Lisboa

Sailing for me is also and mainly discovering new places, playing at exploraters in a world where there is nothing new to discover. Certainly, for me Lisbon was anything but new since I have spent 3 weeks at port 22 years ago ! But I rediscovered it with great pleasure walking for hours from the flashy imposing Belem, through the more popular and blue collar Alcantara neighborhood to the old and timeless Lisbon and its maze of steps and narrow streets. I was a poor guide to Magnus though since I could only rememeber the places once we were already there. It was hot and the cobblestone streets and sidewalks hard on our feet. We enjoyed the tiny old fashion shops and as usual ended up more than once in the ever popular hardware stores full of treasures. Lisbon is one of the most agreable capital I have been to. its atmosphere is more of a village. We don't feel the stress and maddness of a big metropolis. It is old fashion, anarchist in its lay out. Old and timeless in its old neighborhoods up hill dominating the harbor. Modern part of the city.. do not know, it is not in view anywhere.. We walked from Belem and its impressive monastery which now harbor museums. The water front is huge and airy with wide as boulevards cobblestone sidewalks, gardens, plazas and parks and the either present mighty statues of a king or explorer. Then we strolled down the more modest and popular back streets of the commercial harbor to find ourselves all the sudden in the seclusive embassies quarters up and down hills before arriving in the heart of Lisbon, to the huge esplanade with its wavy pattern of two color cobblestones. It is closed to traffic and it is the showcase of select shops, numerous bars and restaurants. Just a few steps to the right up the hill and we found ourselves climbing steep staircases above the red roofs along beautifully tiled walls where the old timeless Lisbon hides its heart. it is a pleasure to get lost in purpose in all the sinewy stairways and streets to discover the soul of a village called Lisbon.