthened. The landscape changed and became desert like. Finally reaching Evora, we were amazed at the wall surrounding the city.  Many visitors stay here overnight and explore its ancient streets, shops and churches but we were limited to an afternoon of exploration and a gala dinner that included entertainment by a folk group and a Fado singer.
Roman ruins in Evora

Roman ruins in Evora


Signs everywhere were in Portuguese and English and we found this very helpful. Our time there was more enjoyable because English was spoken most places and an effort was made to accommodate even if there were language limits.  We found wonderful restaurants, gorgeous views, places that were just fun, and through it all, a proud history.  Approaching the Metro one evening, we stopped for a beer, which turned into a stop for dinner at a lovely spot. Fernando Pessoa, a poet and his friend Ophelia Queiroz are associated with the restaurant, Cafe - Restaurante Martinho do Arcada.   Our servers and staff were extremely attentive; to the point of preparing a special dish that fit my vegetarian needs and brought a smile to my face.  We were charmed and strongly recommend a stop there.
Service with a smile-a specially made dish at
Cafe-Restaurante Martinho da Arcada

Service with a smile-a specially made dish at Cafe-Restaurante Martinho da Arcada


Using many forms of transportation, we found getting around was easy, fun and not expensive.  A cab delivered us to our hotel and back to the airport and in between we found the Metro easy and available. We took tram-28 that went into many neighborhoods and to places with beautiful views.  The view of the Basilica da Estrela at the end of the line was beautiful.  On the number 12 tram, that is a 20-minute ride around the city center, a man told us of Lisbon’s glory.  It was the oldest city in Europe.  From this city Vasco de Gama went forth in 1498 and changed the face of the civilized world.  He also told us that Portuguese is the third most spoken language in the world.
Portugal spanned the globe as seen at the Maritime Museum

Portugal spanned the globe as seen at the Maritime Museum


Another day a number 28 bus brought us to Centro Cultural de Belem.  This is exquisite, outside and in. The Maritime Museum adjoining Belem Castle was a friends’ recommendation and one we pass on.  As if to reinforce the story of the man on the bus, this museum was a powerful demonstration of the impact of Portugal’s rule of the seas for 100 years. Up the road we saw the Belem tower, and learned that it was somewhat further away than it looked, but very worthwhile visiting. The views were impressive and the bridge looked just like San Francisco’s “Golden Gate” having been designed by the same individual.
Not the Golden Gate bridge

Not the Golden Gate bridge


Although our friends were away from Lisbon, they assigned their adult children to take care of us and they did a great job.  With them we saw the city through their eyes, enjoying one of their favorite restaurant (Pateo Restaurante) where we were introduced to local fare.  Later Antonio and Sonia showed us how beautiful the city looks at night.
A Lisbon specialty at Pateo Restaurante

A Lisbon specialty at Pateo Restaurante


As our visit drew to a close, we decided to try two different approaches to touring Lisbon.  One was the Lisboa card.  There are many cards available; a shopping card, a taxi voucher, a restaurant card.  We decided to see how the 48-hour Lisboa card compared to the one-day re-loadable Metro card.  The advantage of the Lisboa card being admission to museums and other tourist sites in addition to riding on all means of transportation, while the Metro card is only good for  transportation.
Some of the Asian collection at Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Some of the Asian collection at Calouste Gulbenkian Museum


As we visited the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Centro Cultural de Belem, Torre de Belem, the Maritime Museum, the Port Wine Institute and rode on Metro, buses, and finicular, we were comparing costs. We decided that the Lisboa Card is terrific for younger people who can see and do a lot in a short time and have no discounts.  However, for seniors, there is a very generous attitude, discounting for people over 65, making the Lisboa card a lesser value, but fun to use.
Lisbon from a park near the Port Wine Institute

Lisbon from a park near the Port Wine Institute


Having greatly enjoyed Lisbon, we were sorry to leave.  Aside from lovely memories of its beauty and all of its fascinating sights, we remember something our guide said.  She pointed out that Portugal is about one hundred years behind the rest of Europe, which has the unexpected advantage of making Portugal Europe’s greenest country.  It is a great place to visit and we recommend that you do.
Basilica da Estrela, the end of the line for the number 28 tram

Basilica da Estrela, the end of the line for the number 28 tram


For more information contact: Turismo de Lisboa atl@visitlisboa.com or go to : www.visitlisboa.com
This historic elevator is one way up to Bairro Alta and Estrela

This historic elevator is one way up to Bairro Alta and Estrela


Restaurants:

Café – Restaurante
Martino Da Arcada
Casa Fundada EM 1782
Tel:+351 218 879 259
martinhodoarcada@sapo.pt

Agua E Sal
Esplanada D. Carlos
Oceanario de Lisboa
Parrque Das Nacoes
1990-005 Lisboa
aguaesal@lol.pt

Pateo Restaurante
www.pateo-restaurante.com
Tel: 21 868 72 08
pateo@pateo-restaurante.com

Photos: Leon Keer



Discuss this article in the Readers' Forum
Info on Barbara Keer

From time to time Splash Magazines receives complementary products and services from companies. The receipt of these gifts in no way affects our reviews or opinions in our editorial coverage. Our loyalty is to you, our readers, and we will give you our honest, unbiased opinions.

Copyright © 2003 - 2009 Splash Magazines Worldwide. All rights reserved.

Top of Page


Fresh Faces


Splash Worldwide
Latest Headlines
Entertainment and Culture

hgg_entertainmentculture_2.jpg
Holiday Entertainment and Culture Gifts over $20 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_entertainmentculture.jpg
Holiday Entertainment and Culture Gifts under $20 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

Holiday_all.jpg
Happy Holiday 2009 - A Collection of all our Holiday Gift Guides

The_Blind_Side-s.jpg
The Blind Side Film Review - Based on a True Story
Food and Beverage

hgg_foodbeverage.jpg
Holiday Food and Beverage Gift Guide Below $15 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_foodbeverage_1.jpg
Holiday Food and Beverage Gift Guide Above $15 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

sum
Taboun Grill Review - A Win-Win Winner

Food_Event-s.jpg
The Food Event ’09: Off the Vine Review - Just An Ordinary Afternoon in Malibu
Fresh Faces

Nadia_Dawn-s.jpg
Nadia Dawn

Amelia_Kingston-s.jpg
Amelia Kingston

LEYLA_MILANI-s.jpg
Leyla Milani

Gina_Giorgio-s.jpg
Gina Giorgio
Health & Beauty

hgg_healthbeauty.jpg
Holiday Health & Beauty Gifts below $12 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_healthbeauty_4.jpg
Holiday Health & Beauty Gifts from $12 to $20 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_healthbeauty_1.jpg
Holiday Health & Beauty Gifts From $20 to $35 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_healthbeauty_1_1.jpg
Holiday Health & Beauty Gifts From $35 to $60 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!
Home and Office

hgg_homeoffice.jpg
Holiday Home & Office Holiday Gift Guide Below $30 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_homeoffice_2.jpg
Holiday Home & Office Holiday Gift Guide Above $30 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

pet_roundup_4.jpg
Pet Gift Guide 2009 - Under $10

pet_roundup.jpg
Pet Gift Guide 2009 - $10 to $20
Life's Journey

hgg_lifesjourney.jpg
Holiday Children Gifts & Life's Journey Gifts Below $20 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_lifesjourney_1.jpg

Holiday Children Gifts & Life's Journey Gifts Above $20 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

roundup_0000000000009411_image_01_1.jpg
Children's Gift Guide for 2009 Below $25

childrens_gift_guide.jpg
Children's Gift Guide for 2009 $25 to $35
New To...

Overland Plumbing Review - Copper Repipe and Lots More

Alan_Gross_Interview-s.jpg

Alan Gross Interview - A Chicago Playwright You Should Know

sum
Diamonds and Gems Review - A Dazzling Duo Opens at the Field Museum

sum

BLUEPRINTS 2009 Review -Architecture Event at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Pets

pet_dixie.jpg
URGENT - LIMITED TIME! - Dixie # 10-00927

pet-sophie.jpg
URGENT - LIMITED TIME! - Sophie #09-02116

pet-buster.jpg
URGENT - LIMITED TIME! - Buster # 09-02384

pet-bosley_1.jpg
URGENT - LIMITED TIME! - Bosley #09-01437
Style and Fashion

hgg_stylefashion.jpg
Holiday Style & Fashion Gift Guide below $30 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

__hgg_stylefashion.jpg
Holiday Style & Fashion Gift Guide From $30 to $75 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

__hgg_stylefashion_1.jpg
Holiday Style & Fashion Gift Guide From $75 to $150 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

__hgg_stylefashion_2.jpg
Holiday Style & Fashion Gift Guide Above $150 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!
Tech Talk

hgg_techtalk.jpg
Holiday Technology Gifts Below $50 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_techtalk_1.jpg
Holiday Technology Gifts From $50 to $150 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

hgg_techtalk_1_1.jpg
Holiday Technology Gifts Above $150 for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

Technology.jpg
Technology Products Review 2009 Under $30 - Hot New Tech Products
Travel and Leisure

hgg_travelleisure.jpg
Holiday Travel & Leisure Gifts for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

Botswana_23s.jpg
Botswana Safari Tours Review - Africa's Hidden Gems

Botswana Safari Tours Review - Africa's Hidden Gems

delafield_hotel-pic1.jpg
Delafield Hotel Review - A Reason to Revisit Wisconsin

Sum
Lisbon Portugal Review - Linking Portugal's Past and Present
Vehicles

hgg_vehicles.jpg
Holiday Vehicle Gift Guide for 2009 - For Those That Can't Wait!

Santa_Monica_Lexus-s.jpg
Lexus Santa Monica Review – A Dealership With Class

Glendale_Hyundai-S.jpg
Glendale Hyundai Review – Your Hyundai Service Maintenance is Very Important

nomie baby car seat cover
nomie baby car seat cover
Talent

Ademo-susu_1.jpg
Ademo...shake my head, you are going to make a classique in hollywood!!!

Ademo-susu.jpg
Ademo...Parce qu'il faut tomber dans les pommes pour enfin voir les étoiles

susu_1.jpg
It's not a Film...It's the Street...Univeral Street...A bad role like in a bad series

susu.jpg
Univeral Street....Un mauvais rôle comme dans une mauvaise série

Adopt Me
RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add Splash Magazine
logos to your website:
© 2003-2009 Splash Magazines Worldwide (All Rights Reserved)