Lisbon - April 24

Lisbon Suspension Bridge and Cross

We dock in Lisbon - as usual in a container port area. We are almost under the suspension bridge that looks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Both bridges were built by the same American company. A large cross and image of Christ is on a hill overlooking the river - the statue is identical to the one in Rio.  We are taking a tour which will combine a tram ride through the steep and narrow streets, with a coach ride for sights along the waterfront. This is our last port before Southampton. We have already received our luggage tags, and instructions for leaving the ship for the airport and the flight back to Maryland. It does not seem possible that we have been away from home for almost three months.

The trams are over 100 years old, but still in excellent shape. We will take a tram for sightseeing purposes, that combines three normal routes into an hour’s trip, over the seven hills of Lisbon. Many of the old buildings still have tile facades. While we travel through the city, we are treated to several glasses of port, and a typical Lisbon pastry - an egg cream filled tart. We see many landmarks, and spend some time at the cathedral, opposite Estrela Square.

Guide Serving Tarts

Children of Lisbon

Stores and Tiles of Old Lisbon

View of Lisbon

Cathedral in Lisbon

Lisbon Tram

We visit the Jeronimos Monastery by the waterfront. Vasco de Gama is buried here. The columns in the church have images of artichokes - a vegetable from the new world. Along the waterfront are the other well known landmarks of Lisbon: the Belem Tower, which used to guard the city against attacks from pirates, and the Monument to the Discoveries.

Jeronimos Monastery

Vasco de Gama Coffin

Belem Tower

Just outside of Lisbon there are several modern satellite communities with new buildings. The population of Lisbon is now about 600,000 people, but 3 million people live in the area in and around Lisbon.

Monument of Discoveries

Two more days at sea and we will be in England, and on our way home. The last sea day we will be part of a choir concert as the “Soundwaves.” Once we’re back home, we will add pictures to the blog. We have made many friends on the ship, but we’re looking forward to seeing those we’ve left behind for these three months. Hopefully, you have been able to experience some of our adventures through this blog.

Queen Elizabeth Docked in Lisbon