Friday, 31 August 2007

31 august

Although I’ve seen it a number of times already, Lisbon remains one of my favourite capitals. This is largely due to a mix of ocean fresh air, an everything-goes ambience, with relaxed people from the former colonies mingling with the locals


Despite the overconfident historical squares, medieval quarters behind them continue to be inhabited by ordinary people, rather than by corporate cosmopolitan toffee-nosed in search for temporary glamour.



The living statue, an already common form of “street art”....


I always wondered whether they are some sort of fetishist…..


…..and what do they use as paint…..




The triumphant arch in this former colonial metropolis stays besides the sea, where loaded ships used to land ashore.








“Praca do Comercio”, what remains of the former grandeur of an empire.


Equestrian statue of a titivated king… Jose I... :-)





Rua Augusta…..this is where I found some appealing shops…. and have spent the remaining daylight inside….


But on night fall, I’m back in the old town. Street dinner in Chiado, with a huge bacalhau and a bottle of Sandeman, with Fado music and castle views….too bad I was alone…..but that’s how the romance is….


These photos are remarkably clear, given that I didn’t get up from until I finished the Sandeman….


…but it was not me who was motionless, as the camera stood on fences and parking pillars.













White cobblestone pavements, reflecting heat at day and looking great under the street lights...










I wish I was to leave Lisbon tomorrow...by sea……