Lisbon

Years ago during my first visit to Lisbon, I remember thinking this city must be hard on the elderly. Now that I'm a bit older, I can unequivocally state that I was 100% correct. Lisbon is very hilly and somewhat precarious because of the granite cobblestone walkways. Yes, wearing flip-flops doesn't exactly help with stability, but I’m not quite ready to wear more sensible shoes (sneakers), so in the meantime, I will be slipping, staggering, and stumbling my way around. 😊

Lisbon today is a bit more run down than previous visits. Not sure why, maybe they have lost tourists money due to COVID but as I walk around it’s a bit disheartening. Currently, Portugal is at extreme levels of COVID but our plane was full (Portugal requires that you show a negative COVID test) and getting through Customs was its usual long lines with crazy wait times. The streets seem to be packed with tourists, but the fountains are off and the parks are in need of grooming. As before, the people are friendly and helpful, and thankfully they take wearing a mask as a priority. They have vaccine clinics open and ready for walk-ins, I’m just not sure what the percentages of people getting vaccinated are.

I love Lisbon, at one point, we thought of buying a place here, but for now, we will gladly be visitors to this beautiful country.

A great way to get around and avoid walking the hills of the city.

Praça do Comércio, is Lisbon’s main square. It was built on the site where the old Royal Palace used to exist before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755.

View from São Jorge Castle

Just your typical hilly street.

These buildings with the tiles are so beautiful.

This is one of my favorite streets to stroll - Avenida da Liberdade 2