Back in Portugal for the Fourth Time
I never ever thought I'd be back in Portugal so soon. To be honest, I had already forgotten how we ended up going back to Lisbon given that we were just there last year. I do remember wishing to return to the US from this city at the end of our European vacation since TAP Air Portugal now flies to San Francisco direct. Anyway, it was a joy to be back. We even got to see our wonderful friends, Marco, Luis, and Pedro again.
We stayed at another IBIS Hotel, but this time at the one in the Saldanha area. The hotel chain was the usual, but I was happy to be in the area that was new for us. It gave us the chance to get to know another neighborhood in Lisbon better. It was really nice to see just how close Liberdade, Marques de Pombal, Amoreiras and Saldanha were to each other.
I used to think I could only stay in the Liberdade area of the city, but not this time. Saldanha was a very beautiful and rich area as well. I wouldn't mind living here in the future. I truly hope so.
The Placa de Comercio
So glad to be back! Hello Lisbon!
Having lunch with Marco Ferreira on our first full day in Lisbon
Marc and I saw the Money Museum several times last year. We never went inside but we certainly passed by it on the way back to the hotel after a full day of sightseeing in Lisbon. This time however, we decided to check it out since it was so easy to go to and admission was free. The people inside were oh so friendly and polite. All of them.
The museum had a number of interactive exhibits which delighted many of the young children who were there too with us.
This was the main lobby of the museum.
It wouldn't be a money museum without money, would it? So here were some old currencies we saw.
An old gold coin from Japan
This was the view from one of the museum windows.
The Placa de Rossio
At the Placa de Rossio. I had my picture taken here decades ago during my very first visit to Portugal. Oh what memories!
The Central Station, what a façade!
The Vasco de Gama Mall
Inside the Vasco de Gama Mall. It was a no brainer. We just had to come by since the train station where we purchased the tickets for our trip to Porto was near. We also returned to this mall so we could eat the same Argentine roast chicken we ate here last year.
Fortunately the food stall was still in operation and I ordered the same meal. Still good!
This was artwork close to the city aquarium.
The mascot for the Expo that took place in Lisbon last 1998.