Portugal -- Lovin' Lisbon!

Portugal -- Lovin' Lisbon!

Portugal is just beautiful and we're crazy about its capital city of Lisbon (Lisboa)! Perched near the Tagus River, this riverside city is colorful, historic and has such a relaxed, easy vibe.  It was especially fun to have our own translator -- Tyler, fresh off his church mission to Brazil!  He speaks Portuguese fluently (although pronunciation is somewhat different between locales), and so enjoyed conversing with residents there and it made our ventures much easier.

Some touring highlights (pictured above) included:

* riding their famous tramcars -- particularly the #28 to Alfama (a delightful Moorish quarter bursting with personality -- my favorite place there!)

* the castle (Castelo de S. Jorge built by the Moors in the mid-11th century has been a royal residence, military barracks and garrison)

* Jeronimos Monastery (monks there used to assist seafarers in transit.  Explorer Vasco da Gama and his crew prayed there before their expedition to the Orient in 1497; he is also entombed here.  The church is ornately carved and features unusual and quite wonderful maritime carvings and sculptures). 

* Scrumptious national treats called Pastel de Nata -- custard tarts

* Beautiful tiles everywhere! 

* The free-standing Tower of Belem (a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery, it was commissioned to be part of a defense system at the river's mouth and as a ceremonial gateway to the city)

* Teeny-tiny cars called "Tuk-Tuks" (ideal for navigating the narrow, cobbled streets and endless hills!)

And then . . .

* Monument to the Discoveries (shaped like a ship's bow and sales and featuring famous explorers' likenesses)

* More tram rides up those steep Lisbon hills

* Campo Pequeno Bullring (also used for concerts)

* Oodles of hand-made-tile building facades

* Colorfully festooned streets

* Comercio Square (expansive plaza by the river, surrounded by shops and featuring a monument to King Jose I)

* Ponte de 25 Abril Bridge (a Golden Gate Bridge look-alike suspension bridge!  To look at it, you'd think you were in San Francisco -- except that it has a monument featuring Christ on the other side of Almada on the south bank of the Tejo River.  Well, and of course that it's in another country!  ha!)

* Sweeping views of red-tiled roofs, the river and bridge

* New friends dressed in traditional Portuguese costumes

* Marques de Pombal Sqaure

* Inlaid pebble art walkways and plazas

Attending church there was wonderful, too!  We met in what used to be a huge home, with the church occupying the bottom few floors and actual residents still living on the top floor (accessible by elevator).  A small, but friendly congregation attends there.  In fact, one brother we especially noticed prayed, led the music, gave a talk, taught Sunday School and gave the Priesthood lesson.  Whew! Such dedication and service was inspiring!

Interesting tidbits about the building . . . because it was formerly a house, there are evidences of that still:  lots of blue and white patterned tile work everywhere, a fireplace in the chapel, bathtubs in the ladies' bathroom, interesting alcoves and niches.  Yet, the lovely church artwork and more importantly, the ordinances and Spirit were the same as more traditional buildings.  What a special place!  And it's thrilling to know a temple will be built in Portugal soon (announced at October 2015 General Conference)!

Also a treat . . . a foodie haven called Time Out Mercado da Ribeira.  It's a collection of over 30 restaurants selling regional specialties in a restaurant market and is packed, popular and a real delight!  Finding dinner is easy, but finding a seat is quite another story . . . ;)

Such a trip!  Lisboa, we'll be back!