| Our
guide book said that Lisbon bears the brunt of the Atlantic depressions, being
located on the west coast of the country by the Atlantic and the mouth of the
River Tagus. The book advises that rainfall is high in December and January and
becomes lighter in February. The
city does need this rain as there is still some around in March and there is not
much till later in the year apart from a few thunderstorms and showers.
We
arrived on Thursday morning. It was raining as we landed at Portela Airport.
We had expected this as checking weather forecasts on the television and the Internet,
this was predicted for Thursday and Friday. By the time our taxi had dropped us
off at our very smart boutique hotel in the Rua das Janelas (near the River
Tagus (Right) 
and next to
the Embassy of Luxembourg),it was drying up. 
The
guide book advised buying a pre-paid taxi voucher from the information desk at
the airport as some taxis are notorious for overcharging Seat
Belts:
Our taxi driver was very efficient and appeared to be the only one in Lisbon to
wear a seat belt! It appears that taxi drivers, the police, ambulance and emergency
service personnel don't have to. This seems absolutely incredible as Lisbon has
one of Europe's highest traffic accident rates. According to statistics in one
month in 2000 there were 3,500 accidents with 103 deaths. The emergency
services taking you to hospital are not protecting themselves. I saw two TV news
reports whilst there with bad traffic accidents. It must be a very bad example
to drivers that taxi drivers and police do not wear belts. They save life, however
in many countries including Belgium the police don't "belt up". In Ireland the
taxi drivers used to drive without added protection, the rules have been changed.
You don't often find a driver not wearing a belt - they would probably loose their
taxi licence. The
afternoon was spent exploring part of the city, taking a 25 minute walk rather
than a quick ride on theCarris "No 60" bus into the centre for the evening. 
Left: cathedral
The
transport system is superb, we only used the trams, buses and trains, not the
metro, but the system is very efficient, very cheap and you don't have to give
the correct money - they give change. There are modern double length trams, however
because of the narrow streets and steep hills the old small trams are fantastic
to look at and very comfortable inside with plenty of polished wood and windows.
The rain held off
for the evening and our hotel was very welcoming with a decanter of port by the
bed that was regularly topped up during the stay. They did not have a bar, but
two self service bars and you simply filled in a form when you had a drink. There
was plenty of complimentary tea, coffee and cakes and biscuits whenever you wanted
this.  Friday
was forecast to be wet, even if bright sunshine was shining through the windows
in the morning. That was soon gone and it got darker. After a while it got brighter
again the rain moving away so we ventured out into the centre taking one of these
vintage" No 28" trams on an interesting ride up and down narrow streets
towards the Castel de São Jorge, although trams do not go that far and
we had a lot of climbing to do. There is however a bus that takes you there if
you prefer. 
Left: " No 28"
tram
Right:Castel
de São Jorge
There
are fabulous views from there and we were able to "see the city" below in between
the showers.
 
The
weather got worse during the afternoon and the hotel was a most welcoming retreat.
The rain continued on and off (mostly on) for most of the evening and finding
somewhere to eat proved somewhat difficult. We did find a fish restaurant that
was ok, however as soon as you took a breather by putting your knife and fork
down, you nearly lost it! 
Left: Town Hall
at Night
Restaurants
in Lisbon: In my opinion the selection of restaurants in Lisbon is not good.
For a city with a population of over 536,000 (and in greater Lisbon 1,836,000)
the choice was poor. Unlike Dublin, Brussels and other major cities restaurants
are difficult to find and there are not too many bars. I was pleased we were not
staying more than four nights as it was difficult to find suitable places, particularly
on a Sunday night when numerous restaurants were shut. As we were searching for
a restaurant in our guide book (that was closed) we did however find a very character
bar in the Rua D.Perdro V. 
This
establishment called the Pavilhão Chinês Bar (above) is a former
19th century tea and coffee shop is a really quirky bar with an incredible display
of toy soldiers, trams, trains and "nick knacks" with waiters smartly dressed
there are several rooms including one with a couple of snooker tables in them.
The bar serves non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and light snacks. Had it been
nearer our hotel and not at the top of a steep hill street, we would have been
back again. 
On
Saturday the weather was as exactly forecast earlier in the week, the sun came
out and the blue sky. This meant we could take a bus ride out to Belém
by the River Tagus.
The Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) (above left)
is well worth visiting for the views after taking the lift to the top. It was
built in commemoration of the heroes of Portugal's maritime history.
You also get great views of the Torre de Belém. (right)
After walking along the area that has a couple of marinas (but lacks in seats
for people to sit down and enjoy the views) it was time for a leisurely drink
and light lunch at a restaurant that was built out of white rsj girders and glass.
It
was a pleasure to see the sun for the entire day and then returning to the hotel
and enjoy the views from the "library" situated on the top floor with a spacious
balcony overlooking the port and the vesting P & O cruise ship. 
Sunday
was not quite as sunny, however it didn't rain. This meant it was an ideal opportunity
to take the 30 minute train journey to the Atlantic coast. Once again great value
€3.30 one way for two people! There was a fun run ending at Cascais
when we arrived and it was great to walk around the marina, on the beach and along
the cost towards Estoril home of the Portuguese Grand Prix. 
The
Atlantic waves are certainly very powerful along this stretch of coast
and if you are not to careful can easily be soaked. It was great to see so many
people enjoying the Sunday air. 
Monday
was return home day, it was raining again. Well it certainly does exactly was
it states in the guide book - rains in February, however the temperature was as
predicted as well a pleasant 15 degrees! 
Enjoy
your visit to Lisbon - Lisboa, Portugal Spain All
photos ©jml Property Services February 2007 ©
jml Property Services February 2007
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AS
Janelas Verdes (Hotel): Traveler Reviews - Trip advisor Lisbon:
AS Janelas Verdes: "Charming friendly Boutique Hotel" Feb 22, 2007 We
stayed at the hotel for four nights. The first two days was wet and it was wonderful
to return to this hotel, drink the complimentary port in the bedroom and enjoy
the views across the River Tagus whilst it was raining or in brilliant sunshine.Alternatively
make a cup of coffee and enjoy one of those delightful cakes in the guest kitchen.
The hotel offers.a suberb buffet style breakfast that fills you up for a fair
part of the day, complete with Bucks Fizz and scrambled eggs. Fortunately it is
a 25 minute walk into the city centre that helps get rid of the additional weight
you have just put on. The Reception staff were very helpful and it is a great
pitty they do not have a restaurant there in the hotel. ___________________________
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