Finally reached Lisbon. Wanted to see the city for so long and when have landed, couldn’t stop looking out of the window! Took the bus from the airport, it seemed like a good idea, since there was a stop at Praca do Rossio, and my hotel was not very far from there.
Once again, just like when getting to Barcelona, dusk was falling rapidly, street lights were turned on, I was pulling my small red suitcase over the vast Rossio Square (wearing my new “flamenco” shoes). Wheels on the suitcase began to hop and jump along the cobbled street. Turned into Rua do Carmo (or was it Ouro Street?).
Charming streets of Lisbon
Nice street slightly going up, cobbled all the way. Shops on both sides with flashy lights coming from within, people strolling, chatting. Walked by famous brand’s stores which are the same in Europe in general, but still, here they look different, because of the scenery surrounding it, or the structure of the building housing it. It was not crowded, just enough people on the streets to feel the bustle of the city, but not to wriggle your way through the crowd.
I remember the smell of the Ocean, but of humidity as well. Pulled my jacket collar up, it was a bit called. Was walking slowly, hearing my heels tapping onto the street, looking around like crazy, just peeking, so excited that I will go out tomorrow and visit that St George Castle (there it was!), or to stroll along Rua Augusta!
Elevador de Santa Justa
Turned my head to the left… Oh my, it was the Elevador de Santa Justa, amazing construction and in the “cloud” of evening lights! That was one of the things I have been meaning to visit, to go up there and then over the street by a bridge-tunnel, towards the hill on the right!
It is opened in 1902, designed by Portuguese engineer Raul Mesniser du Ponsard, disciple of Eiffel. This iron tower is 49 meters high. I was amazed! Couldn’t turn my head away, even though I have promised myself just to peek this time, since I am going to see the city tomorrow in daylight. Was even smiling, still walking up…
And then I heard – BAM!
Can you believe that I have actually crashed into the lamppost, still pulling my small lady-like suitcase and tiptoeing in (not that) high heels upwards?! Seems I got hypnotized by the city, and lost my head – right into the pole!
Next: LEGACY OF WORLD DISCOVERIES (2)
Full Barcelona/Lisbon SERIES
Sandy N Vyjay
The Elevador de Santa Justa, is really wonderful. An architectural marvel. Lisbon in general is an intriguing place with so much of history and culture. It still retains its pristine charm in spite of modernization.
WorldGlimpses
Agree, that’s what makes it unique.
TheSavvyGlobetrotter (@savvyglobetrot)
Lisbon looks like a beautiful city. Would love to visit one day!
WorldGlimpses
Oh, you should, it’s such an amazing experience. 🙂
Dippy-Dotty Girl
Ha ha ha I should not be laughing, but I hope the nose is still in place! Isn’t Lisbon just so pretty? It is just another world out there 🙂 Have a lovely stay.
WorldGlimpses
Had some crazy luck not to end up hurt, but only to hear that “booong” sound! 😀 Loved Lisbon, thanks!
Dippy-Dotty Girl
Hah. Glad to hear that it was only bong and not more 🙂
WorldGlimpses
Hehehe, thanks, me too! 😉 😀
SherianneKay
Lisbon has been at the top of my list for a while now! Would love to see that elevator, would not love to run into that pole 😉
WorldGlimpses
Hehehe, I was Okay, luckily, so the whole lamppost encounter ended up being a nice story to tell. And one crazy memory to have! 😉
Simon - SiDash Travels
Great post 🙂 interesting to see you me take on Lisbon. Not made it there yet but it’s definately on our list 🙂 thanks for sharing.
WorldGlimpses
Lovely city, incredibly charming! 🙂
The Walking Map
I saw Lisbon a couple years before I saw any parts of Spain. For a major city, I found Lisbon to be very relaxing and manageable.
WorldGlimpses
It is, I found it to be extremely nice and comfortable! 🙂
Reb Chun
Wow, the Elevador de Santa Justa is stunning. I have never heard of it until reading about it on your blog.
WorldGlimpses
Even more beautiful in person! 🙂
Prerna_Malhan
While reading your post I could exactly imagine myself going through those cobbled streets. You are a storyteller. I will definitely like to visit Lisbon, all thanks to your story!
WorldGlimpses
Oh, thank you for your kind words, really appreciate it! You’d like Lisbon, so when you do go, let me know about your impressions. 🙂
Archana Singh
I am so glad you finally got to visit Lisbon. It was kinda funny that you crashed into the lamppost. Happens with me too all the time 😛
WorldGlimpses
Not “kinda”, it was hilarious! 😀 Feel free to laugh, I laughed myself! 😀 The good thing is that I was Okay, no injures there, so there’s nothing else one could do but to laugh. 😉