"Overdoing it in Lisbon" a Lisbon Travel Page by calcaf38

Where I live, "Classic" means The Dick Van Dyke Show, and "The Arts" means crafts at the downtown Sidewalk Days. Therefore, when I found myself for three days in one of the most historically meaningful spots in the world, I went a bit berserk. I tried to see everything and I rushed too much.

- What I enjoyed the most:
The Tile Museum
The Electric Tram #28
The Saint Vincent Monastery
The Gulbenkian Museum
The Coach Museum
The Fado Club
Discovering the Alfama Quarter

- What I also enjoyed:
The Saint Justa Elevator
The Castle Saint George
The Belem Tower
The Gerome Monastery
The Tropical Garden in Belem
The Pasteis Pastry Shop in Belem
The Cathedral
Discovering the Bairro Alto Quarter

- What I should have skipped to be less rushed:
The Macau Museum
The Museum of Ancient Art
The Marine Museum
The Church of Saint Roque
The Discovery Monument
The Fado Museum
Discovering the Baixa Quarter

Although I enjoyed my time in Lisbon (and my day in Sintra - see separate page), I didn't fall in love the way I did in Cuzco, Luang Prabang, Iquitos, or even crazy Harbin. In those cities, people approached me, stared, asked questions, talked and even sang to me. In Lisbon, I unfortunately didn't have the chance for much human exchange. It reminded me a little of chilly Paris, where I grew up. Everyone I asked for directions was utterly helpful, however. I don't know any Portuguese, save "Obrigado," but that was no problem. Everybody seemed to know English or French or both.

Incidentally, the weather didn't help. I arrived at my hotel soaked, and I never quite dried out.

CAUTION: The Rossio train station is closed for repairs. It doesn't look like a quick-fix affair. You must catch the Sintra train at the 7 Rios train station, which connects with the Jardim Zoologico subway station.

I was carrying a great book along: Cousin Bazilio, by Eca de Queiroz. Reading the story of a 1880 Lisbon bourgeoise blackmailed by her maid - while I was walking on the very streets where the story takes place - was a special treat.