Lisbon de novo? Sim!

Well it is the end of day 2 in Lisboa which means it is also the end of the first stop of my study abroad semester. Time is just flying by and I wish it would slow down! Today we got an early start at 9 am before heading out to the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown by Charles Correa along the southern waterfront of Lisbon. It a beautiful example of modernist architecture. It overlooks the mouth of the Tagus River into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a cancer research center that puts emphasis on the treatment of their patients. I was in awe of this building.

After spending about 90 minutes exploring that building we walked down the waterfront to the Belém Tower. It is a defense tower built around 1513 that stands on the edge of the Tagus River. It is a marvel to see and provides beautiful views all around. You can even see the 25 de Abril Bridge that crosses the river into Almada. It looks very much like the Golden Gate Bridge insomuch as being painted the same color. Coincidentally enough, the builder of this bridge built the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. After viewing the tower we made one more stop.

Belém Tower

25 de Abril Bridge

The final stop that Hans took us to was the Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) where he let us go and we got lunch. The square was pretty cool. It too was located on the water and there was a huge arch that led into it. Trolley cars would park in front of the arch creating an iconic shot that Lisbon is known for. Following lunch, we broke up into our own groups to do what we wanted. Hannah, Rebecca, and I decided to go to the São Jorge Castle which is one of the highest points in Lisbon. It was beautiful as well but lacking in activities to do. So we set off from there.

Rua Augusta Arch

Entrance to São Jorge Castle

After we were done with the castle we descended to another square and got a snack from a local bakery. We proceed to a tram called Elevador da Glória which has been in operation since 1885! It was a fun ride up a steep incline. It was a nice way to end the day. I went out to eat with some of the others for a good time. It was a successful end to Lisbon.

Some final observations about Lisbon: It is a fantastic city where old meets new in surprising and interesting ways. It reminds me a lot of San Francisco. The driving and rules of the road are a lot better than in London, Wine is cheaper than water half of the time. Every single review of Lisbon that I've read is wrong. I was expecting to be pickpocketed every few feet and offered drugs on every street corner. Neither happened once which was relieving. It was in the mid 60s while we were here and people were bundled up and acted like it was in the 30-40s. That reminded me of Los Angeles. I am still not entirely sure how tipping and restaurant etiquette goes but maybe I will get the hang of it.

We leave for Porto, Portugal, a northern coast city about 3 hours away, tomorrow at 8 am by bus. It promises to be another magical time!