I am surprised in a wonderful way!

Having never visited Lisbon, I find that the city is delightful. Since my lodging is close to the Cathedral, I am perched high above the city and the River Tagus. In order to adjust to the new time zone, I am spending two nights here before I begin the Camino Portuguese. Wise idea!

Since my flight is an overnight flight, I arrive in Lisbon early morning. Since my room at the Convento do Salvadore is not ready, I have time to wander the streets before I crash. I find the Portas do Sol close to my lodging.

Beautiful views over the water.  Beautiful views of the National Pantheon and the twin towers of the Monastery of St. Vincent. An evocative statue of St. Vincent holding a ship with two ravens, the symbol of Lisbon. Beautiful tiles on the buildings close by of historic Lisbon. Beautiful water fountains.

I visit the Cathedral. More austere than I expected. I imagine that I am comparing it subconsciously to the ornate Burgos and Leon Cathedrals. I get my credential stamped; and light a candle and say a prayer “For all pilgrims here and elsewhere and for the journey we all take….”

After an obligatory chorizo meal, I crash. My body is telling me “Sleep. Sleep. I need sleep.”

My second day I had to buy a hat and some walking poles. I feel like a detective. Where is the Decathlon store? Google maps is great even though I ignore the distance. “It doesn’t look like it will take long to walk to the Decathlon store.” Wrong.

Lisbon is like a concentrated San Francisco. Up one hill; down that hill; up another hill; down that hill; up another hill; down that hill. I assumed that I could avoid the hills. Not so. While it takes longer than I think, I get to see more and more of Lisbon.

Enjoy some of the photos.