Matt_from_England

All right so call me egotistical but I just wanted to have the 100th post.

And we reach the century on the good ship Lisbon, here's to a hundred more and good friendships and many dinners and glasses of red wine drunk together.

Cheers Lobo, Sher, Michi, Tere, and everyone else for joining in. Now better get this baby posted for someone else beats me to it!

Matt

Sher

Well, Today I am doubly happy. I called to see about the hold on the reservation.

Originally, I would have to leave Lisbon a day early becaue the only way I could return winthin a reasonable time was to overnight in Frankfurt. I was so happy to get the tickets in the first place, that I put them on hold. But when I called today, they can give me a return ticket from Lisbon directly to Philadelphia and on to Pittsburgh. That means we do not have to cut the stay in Lisbon short.
Now they tell me this is a new route and hasn't been approved by the gods of airline systems, but I cannot see this not being approved for seasonal travel. But I booked it anyway.
So, this gives us twelve nights in Portugal.
I have found a fantastic price for a rental car, but have not booked it yet. I know I have lots of time, but I like to get the basics out of the way.
Joao, I do not think I have seen your posts on Pearl of the Atlantic, but I will look for it. If I cannot see it, I will ask you to repost. Just clicking on your name will bring up everything that you have written.
I know it is very far off, but I am so keyed up for the planning.
The pousadas have some fantastic prices for seniors(my husband will be 60 in May0 and we do not even have to prepay.

Bob and I are looking forward to a nice dinner with you guys in Lisbon.

JudyC

Many thanks for this most interesting and informative thread.

Matt_from_England

Here is a link to one of the best Lisbon Photo albums I have found online.

http://www.pbase.com/diasdosreis/lisbon&page=all

A fantastic range of Ancient and Modern Lisbon with descriptions and photographic details. This will keep you busy for a while.

Matt

Matt_from_England

For some reason the link doesn't work 100% so when you link through to the page itself click through to ALL et viola!

Matt

lobo_mau

Out of topic, some notes about Madeira
------------------------------------
The main open air activity in Madeira are Levada walks (google "levada walks" for lots of info). Levadas are man made irrigation channels in the mountains, most of which date more then 400 years old. They have been used by the locals to move between villages are now used as a touristic asset, allowing for incredible sightseen spots and photo opportunities. Some Levadas walks may be dangerous and the choice requires professional advice according with the experience, age and skills and personal interests of the walkers.

http://www.madeira-island.com/featur...oduction2.html

Ride in carros de cesto:
http://www.saga.co.uk/travel/resorts...C55C&sel=4

Madeira is an Island of ashtonishing beauty, but their beaches are of black sand and rocks. Alternatively the locals and people from the continent have choosen Porto Santo (the golden Island) as a favourite spot of leisure and active holidays.
Porto Santo is a very tiny Island, with less to see but superior to Madeira as far as leisure and relax is concerned.
Porto Santo is connected to American history because Colombus maried the daughter of the local governor and lived there for a while.

http://www.ucp-tours.co.uk/portosanto/portosanto.shtml

Interesting link, map and photos:
http://www.gajos.org/travel/Madeira2004/index.shtml.en

photos:
http://portugal-hotels.com/com/fotos...=648&lg=pt

If you are considering Madeira and Porto Santo, I believe this is worthwhile reading: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/088...s&v=glance
From the previews online I think it it interesting and the girl in the coverfront is lovely.

Further to the previous considerations, if you are interested in Flemish art, I think that Madeira has the biggest collection of Flemish art outside Flemish countries, spread over Churches and Museums.

namaka

Hi everyone! Great posts! Returning to Lisboa after 30 years. Lived in Parede as a child;father in military. I am looking at an apartment in the Chiado area to rent. What can you tell me about that area? Safe? Will be with husband and children. Matt? Lobo Mau? Will be there for 11 days. Since reading the posts, I have decided that we may not rent a car except when we go visit the old house/school, etc. Will use public trans. for the rests as well as maybe even a couple of tours that Matt posted.

lobo_mau

Chiado is a very good area. Eventually the most interesting of Lisbon. In the vicinity there is almost all the fun of Lisbon (Bairro Alto, theaters, Opera, etc...). It has a Metro station, and it's a walking distance from downtown.

lobo_mau

I spent a few hours in the afternoon in Saint George's castle. The entrance fee is 3 euros with discounts for families, seniors, juniors, and lisbonites. It's a previledged sightseen point and has very good photo opps, but appart from that I don't consider it a must see of Lisbon.

namaka

Obrigada Lobo mau. I definitely feel more secure in booking the apartment. If fact, it's right on the Luis de Camoes square; which I hope won't be too noisy. Any thoughts on that? Although there has been mention of many dessert/pastries, I just want to add that it's the fresh baked bread that I will eat the most. I remember as a child, waking up early enough to reach in the bread bag with the days delivery of bread and it still being warm from the oven. So sorry to ramble;just reminiscing!

Matt_from_England

Another very good photo album of Lisbon and Portugal can be found here:

http://www.pbase.com/sonoflusus/portugal

Well worth looking through.

Matt

Matt_from_England

<i>Saint George's castle</i>

I like to go there most when the week long beer festival is on...;-) Hic!

On it's own not a must see I concur but as part of an afternoons walk around the old part of Lisbon it cannot be missed. If that makes sense. All right, so it's late and I had too much red with dinner. BTW Lobo what was the Benfica result?

Matt

lobo_mau

To be honest as you expect, I'm affraid it might be a bit noisy, as a almost mandatory point of entry in Bairro Alto. The tramway #28 passes at the door of your apartment, but it stops early at night. The most annoying noises should be cars paasing by and people chating.
Don't miss a coffee in &quot;A Brazileira&quot; with Fernando Pessoa, a Port wine tasting in Portwine Institute, Chiado Museum of contemporary art. Very near there's the street of Elevador da Bica (funicular). That street is the most photographed of Lisbon. In you are is the mood for sweets, side by side with A Brazileira there is Pastelaria Bernard.

lobo_mau

benfica won 4 to 0. Who are you supporting on 21st Feb sgainst Liverpool?

namaka

wow, lobo mau; what great information. I'm not so sure I like that it's a bit noisy but if I suppose we are up early and it quiets down around bedtime, then it shouldn't be too bad. Thanks for all your tips; I think I may go with this place after all.

Matt_from_England

Oh despite my love hate relationship with Benfica it will be the home side. Since arriving here in 97 I had waited close to ten years for Benfica to Play Man Utd in a competative match so I was well pleased to receive a couple of free tix to that game! And yes I cheered as loud as any when we went 2-1 up. So once more it will Benfica who will benefit from my support on the 21st - I'm just waiting now for my tickets. But it's great to finally see some BIG European teams at the Luz. (Though personally I much preferred the old stadium where many times I walked out onto the pitch).

Oh and as for location namaka, as Lobo says you couldn't be more centrally located. And about noise, well you aren't going to be in the place all day. Get up for breakfast and coffee at 9 ish and away you go!

And there's nothing like the taste of freshly baked bread...

Matt

lobo_mau

Hi Matt, are you ok?

Sher

Namaka. If you are there, please let me know how you found out about the apartment?

Sherry

Matt_from_England

Hey Lobo, yes, I'm fine, tired and weary so many sleepless nights as you are aware. Haven't had much time for our thread in the past day or so but I'd like to add one thing. When arriving at Lisbon airport there is a coffee shop opposite the ramp from the customs hall. Would you believe they charge 1 euro for a bica? And that it sucks? Our local coffee shop serves them for 50 cents and is much better. Tourists should be aware of the cost and not pay inflated prices like at the airport.

Rant over!

Did anyone check out the photo links? I've been thinking of doing some black and white work in and around Alfama - hey Lobo, would your Co. sponsor the creation of photographing Lisbon type website?

Hi Sher, how are the travel plans coming along? I'll be working out some spare time during the dates you come over so I can take you on some walks around Lisbon. That is of course should you have no qualms about meeting someone from the internet. But I do look at my reflection in the mirror every morning and don't frighten myself! The only thing I'm having trouble with at the moment though is drawing the perfect circle freehand...

Take care all,

Matt

Sher

Hi Matt. I won't have to worry about the buck for the Bica. I will let you on a secret...I cannot drink them no matter how I try.
I have my tickets set and great connections. Both ways direct to Lisbon from Philadelphia.
I have zeroed in on a car rental.
I am looking at hotels in Lisbon but might go budget and look into spending more at the pousadas.
I am buying a NEW Portugal map tonight as I still cannot find mine.
I do still have months to go yet. I will drive myself and my husband batty by then.
I should let you know what we haven't seen in Lisbon. It is a lot. Those three days went fast!