Where Have I Been in the Last 30 days!!!
Thirty days ago we landed in Lisbon, Portugal to start our adventure of Europe.
During that time we have traveled to several destinations, enjoyed sites, and are learning to adjust in many ways.
I plan to do a blog just on errors, mistakes, wrong turns, etc and how we are finding our way around them.
BRIEF VIEWS
Since we have been in several locations in the short period of time, I will give you a brief view of them and later go back with details and lots of pictures.
First, we landed in Lisbon and stayed in that area for 3 weeks. As previously mentioned, we rented an apartment in a mountainous village, Apelacao. It was approximately 20 miles from the tourist sites in the City Center.
In Apelacao, we made new friends and added them to our Facebook list. It’s a nice, quaint village, but it took time to get to sites we wanted to visit.
The locals have seen very few Americans, if any, and they were very eager to make our acquaintance.
LISBON
During those 3 weeks, we took the bus down to Lisbon to do the tourist thing. It’s a cheap mode of transportation but it took approximately 1 – 1 1/2 hours to reach a destination.
The first day walking the tour routes was a killer. Believe me when I say there are no flat streets to walk to get to the sights. We struggled for 3 hours to go up those narrow, curved, stone streets to St. George Castle. The distance was less than a mile up, but the task was not an easy one. At one point, we thought of turning back. However, we were so close to the finish line, we pushed forward.
Pushing forward was perfect. The views from the castle were absolutely gorgeous. Details will follow in another blog.
PACO DE ARCO
Before leaving, Lisbon, we decided to stay on the West side for a few days. This area was again a small town with very friendly locals. We were closer to shops and stores, so no taxi was needed.
While we were there, Hurricane Leslie was supposed to make landfall in our direction.
Luckily, the hurricane turned North and missed us completely. The funny part, even when we thought it was going to hit directly where we were – the locals were not preparing at all. They continued on their routines.
MADEIRA ISLAND
After leaving Lisbon area, we took a flight over to the beautiful Island of Madeira. It is part of Portugal but is off the coast of Africa. Such a beautiful island to see at first glimpses from the plane. The landing was a little unsettling because the landing strip was along the narrow coastline. But we made it. (Whew).
Initially we used a taxi to get from Santa Cruz (airport location) over to Funchal, the major city. Oh My Gosh, it’s unimaginable how many people live in that place. The pictures don’t give justice to amount of people living there and the beauty.
Once settled into our 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo for a week, we started our venture of the island.
Now just like Lisbon, everything is either up hill or down hill.
We walked every day averaging about 3-5 miles. My leg muscles are getting stronger and I’m now able to breathe once I reach the top of the street.
There are tour buses on the island. Very cheap. For 2 days of riding the bus and touring the Southern portion of Madeira the cost was $18USD each. The rides were 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
The buses took us so high in the mountains, its was scary. This will also be detailed in a blog on Madeira Island with pictures.
Sadly, our time on Madeira came to an end. We located the local AeroBus that would take us to the airport in 40 minutes. The cost was $5 each compared to the taxi that was $40.
Back to Lisbon for overnight. Next morning, train ride to the North.
PORTO
The next leg of our adventure, we tried another form of transportation, a train.
In Portugal, Seniors purchase train tickets for half-price. Our ticket for a 3 1/2 hours ride in comfortable seating cost $11.50USD each.
Porto is a fun city. People strolling along the Douro River having a great time. Little side-walk cafes everywhere. Wine is so plentiful in that area, you can smell it in the air. Musicians playing around the river’s edge on the wide walk way. Amazing views of the area and the huge bridges.
There is so much to see but the walking is hard on the legs. Again we did take the cheap tour drives for 2 days and those mountains get ready high when you are riding on the top-level of an open air bus. Especially when the street are barely room for 2 cars and looking down, there is no edge to the side of the road – just drop off.
It’s one of those places you never want to leave. We had a great time and I can’t wait to give you full details. Although we were there only 4 days, we did 2 weeks worth of fun.
Small tidbit – we did a Porto wine tasting while there. You get 5 types of Porto wine in small glasses for only $5USD each. We ended up buying one bottle of the wine – $6USD.
It’s all in fun.
FARO
So now after taking the train again for 7 hours from Porto, we are in the Southern part of Portugal. Actually, we are staying in a small town on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean named Quarteria.
It’s not as busy as Lisbon. It’s not romantic as Madeira. It’s not as entertaining as Porto. It is however a cute little area right on the edge of the great, bit Atlantic Ocean.
We are here for 2 weeks. In that time span, I will hopefully fill in the gap full of adventure from all the above places.
However, I know my limits and fun always comes first.
Sorry for the lack of pictures in this blog –
We are having major internet issues here and it takes 20 minutes just to download one picture. I will add lots of pictures in the next few days . I’m told the problems should be cleared up within 24-48 hours – remember I’m in Portugal. Like Mexico, nothing is done in a hurry.
In the meantime, I will randomly post from pictures on Facebook and give you small tidbits of everything.
Thanks for following me – I enjoy sharing my adventures with you.
please visit our Granddaughter’s Go Fund Me page. She has an opportunity to travel on a school trip to Ireland and Scotland but needs some financial assistance. Please share page Thanks
https://www.gofundme.com/61nk0eo? pc=fb_co_shareflow_a&rcid=84a22bcf68134a018784fff91017f852
60plusandfearless
Dianne
Enjoy your life You only get one.
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