"Lisboa, Portugal" a Lisbon Travel Page by DrewV

<p align=center><b><font face=verdana size=+1 color=steelblue>Lisbon -- At the Edge of the Continent</font></b></p>

<font face=verdana>What can I say about Lisbon? I came to Lisbon with no real expectations except maybe third-world-type conditions. I mean, Portugal doesn't exactly get a lot of rave reviews in the United States, and the general perception is that of a country just barely holding onto being in the EU.

Bah. <font color=royalblue><b>Lisbon is one of the cleanest, happiest, most charmingly enjoyable cities I've experienced</b><font color=black>. The seafood is great, the prices are low, low, low, and the city is beautiful, full of faded grandeur. The people are friendly, too, to the point where you actually feel that they're happy to see you.

Sure, there are sights (which I shall describe for you), but the joy of Lisbon is wandering through the streets, exploring the nooks and crannies, ducking into a pastry shop, dodging the accursed mimes, and generally enjoying life. The entire city feels old and opulent, but in a humble sort of way that is frankly refreshing.

That's Portugal for you. There's no ego. They've got amazing cities, palaces, monuments, food, wine, people, and friendly atmosphere, but you never hear about it. It's off the beaten path, the whole bloody country, and I'd like to keep it that way. <font color=royalblue><b>Lisbon is perfect just the way it is</b><font color=black>, and if it were to be discovered, it might turn into another Madrid. That would be a true disaster. Three cheers for Lisbon. I hope it never changes -- although they could get rid of the graffiti, er, street art.

Again, thanks to Floyd and Marguerite for jumping in at crucial intervals! And please check out my travelogue -- you never know what other inspiring information I might throw in there!</font>