Lisbon, Portugal -Alfama District

by Durene Scott · December 14, 2024

It was time to depart Porto and head to Lisbon. The almost three-hour train ride was long, not only for the baby but also for the rest of us. We leave the train station and head to our accommodations for the next few days. What do we find to our surprise? The steepest and longest hill yet. Struggling with several pieces of luggage and rests to catch our breath, we stopped and got an Uber to take us the rest of the way. Whimpy, perhaps. This time, our Airbnb has an elevator and a trolley route right down the middle of the street. Trolleys and “tuks” (golf carts) are popular around Lisbon. Cobblestone streets and steep inclines continue to test our endurance.

Commerce Square – After breakfast, we visit the square overlooking the river. From there, we went through the Rua Augusta Arch to the main street flanked by stores and restaurants. We stopped to have some wine and cheese and people-watch. We continued exploring and found the street with the hanging umbrellas. The colors and ambiance were magical. Strolling along, we decided it was time to have some more wine. We found an outdoor cafe and met an interesting couple from Iceland. The conversation was mainly about trading information about our cultures. Meeting people from other countries and places is one of the reasons we love to travel. An open-air market was across the street, so, of course, we had to stop. Cheese and pastries were purchased, and by then, we were all bushed and hopped on a tuk to take us home. The ride was bumpy, but it didn’t faze our granddaughter, who continued to sleep.

Sintra – Our trip to Sintra started with an overcast day with the prediction of rain sometime throughout the day. When we got to the Quinta da Regaleira, it began to rain. The line to purchase tickets was long. Yes, we should have bought them online days before. My husband waited in line, and our daughter went to an employee and asked if she could purchase them online. Did I tell you that Portugal is a child-friendly country? Once she saw the baby, she directed us to the front line, and she was able to buy our tickets. This estate has been around for centuries. However, it wasn’t until 1893 that a highly wealthy Antonio Monteiro purchased surrounding land and started to design and build the structures that are currently standing. The property is riddled with tunnels, home to a beautiful castle and chapel, and a tree-dense park lined with paths and decorative structures. The most famous on the estate would have to be the Initiation Well. It was believed this underground tunnel was used for ceremonial purposes. As we descend step by step, one wonders how much time and ingenuity it must have taken to build it. The bottom of the well leads to multiple maze-like tunnels until you again find yourself on a footpath.

The rain subsided, and we walked into town to shop. We stopped at a cafe for drinks and food before returning to the train to prepare for our next travel day to Lagos.