My Trip to Lisbon

Updated May 2024

Not only was it my first trip to Lisbon but the first day I spent in the city ever. And here is what happened – my first Lisbon experience! Needless to say, I was extremely excited to step onto those cobblestone streets.

So I finally reached Lisbon. I wanted to see the city for such a long time and was finally there. A bus from the airport seemed like a good idea, since there was a stop at Praca do Rossio, and my hotel was not far.

My Trip to Lisbon

Once again, just like when arriving in Barcelona, dusk was coming down rapidly, and street lights were turned on. I was pulling my small red suitcase over the vast Rossio Square (wearing my new “flamenco” shoes from Barcelona). The suitcase wheels began to hop and jump along the cobblestone street. I turned into Rua do Carmo (or was it Ouro Street?)…

First time in Lisbon

There was a small cobblestone street slightly going up. I could see shops on both sides, people strolling, chatting. I walked by famous brands’ stores which are the same in Europe in general, but they look different because of Lisbon’s scenery, and the structure of the local buildings. The neighborhood was not crowded, there were just enough people to feel the bustle of the city but not too many to wriggle your way through the crowd.

I remember the smell of the Ocean and the humidity in the air. I pulled my jacket collar up, it was a bit called. Oh yes, this was my first trip to Lisbon. I was walking around hearing my heels tapping on the street, looking around with my eyes wide open, peeking, excited to go for my first Lisbon sightseeing tour the next day. The plan was to stop by St George Castle (there it was now!) and stroll along Rua Augusta first thing in the morning.

My Lisbon Experience

I turned my head to the left… Oh my, it was the Elevador de Santa Justa, an amazing construction nestled in the cloud of evening lights! That was one of the things I wanted to visit. I will definitely climb up there and take a bridge tunnel toward the hill on the right.

Elevador was opened in 1902 and was designed by the Portuguese engineer Raul Mesniser du Ponsard – an Eiffel’s disciple. This iron tower is 49 meters high. I was amazed by the site. I couldn’t turn my head away, even though I only intended to take a glimpse this time since I was going around the city tomorrow to enjoy my trip to Lisbon fully. I was smiling, still walking up…

 

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And then I heard – BAM!

Can you believe that I actually crashed into the lamppost, still pulling my small lady-like suitcase and tiptoeing in (not that) high heels upwards?! It seems I got hypnotized by the city and lost my head – right into the pole!

Next: THE LEGACY OF WORLD DISCOVERIES

The full series about my BARCELONA – LISBON JOURNEY