Lisbon, Portugal

Aloha Everyone,

Lisbon, a magical, fairytale-land built on hills with churches among reddish roofs and white buildings. Reconstructed after the 1755 devastating earthquakes, followed by a tsunami flooding historical parts of the city. “Everything you see here is new!”  Said our knowledgeable government licensed tour guide. George was born and raised in Lisbon. He makes his living from visiting tourists.

However, he is adamantly against Tuk Tuk. Cheaply made passenger vehicles running up and down narrow streets. They compete for his business & parking spaces. Today there are nearly 1,000 Tuk Tuk. They are regulated and suppose to pay fines…

George drove us to Fábrica de Nata, a famous pastry shop located on one of the most expensive streets in Lisbon.  

After spending 2 hours learning many interesting facts about the city, including its cable cars and the suspension bridge construction that resembles Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, we parted his company. J.J. gave George a generous tip and he happily posed for a souvenir photo.

It was money well spent to revisit so many of the historic places in Lisbon.

Aloha -- Cathi