PORTUGAL

 THE BEST OF PORTUGAL AND SPAIN (PART 1)

The Best of Portugal and Spain – the writer gets to experience for herself the best of both neighboring countries and concluded the two sisterly countries are equally beautiful ‘in its own ways’.

Going to Spain without Portugal is like going fishing without a fishing rod.

The two ‘sisterly’ countries of the Southern European continent are inseparable.

The elder sister Spain is a more popular tourist destination compared to the laidback Portugal, which is well known for generating footballers for the World Cup Matches.

Nevertheless, the ‘two’ countries have me wandering if I sign up for one without the other, I will regret.

Without second thought, I purchased a one-week travel package covering Spain (Barcelona) and Portugal (Lisbon) to experience for myself who is the ‘better’ sister between the two.

PORTUGAL, LISBON

LISBON

Portugal, is one of the less travelled European countries compared to her counterparts in the southern continents namely Spain, Italy, Greece and the Mediterranean.

I do not know ‘why’ she is not a hit among tourists, and I choose ‘her’ because I want to let the world know they may be wrong for not including her into the Europe travel list.

No doubt,  I have little knowledge about Portugal except gathering some facts from school history books on the Malacca sultanate, as well as the existence of the Portuguese community living in Malacca, I am positive I will get close to her on my three-day-two-night in Lisbon.

My first day in Lisbon is quite disappointing as I have to endure with the heavy rain pour. It must be a ‘shower of blessing’ as Lisbon is one of the pilgrimage place for the Christians. 

Upon checking into Hotel Travel Park located in the Angel Neighborhood, I waste no time to book for a day tour package via the receptionist.

The pleasant receptionist then recommended the “Lisbon City Tour” which is supposed to be one of the more popular tours for first timer, to this historic city.

Since my days are limited to only two full days in Portugal, I followed her advice and sign up for the city tour instead of the outskirts tours such as the Castle Tour or the Fatima Tour.

According to a Portugal Tourist Guidebook (published by NewJamp) Portugal is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a first class trans-oceanic port.

It stretches along the northern length of the banks of River Tejo estuary occupying seven hills.

Lisbon is not like any ordinary European cities, as the town is on the low part of these seven hills that surround the city.

Thus, I fall in love with Lisbon at first sight for its beautifully decorated gardens, landscapes, sculptures and Squares steeped in history, occupying every corner of the city.

BIRD'S VIEW OF PORTUGAL

 

LISBON CITY TRAIL

Next day, we excitedly waited for the arrival of our tour guide who arrived punctually at 9am, at our hotel. Our group was a small one comprising of an American tourist, my mother and myself. We are chauffeured by our English speaking guide Alex in a van, and we are told that the city tour will take us to see the charming sight of Lisbon city, monuments and statues.

To start off, the guide drive through some interesting places in city centre for us to catch a glimpse of the historic places namely Marques de Pombal, Av. Da Liberdade, Rossio, Alfama, Palimento and Pantea Nacional.

The first stop is none other than to view the first-ever cathedral in Lisbon erected with French Romanic shapes during the XII century called the Catedral Igreja St Antonio.

The awesome church now serves as the Cathedral of Lisbon and the headquarters of Cardinal patriarch of the City.

CATEDRAL IGREJA ST ANTONIO

Moving on is one of the ‘must’ go places in the city located at the highest point in Lisbon called Miradoro da Nossa Senhora do Monte whereby one can have a breathtaking view of the city.

MIRADORO DA NOSSA SENHORA DO MONTE

Here, I am amaze with the sightings of the buildings, castles, gardens, and even the faraway Salazar Bridge.

The Salazar Bridge (also known as 25^th April Bridge) was constructed of steel runs two kilometers and sits on two great pillars above River Tejo, which was opened to the public in 1966.

The bridge is a replica of the San Francisco’s Golden Gate, and is one of the two bridges in the city with the other one called Vasco Da Gama.

A major landmark of the city is none other than the World Heritage Site Torre de Belem (Belem Tower), which is a masterpiece in the Manueline style and is a symbol of the city.

TORRE DE BELEM (BELEM TOWER)

King Manuel commanded its construction and it was built in the River Tejo between 1515 and 1521. The structure of the building is Romanic-Gothic, incorporating Arabic decoration which gives it an exotic and attractive aspect.

Nearby, is the Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument of Discoveries) an imposing architectural built in 1960 in commemoration of the 500^th anniversary of the death of Henrique O Navegante. This impressive monument is dedicated to the maritime discoveries and sailing companies that have given such fame to Portugal.

Every tourist (including me) will definitely walk up to the upper terrace and contemplate the River Tejo, Salazar Bridge and the Monastery, from where the large compass which presides over the square sits.

Across the road stands the majestic Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos (Heironnomytes Monastery) which is one of the most important monuments in the city, an additional masterpiece of Manueline works, also founded in 1506 by King Manuel.

MOSTEIRO DOS JERONIMOS

 Thousands of visitors throng this monastery weekly to take photographs with this enchanting building showcasing Renaissance style decoration, and a series of magnificent pillars covered with ornamental statues separate with three naves of the temple.

Another great place of visit is the Praca Do Commercio which forms the largest of the squares in the Portuguese capital, which house the headquarters of various ministries and government offices and also serves as a tourist attraction.

PRACA DO COM,MERCIO

 At the square, one can view the Triumphal Arch coupled with the four statues representing Viriato, Nuno Alvares, Pombal and Vasco da Gama.

The centre of the square is presided over by the elegant Equestrian Monument of King Jose 1, and a set of steps called Cais das Colunas, goes down to the Tejo.

However, one must not leave Lisbon before tasting its Portuguese egg tarts offered at an old timer shop named Pasteis de Belem. The tarts were first made by monks as the monastery was near a sugar refinery, where they (monks) came up with the idea of combining the yolks with sugar. 

 

PORTUGAL TART

TRAM RIDE

On my last day, I managed to squeeze into a sandwich city tram for a joy ride to a beautiful ancient Moorish neighborhood called Alfama, to see the XVI century houses, alleys and steps and the livelihood of the people.

My only regret is that I am not able to make it to the sanctuary of Fatima, where thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Fatima to commemorate the apparition of the Virgin to the three young shepherds on May 13 and October 13, annually. The Fatima church is located about four hours from the city.

TRAM BY - PASSING CITY