Lisboa, Portugal

I had Monday off this week so I took advantage of the long weekend and took a quick trip to Lisbon, Portugal, the western-most European city. While Lisbon is a major port city, it didn't feel nearly as overwhelmingly congested with tourists as the rest of the European capitals. We stayed at the Oasis Backpacker's Mansion hostel, right near the water of the river and I thoroughly enjoyed walked on the narrow cobblestone streets that reminded me of San Francisco with so many ups and downs covered in tram tracks. In the barrio we stayed the streets were far more relaxed, which was a nice change from the chaos of Madrid.

On Saturday morning (and in the rain) we made our way to Belem to see the Monestery, the Tower, and the Monument of Discoveries. This is where Vasco de Gama, Magellen and other 15th century Portuguese explorers set off to sea, mostly under mandate from Henry the Navigator. We admired the bridge, that looks identical to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, and the huge Jesus statue that overlooks the city from across the river. (Apparently there is the same statue in Brazil?) After a long nap we had a nice dinner in the more touristy cobblestone pathways by the downtown plaza and went out to bar hop in the infamous barrio of Baixa Alto. The cobblestone alleyways are packed with people on the weekends, make it hard to walk between bars. In Portugal you can drink in public and bars provide plastic cups to make bar hopping even easier. It reminded me of the bar scene in Hong Kong, everyone outside, socializing, drinking, and well, speaking Portuguese.

I really like the sound of people speaking Portuguese and my interest in learning the language has increased significantly, especially knowing that it would allow me to travel or work in Brazil! I had a fairly easy time understanding people and could have a conversation with someone as I spoke Spanish, but apparently many of the younger Portuguese prefer to speak in English with Americans rather than Spanish for nationalistic reasons.

On Sunday we explored the Moorish area of Alfama and pranced around the Castle of St. Jordi. I admired views from the top, particularly noting the different colors of all the buildings and apartments-- yellow, pink, blue, light green... I like the colors, it gives the city personality... and makes me happy.

Madrid: Very First Impressions

snow on train to Madrid

I've been in Madrid exactly a week, and while I haven't seen too much (I've been working full time), I thought it would be valuable to note some of my initial impressions (more like comparisons) while the city is still very new to me. I must note that I feel truly welcome in my new home and am beyond grateful for the next chapter of my travels in this city.

1. Madrid is much bigger than Barcelona. Madrid has the space to grow and expand, whereas Barcelona is constrained by the ocean and mountains.

The Spanish flag? Not a common
site in Catalunya....

2. There are a lot more people. Of course, no where near the level of crowds I experienced in China, but there are a lot more people in the parks, plazas, out for tapas and beers, etc.

3. Things are slightly larger--- Kapital, a club famous among visitors, is seven stories.... while Barcelona's Razzmatazz is only 4 floors.

4. It's much drier in Madrid. Apparently its colder as well, but since it's less humid I really haven't noticed it as much.

5. Parks! Madrid has many large parks full of fountains and trees. I love it... Barcelona is mostly pavement.

A WHITE taxi?!
(Barcelona's are black/yellow)

6. Tapas! In Madrid (and many Spanish cities) you get a tapa when you order a beer or drink at a bar... Not common in Barcelona.

7. Spanish is the language spoken here--no Catalan.

8. Apartment buildings have "porteros". I can't stay everyone has one, but most that I have been to thus far have a 'doorman' that opens the door for the residents, maintains the stairwell and mail slots, deals with electricity and plumbing and assists residents. He usually lives downstairs in a small residence with his family.

9. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Apparently Franco once used Real Madrid as a huge public affairs tool to increase national pride. Their write jersey's represent "purity", as in pure Spaniards... I prefer Barca's Blue and Red stripes myself.....

10. There's no ocean... I need a "Madridoneta"!! (You probably didn't understand that if you've never heard of Barceloneta)

Parque del Retiro

Bottom Floor of Kapital