Busy in Lisbon

Our first time in Lisbon (2000) I had prepared myself for a Third World country per Rick Steves. I was pleasantly surprised. 17 years later, I expected a European capital, I was disappointed. I thought much of Lisbon is shabby looking, although much work is underway. What have they been doing for the last 17 years?!

To be fair, worthy of a European capital, Lisbon has many fine museums. Luck would have it, our only full day there would be the 1st Sunday which is free museum day. We originally decided to return to Lisbon this time to visit some new museums. Instead, we got ourselves a 24-hour transport card and scurried around to revisit old friends and score new sites.

1. For better comparison, we decided to revisit the Jeronimos Monastery, after suffering 40 minutes of waiting in line.
2. The Islamic collection at the Calouste Gulbenkian was a hit for both of us, though the art nouveau was tiny.
3. The old power plant at the new MAAT was a surprise. It was like film set, too bad we weren't allowed to climb all over the place. What a neat concept!

The next morning (Mondays all the museums close) we scurried around to several miradors before leaving town. And I thought it was going to be a low key visit to Lisbon....

In 2000, our hotel was located above a strip club which is still operating in 2017; the hotel is not. Back then we were not Art Nouveau fans and did not appreciate the club's . ;-)


This trip, our hotel is a few blocks away from our former location; in a slightly run down, but improving, section of town. [Both former and current hotel are a few steps from Rossio Station.]


Riding a new style tram to Belem ... as an older train passes the other way.



On a beautiful morning, the line to get in Jeronimos Monastery and its sublime cloister was long-ish.








It was a busy day in Lisbon; not only was there a marathon for runners, but a regatta on the Tagus River.


From the Discovers Monunment (above) we walked along the river to the new Tagus Powerplant Museum and the adjoining MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology)








The MAAT.




Sun-Ling had to drag me off the splendid white roof.




Inside the MAAT.


We try VR (Virtual Reality) goggles for the first time. Very cool!




Leaving the MAAT.


Old Lisbon.


We ride the Metro to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.


The collection of 15th and 16th century Islamic Art from Turkey and Persia (Iran) was astounding - 400 years before Art Nouveau.




And this Pre-Raphaelite sculpture.


Also at the Gulbenkian, we were introduced to the Portuguese artist and modernist José Sobral de Almada Negreiros. The special exhibit was one of the most comprehensive we've seen anywhere, and his work was an instant favourite.






Almost next door to the Gulbenkian, Our Lady of Fátima features a chapel with stained glass by Alamada Negreiros.


And the church exterior...


From a mirador.


We ride the funicular up and the Elavador de Santa Justa down.






And another mirador.




Rossio Station.


Teatro Eden.


Then we find the actual center of the universe for 6 x 6 inch ceramic tiles located in a small shop below the Castelo.




Finally we are on the bus to Evora, leaving Lisbon; under the aqueduct and over the bridge.