Long weekend in Lisbon

Having a bit of a gap between clients, we decided to take a long weekend break in Lisbon.  A good time was had.  We were blessed with fine weather: cool mornings of 15°, rising to 20 or 21° by mid-afternoon, a cloudless sky and a gentle breeze.

Some impressions:  Lisbon is easy to get around; the public transport systems are efficient and inexpensive.  A day pass on the buses, tubes and trams is €6.50 - you buy a card (50 cents) and then you can top it up as you like.  There were adverts announcing a reduction in price for what I took to be monthly passes - €40 for an all-zone pass.  Not bad.

There are tiles everywhere - on walls, floors, on the pavements outside.  The pavements aren't flat, but undulating, which can be a bit of a challenge if you don't pick your feet up.

It took some time to notice, like a headache that you suddenly realise has been gone for a while.  There were no diversity bollards.  I guess Lisbon has not suffered the benfits of unfettered, vibrant, multicultural immigration, perhaps because portugese is not much taught outside of portugese-governed territories.  Despite this lack, I would describe Lisbon as one of the most vibrant cities I have visited.  Tourists and locals were enjoying the public gardens and open spaces, dining or taking coffee or beer in the many bars and restaurants.  The place was busy but not crowded, and people were friendly and polite.