Here I am in Lisbon, again, 3rd time. I am falling in love with this city; particularly this 3rd visit was incredible. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is an adorable charming small cool calm clean city. Here I am comparing it against other European capitals such as Brussels or Paris. Lisbon is the Last City of Europe in west, and then starts the Atlantic sea leading us to USA.
From 15th century onward Lisbon flourished as the biggest sea port and richest & most influential city as Vasco De Gama & Columbus “Discovered” India and America respectively. Huge amount of wealth and slaves starting pouring in since this was the nearest port to American capital; good news for Europe but death warrant for Africans and Red Indians alike –a dark chapter in human history stained with slavery and bloodshed.
Lisbon’s climate is moderate and pleasant. It has one of the lowest rainfalls in Western Europe. Though it rained almost every day during my stay of 5 days. People were complaining I brought the rain with me but London was dry when I left.
Portugal has a population of 10.8 Million, nearly 30% (~3 Million) live in Lisbon district. Lisbon is one of oldest cities in Europe; easily comparable to ancient cities of Athens and Rome.
The city was fully destroyed in 1755 by one of the most powerful earthquakes in Europe, followed by a Tsunami. Lisbon was conquered by Moors (Muslims) in 714 who subsequently ruled it for 400 years.
The day I flew was very windy; a massive storm of rain and gusty winds coming from USA had swamped Western Europe and it was predicted to last for days. Take off was little troubled. Then rest of the flight was OK – till the plane started descending for landing. It was medium sized plane. As we started descending, flight turned increasingly turbulent. Lisbon airport is situated at the end of a valley so plane has to pass through a stretch of hills on both sides before landing. As we passed through the valley, wind massively intensified shaking the plane in every direction. I was convinced that the pilot will abandon the landing but the Portuguese pilot had other ideas. We got nearer and nearer to land but plane was still swinging around. I took braced position (the position recommended for emergency landing) – God knows how we landed. It was the worse landing I have ever experienced (so far!). All passengers started clapping and cheering as plane stopped. I came to know later that some flights were diverted or returned back on that day.
My mood recovered soon with the thought of going to the famous 177 years old Lisbon cake shop “Pasties de Belem” and tucking into nice “Pastel de Natta Cake”. I took a bus into the city centre from outside. Let’s enjoy the ride as well do the sightseeing on the way; no point heading hotel so early. The bus dropped me right in the middle of town. Weather wasn’t favourable at all. Portuguese airline offered nothing during the flight though it was a long 3 hours flight; most European airlines do the same on their flights now days. Feeling the urge for a cup of team I couldn’t resist and entered a cafe. Natta cake was delicious as ever!
Fully refuelled now, I started wandering around in historic city centre of Lisbon. It was rainy and windy. Starting from the Rossio Square which is a kind of city centre I lazily strolled on to Rue Augusta, one of the busiest “pedestrian-only” shopping streets. Decoratively paved with marble stone, it has rows of shops on both sides and open air restaurants’ seating in the middle. Wind was getting furious; it was smashing hard everything in its way. Tables, chairs, menus were blown away. I braved all this and kept walking towards historic Commercio Square.
Magnificent Commercio Square was built on the banks of River Tagus once sea trade was at its peak. The symmetrical buildings around the plaza housed government offices dealing with customs and port trade. This place played a significant role in the country’s economic activities then, & now a monument only amusing both locals & tourists.
Nice share Kashif bhai! I have been planning to visit Lisbon for quite some time. I would definitely try the historic bakery “Pasties de Belem”. Did they manage to preserve a good taste there as well ?