5/6 Lisboa ,first night in Portugal

Moist cobblestone streets,
Bells ringing from trolley cars,
Slow Lisbon sunsets.

My flight arrived in Lisbon at 6 pm. I had to do a lot of waiting for flight connections! It was a long time getting here. It's the waiting that is exhausting. I took a cab to my reserved hotel (Hotel Convento do Savador) and was delighted to find my room so neat and clean. Fatima is a helpful and kind hotel manager. She has patiently marked on a map the good places to eat and sights to see.
I commented on the striking tile work on the lobby wall of the hotel. Now, mind you, it looked like an interesting design. But Fatima says, "You must take a picture of it, then tell me what you see."
The image that ONLY comes out in a photo, not with the naked eye, is an image of Catarina do Portugal, Dutchess of Braganza. The artist has other pieces around Lisbon ( Pedrita.com, also on facebook Padrita Studio)
Impressive work!
Once I got showered and changed (even in my weariest state, the miracle work of a shower always renews me), I took a walk around the neighborhood. The young people are out drinking and howling with their friends. The trolley cars are winding up the steep, narrow streets clanking their bells. Night is folding down on us, and there's a vibrancy in this town.
I'm told there is a train strike taking place tomorrow, and may last many days. That changes my plans for taking a train to Coimbra from Lisbon on the 9th to begin my walk on the 10th. I suppose I'll be riding
the bus, along with the crowds and price hike, I'm sure.Read more