[April 3, Sintra]
Today we took a side trip to Sintra, about 30 minutes by train from Lisbon. Sintra was the get-away spot for Portugal's royals from 15th-19th centuries. (The royals themselves were gotten away with in the 20th century). There are two castle/palaces in Sintra, one very old and one less so, and each a marvel. The interiors are filled with breathtaking azulejos and period furnishings. Regrettably, the modern day castellans forbid photography inside, so we can only offer these snaps of the exteriors.
Showing posts with label Lisbon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lisbon. Show all posts
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Big Mac Arbitrage
[April 2, Lisbon]
So where is the beef?
A principle (observed somewhat approximately) of economics is "purchasing power parity". The idea is that after converting for foreign exchange rates, a given amount of money should buy the same amount of the same items, in all countries.
So where is the beef?
A principle (observed somewhat approximately) of economics is "purchasing power parity". The idea is that after converting for foreign exchange rates, a given amount of money should buy the same amount of the same items, in all countries.
All tarted up
[April 2, Lisbon (Belem)]
(Photo from wikipedia)
Not the voyages of Vasco da Gama, not the naval science of Henry the Navigator, not the discovery of Brazil. The signal achievement that ranks Portugal among the foremost of nations is ...
(Photo from wikipedia)
Not the voyages of Vasco da Gama, not the naval science of Henry the Navigator, not the discovery of Brazil. The signal achievement that ranks Portugal among the foremost of nations is ...
Lindbergh wasn't the first
[April 2, Lisbon (Belem)]
Lindbergh was not the first to cross the Atlantic in a plane.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Piles of tiles
[April 1, Lisbon]
We skipped the more famous and doubtlessly worthy Gulbekian art museum, and sought out things distinctive of Lisbon and Portugal. In the Alfama district, the Fundacao Ricardo do Espirito Santo Silva museum and the National Tile Museum showcase Portugal's ceramic tile art.
We skipped the more famous and doubtlessly worthy Gulbekian art museum, and sought out things distinctive of Lisbon and Portugal. In the Alfama district, the Fundacao Ricardo do Espirito Santo Silva museum and the National Tile Museum showcase Portugal's ceramic tile art.Castelo and Alfama
[April 1, Lisbon]
Sao Jorge castle
was built in the 8th century by the Moors, but then completely rebuilt by Salazar in the 20th century. It is not particularly attractive or impressive in itself,
Sao Jorge castle
was built in the 8th century by the Moors, but then completely rebuilt by Salazar in the 20th century. It is not particularly attractive or impressive in itself,Baixa
[April 1, Lisbon]
Today we walked the Baixa, the historic axis of Lisbon from Rossio square (pictured left) to the harbor. It is surprising how manageable the city is to the pedestrian, and how tame is the traffic. The noise in below threshold of pain, and the act of crossing streets is no more suicidal than in Houston. Such is not our experience with certain other Mediterranean capitals.
Today we walked the Baixa, the historic axis of Lisbon from Rossio square (pictured left) to the harbor. It is surprising how manageable the city is to the pedestrian, and how tame is the traffic. The noise in below threshold of pain, and the act of crossing streets is no more suicidal than in Houston. Such is not our experience with certain other Mediterranean capitals.Monday, March 31, 2008
Day 1 & 2 -- Lisbon
[March 30 & 31, Lisbon]
Our arrival did not auger well. The chaos and disorganization of the Lisbon airport rivals that of Delhi's in 1990. Two hours waiting to get through immigration. Tired tourists uniting to resist pushy Nigerians trying to break in line. Lots of fun.
Our arrival did not auger well. The chaos and disorganization of the Lisbon airport rivals that of Delhi's in 1990. Two hours waiting to get through immigration. Tired tourists uniting to resist pushy Nigerians trying to break in line. Lots of fun.
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