JamieMagee :: 9 things I learned in Lisbon, Portugal, in 72 hours...

Tags: Travel

I was in London for UKLUG a couple of weeks ago, and wanted to visit a place new to me for the weekend before returning to the US. About the only country in mainland western europe I've never visited is Portugal, so I booked an impromptu trip to Lisbon for three nights.

What I have learned in Lisboa (Lisbon) Portugal in 72 hours...

1) Football (soccer) on your first night is a great way to get into the spirit of a European city.
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2) Lisboa is a very walkable -- but hilly -- city, with lots to see every minute.
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3) Being a solo tourist for the first time EVER was unexpectedly nice, as you can do whatever you want, stay as long as you want, and change your mind whenever you want.
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4) Gradeschool studies of 16th and 17th century Portugal ruling the seas hit you in the face when you tour magnificent castles and waterside fortresses of Lisboa.
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5) Central Lisboa was mostly destroyed by an earthquake and tsunami that killed 15,000 people in 1755, then mostly rebuilt.
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6) The people are Lisboa are incredibly friendly, beautiful, and full of spirit.
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7) Portuguese is the most beautiful, and one of the most unusual and difficult, languages I've tried to speak.

8) Particularly in a small peninsular country like Portugal, the internet is the great equalizer of artistic opportunity. A pub booked local singer-songwriter Ana Free, but couldn't handle the 400+ fans who showed up as a result of her recent YouTube fame. This week she's the fastest rising artist on the Portuguese Singles chart with a song at #3.
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9) 'Tho not too popular in Portugal yet, Facebook is a great resource for recruiting a friend you've yet to meet in person. Thanks, Vitor Pereira!!
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Definitely going to visit Libsoa again!
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Comments

1 - The Portugese colonised the part of India that I'm from (Goa) for about 500 years. That's why I have a Portugese last name.

I'd love to visit Lisbon one day. Am learning Portugese in my spare time Emoticon

Glad you had a good visit Jamie!

Dan

Posted by Dan Soares At 06:33:26 PM On 10/07/2008 | - Website - |

2 - Wonderful photos and mini travelogue Jamie... i'm kicking myself I never spontaneously go for a 3 day weekend anywhere. Think about it, yes, but never actually go.

Note to self....

Gab

Posted by Gab Davis At 03:57:06 AM On 10/08/2008 | - Website - |

3 - I'm glad you had a good time Jamie. It was great to meet you. I wish I could had taken a day off to show you around. Next time I will.

@Dan & @Gab - come on over, either me or Jamie will show you around. Emoticon

Posted by Vitor Pereira At 05:46:59 AM On 10/08/2008 | - Website - |

4 - Somehow Portugal never woke any interest in me as a tourist, I had other places to see in Europe, Portugal was not a priority ... Apparently I was wrong, Portugal seems to be a country of "hidden" wonders.

Posted by dana At 03:57:06 PM On 06/10/2009 | - Website - |