Aloha Everyone,
As soon as we stepped out of the impressive subway/train station of Oriente, we realized Vasco de Gama Shopping Centre was just across the street.
This was the venue of the world fair in 1998 (Expo 98). The Expo 98 project brought massive investments and revitalized Lisbon’s aging infrastructure. It transformed a slum area into one of the trendiest addresses in Lisbon. Expo 98 may have helped Portugal join the EU.
Expo 98 coincided with the anniversary of Portugal’s greatest seafaring expedition - Vasco da Gama's arrival in India in 1498. The site is now the Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) and it is a popular tourist destination.
As we returned to the metro station, I noticed a large space on the ground floor reserved to sell books. Interesting way to try to attract visitors and commuters who are using the metro.
Aloha -- Cathi
