The vacation in Portugal was one of the most anticipated for me. About 13 years ago, when I started working in the pharmaceutical field, I had a boss (confident, friend) who opened many paths in my life, including the one about travelling. She told me that there is a TV series and that the actress in the main role, who was called the little seamstress, looks like me. The film takes place somewhere in the 40s-50s, years of transition for Portugal. The story took place in Lisbon... obviously a simple but very elegant girl and a soldier...! Please, I was overly impressed by the landscapes from that time and obviously the love story. Eee....since then I wanted to visit this country. I planned it in the summer of 2021... yes, I know the Pandemic... but the restrictions had been lifted. I could travel but obviously with the full vaccines and the proof of the negative test.
I set everything, I had the fly in the morning, I arrive safely at the hotel, unpack... and I look over the itinerary planned for these days. I go to explore the city on foot, the hotel is quite central which allows me to do that. The first stop was in the Commercial Square (Praca do Comercio) where the architecture and the view to the Tagus River leaves you amazed and makes you stop time..., you have many options here from shops, restaurants to art galleries. I admit that I was not overly impressed by the food... maybe I didn't find the best restaurants, although I looked for the most traditional and familiar ones. I obviously tried the tram ride which is truly an adventure that you cannot miss in Lisbon. On the narrow streets and on the slope where you only see tourists climbing the steep slopes with difficulty to discover new places. I ended up at a restaurant where I have had dinner. I admit the wine was...amazing. That was about the first day.
The next day I chose to discover the west coast of Portugal and ventured to Cabo da Roca. I took the train from Lisbon to Cascais and from there I boarded a bus for a few more stops. Walking along the coast takes your breath away...as scary ....as beautiful it was. The Atlantic Ocean stands proudly in your way, and you think that only it separates you from the other side of the world. I spent a few hours there; I enjoyed an ice cream at the top of the coast and a delicious cold tea. I went down to Cascais, a kind of French riviera....and I am not exaggerating...here I found chic restaurants, fine drinks, luxury shops...and obviously the parking of the most exclusive luxury boats. I lingered there for a good few hours, there was no way for me to leave, there was too much to discover. I found a restaurant that stuck in my mind called Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalao where you can find a kind of fish croquettes (codfish, potatoes and cheese) they prepare them in front of you...and obviously they are served with Porto wine , a bit sweet for me but it went well with this kind of food. You hear Fado music everywhere...that transposes you into another reality...one that makes you think only of love stories with unhappy endings... In the evening I took the train to Lisbon.
I spent the next day in Lisbon exploring the streets and architecture. Going to the other side of Lisbon, more precisely in Almada, I took the ferry to the Sanctuary National de Cristo Rei, a blessed place.
The Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, or the National Sanctuary of Christ the King, is a religious monument and a major tourist attraction located in Almada, just across the Tagus River from Lisbon, Portugal. The monument is dedicated to Jesus Christ and was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The monument stands at 82 meters tall and is situated on a hilltop, providing a stunning panoramic view of the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The base of the monument houses a small chapel and an elevator that takes visitors to the observation deck at the top of the statue, where they can enjoy breath-taking views of the city and the river.
The statue was inaugurated in 1959 and has since become an important pilgrimage site for Catholics in Portugal. The monument is also a symbol of gratitude for Portugal's escape from the horrors of World War II, as it was built in recognition of the country's neutrality during the war.
Overall, the Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei is a beautiful and impressive monument that offers visitors a unique perspective of Lisbon and the surrounding area, as well as a glimpse into Portugal's religious and historical heritage.
Then I organize to get to Sintra. An explosion of color, history, and tasty food. I took the train to Sintra... the road is difficult... with rain and congestion... but I arrive safely after about two hours. The route is very well signposted by marking. I also took my comfortable shoes because I had documented myself before I left. (I take in my luggage clothes and shoes that I can match with different outfits). I walked from the station up to the Sintra National Palace... it is a shame not to enjoy the scenery... The palace has impressive architecture, dates from the 19th century and is an example of Romanticism architecture, by the use of rich decorative details and free, irregular forms that evoke imagination and emotion. These include arches, ogives, stained glass windows, towers, pillars, and ornamental elements with natural or fantastic themes. These forms were used to create dramatic and mysterious effects that would stimulate the imagination and arouse emotions. surrounded by a forest with alleys made as if for lovers. The restaurants in the city centre are exceptional with traditional food, but you can also find those with international specialties. I am getting ready to return to Lisbon... and on the way back I see some spectacular architecture... and that is how I make my plan for the next day. Belem Tower and Padros dos Descobrimebtos. Those who know me know that when I go on holiday, I like to use public transport, to try to feel the vibe of the place like a local. So, I take the train and stop near these two points. Reading a little about their history, I discovered...
Belem Tower, also known as St. Vincent, is a historic tower located in Belem, a neighbourhood in Lisbon, Portugal. The tower was built in the early 16th century, between 1514 and 1520, during the Age of Discovery, a period of Portuguese exploration and expansion in the world.
The tower was built as a fortification to protect Lisbon's harbour and the entrance to the Tagus River from potential invaders. It was designed by Francisco de Arruda, a Portuguese architect who drew inspiration from both Moorish and Gothic architectural styles.
The tower's architecture is unique and ornate, with intricate carvings, turrets, and battlements. It is constructed of limestone and features four stories, each with a different purpose. The first floor was used for storage and soldiers' quarters, the second floor contained the governor's quarters, the third floor was a chapel, and the fourth floor was a watchtower.
Over the years, the Belem Tower has served several purposes. During the 16th century, it was a key component of Lisbon's defence system. In the 19th century, it was used as a telegraph station, and in the 20th century, it became a national monument and tourist attraction.
Today, the Belem Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lisbon and a symbol of Portugal's maritime history. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is visited by thousands of tourists each year.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, also known as the Monument to the Discoveries, is a monument located on the banks of the Tagus River in the Belem neighbourhood of Lisbon, Portugal. The monument was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, a Portuguese explorer and key figure in the Age of Discoveries.
The monument stands fifty-six meters tall and is shaped like the prow of a ship. It is made of concrete and features thirty-three statues of influential figures from Portugal's Age of Discoveries, including explorers, cartographers, artists, and missionaries. At the front of the monument stands a statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, while at the back is a compass rose.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is not just a monument, but also a cultural center. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument for panoramic views of the surrounding area, or explore the exhibits inside the cultural centre, which showcase the history of Portugal's explorers and their discoveries.
The monument is a symbol of Portugal's rich history of exploration and maritime discovery, and a reminder of the country's significant role in shaping the world as we know it today.
There are also several restaurants nearby where you can taste exceptional fish dishes and wines.
The next day, I take the plane to London, so I go to the pharmacy to get my Covid test to show to customs authorities. But surprise... the test is positive... My colleague at the pharmacy offers to test me daily... that's what I do. I spend four more days in Lisbon... in the hotel room, I sort out my thoughts, I look at the photos taken in recent days, friends offer me good movies on Netflix and that's how I spend the days spent captive in the hotel room...finally I test negative...I buy a ticket for the first flight to London....and that's where my vacation in Portugal ends.
I plan to return to Portugal, but this time to Porto, Faro or elsewhere!
Love Aezal
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