September 21, 2009

I have come to the conclusion that we are having way too much fun on the weekends. That makes it hard to go back to work on Monday mornings.

On Saturday we took the metro and went to old downtown Lisboa...it is very old and very European...lots of pastry shops and sidewalk cafes. Lots of foot traffic...they actually have designated walking streets and large piazzas where no cars are allowed...that is quite welcome since we often feel we are risking life and limb when we walk on the regular streets....so narrow with cars dodging here and there. The day started off cloudy but half way into our venture the sun was out again. As a result half our pictures for the day show gray skies and half show blue.

Before we got to the downtown area, Mike gave us a lesson on some Portugese history...one of the many advantages to being married to him...one of the most interesting things he told us was about the tragic events of 1755...one Sunday morning the great city of Lisbon was hit by a massive earth quake. The quake caused fierce fires to break out all across the city. Only minutes later the city was hit by a devastating tidal wave that finished things off. Thousands were killed and all but one small part of the city was destroyed. I can't help but think the people must have thought this was the end of the world!

Since most of the city was destroyed almost all the buildings we see now were built after 1755 in grand European style... Think Paris on a shoe string as much wealth along with the lives was lost that fateful day.

One interesting site is the elevator, designed by a student of Eiffel, who transports people from the lower part of the city to the upper part. Another is the partially finished cathedral which was not finished because the people thought God was displeased with their effort and sent the earthquake as a warning.

As we wandered along the streets, we came to a bazaar where artisans were displaying their wears...Mike bought me a lovely necklace for only 10 euros...he said it does not really seem like my style...I told him it is my new Portugese look.

Sidewalk entertainers, tourists of all origins, cafes, shops, street vendors, and smells of strong coffee vied for our attention. We will definitely do it again and soon...