Lisboa

Driving straight north, we arrived in Lisboa, or Lisbon, midday, checked into our clean and modern hotel, and headed out to see the old center. On the way up the steep, narrow streets, we asked directions of a very friendly resident, who turned out to own one of the Fado restaurants in the neighborhood. "But we're not open tonight! The Fado festival will fill the neighborhood!" Fado is a song form which tends to be beautiful and sad, and is said to speak something of the national character. It often describes the sense of longing families and lovers felt as their men went out to sea, perhaps never to return. We decided to return that evening for the festival, where we ate traditional foods and enjoyed being temporary locals - although we're fairy sure they overcharged us, something we experienced several times in Lisboa.

The view from the castle is stupendous! Although we saw only a small slice of life in this amazing city, we sure enjoyed the eclectic mix of people and cultures.