Back from another fascinating week in the city of Lisbon in Portugal.
This time we were lucky enough to be present for a folk dance and song
festival on May Day, at which this first photograph was taken.
This time we rented an apartment instead of staying in a hotel, and I
can't recommend it too highly - both the experience and the actual
apartment, which was just three minutes (and what felt like 45 degrees
up a hill) from Rossio, the "centre of activities" for all visitors, as
well as many Lisboans.
The view that we had from our room was utterly amazing, both by day and
by night, when the Square and all the buildings around it were floodlit,
creating an entrancing and enticing atmosphere just calling us to wander
through it. Inside, the apartment, owned by an American lady, Deb (who
has apparently rented another of her Lisboan apartments to both Frances
Mayes ("Under the Tuscan Sun") and author Margaret Atwood), was
decorated and appointed to the highest standards, without losing the
character of the old house in which it existed.
All around, other residents still hung their washing from the windows to
dry, fed the flocks of pigeons, and hauled shopping up to their third
floor rooms with baskets and string. Community is still alive and very
well in Lisbon - but it may change as renovations and demolitions
proceed apace. If you want to see real, living communities still
functioning organically, I can't help but think that you should go NOW!
Hundreds of photographs taken and many more to share here - I hope you
enjoy these few for now.
LOL!! That is quite a picture there at the end Roz! Thanks for sharing it. :)
All of the pictures are gorgeous!! I've never been to Lisbon but would love to go.
Posted by: Nancy | Saturday, May 06, 2006 at 21:08
Welcome back!
These photos make my feet itch :)
What a lovely time you had - thanks for the suggestions and comments - now I hope I get to make use of them :)
Posted by: endment | Saturday, May 06, 2006 at 23:14
Welcome Home. I hope you feel refreshed and rested after your holiday
Posted by: Mary O | Sunday, May 07, 2006 at 10:39
at least we now know what the residents of this house wear for undies!! lol..what a great photo Roz!!
Posted by: krissie | Sunday, May 07, 2006 at 11:16
I loved the pictures, Roz, and had quite a laugh at the last one. Isn't there a white cotton and black lace panties in every one of us? Hahaha
Posted by: ardi | Sunday, May 07, 2006 at 13:55
These are wonderful photos, Roz, and like the others say, I anxiously await the unfolding of your travel journal and more photos. I've always wanted to stay in an apt. vs. hotel -- or do a house swap. When Anthony leaves, I'll definitely do the latter. Deb T. has done that successfully and so have some of my friends here.
Posted by: Fran aka Redondowriter | Monday, May 08, 2006 at 06:22
Great photos Roz. Loved the panties one LOL. Anxious to hear more and see more of your pics as you look back at your holiday in Lisbon and post more here.
Posted by: Carolyn | Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 05:35
Welcome back Roz. I have loved to "follow" you through your vacation.
Posted by: Britt Arnhild Lindland | Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 18:16
So glad you made it home safely Roz! And what a wonderful peek you have given us - just enough to tempt us! Can't wait to see more.. That view - dreamy, and I love folk costumes!!!
Posted by: Ulla | Friday, May 12, 2006 at 03:26
Bom dia! What fun to find your posting here... and with such kind comments! May I put a link from our guestbook to your blog? I love your description of the essence of Lisbon. (Ok, ok, I love the undies, too. :) Um abraço, Deb Kleber, www.VisitingPortugal.com
Posted by: VisitingPortugal | Friday, May 12, 2006 at 18:49