Palace Square

During my walk yesterday I noticed an impressive colonnade that I needed to photograph. I got up early this morning  while the streets were still quiet. There were a few people walking through on their way to work but patience won out as I was able to get the shot I wanted (below).

Praça do Comércio tunnel

Praça do Comércio colonnade

Only steps away from the colonnade is the Praça do Comércio, known to locals as the Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square), where the statue of King José I towers over those that visit here. The square was once the site of the royal palace for 400 years. To the north is the Arco da Rua Augusta, an impressive archway leading to the main shops and restaurants of the area.

Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square)-Edit

Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square)

After spending some time at the square I walked back to the Alfama region to see Sé. This gorgeous cathedral was built back in 1150 for the first bishop of Lisbon, the English Crusader Gilbert of Hastings. Sé is short for Sede Episcopal, the seat of the bishop. I was lucky to get here at a time when the sun was in the prefect position to add some interest to my photo.

Sé Cathedral

Sé Catheral

As I walked aimlessly through the meandering streets of Alfama I came across a fun sight. Turning a corner I noticed this balcony where its residents had recycled their old jeans to use as planters. Something a little different that I wouldn’t expect to see here. Or really anywhere.

Jean Planter

Jean Planter

As my stomach rumbled and it started to get hot out it was time to head back to the apartment and see what my friends were up to.

An Adventure in Portugal

OMG! Guys!! I am in Portugal. It was a mid summer suggestion from friends of mine to join them in their rental in Lisbon and now here I am! And all I can say is WOW. First its damn hot and second I AM IN LOVE. It’s so beautiful here and I’ve only explored a small section of the city.

Vine Wall In Alfama

Vine Wall In Alfama

During my first afternoon I wandered over to Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. This section of Lisbon that was first settled by Romans and flourished under Moorish times. The narrow streets take you back through time as you walk along its meandering path. Here you will also find Castello de Såo Jorge sitting on the crown of the hill. I didn’t explore this today but I will definitely be paying a visit soon.

Number 32

Number 32

Old European cities are my favourite places to wander. There are so many things to photograph and Number 32 is a great example of the kinds of things I love to photograph. The old ornate wooden doors with their paint peeling tell a story of better days.

Lisbon Streetcar

Lisbon Streetcar

Wandering back into the bustle of the neighbourhood of Baixa and Avenida I started noticing these yellow trams. Tram number 28 is the traditional way to see Lisbon’s sights. The tram winds its way around the city, up its steep hills and through the narrow streets to give tourists an easy way to see the sights without all the leg work. On hot days like today I think I would rather walk the streets than be huddled together in this small tram.