The Alfama quarter, stumbling from the walls of the Castelo to the banks of the Tejo, is the oldest part of Lisbon. In Arab times this was the grandest part of the city, but with subsequent earthquakes the new Christian nobility moved out, leaving it to the fishing community still here today.
(Building simple but yet eye-catching)
(In Europe, number of church bountiful)
The Feira da Ladra , Lisbon's rambling flea market , fills the Campo de Santa Clara, at the edge of Alfama, every Tuesday and Saturday. While at the flea market, take a look inside Santa Engrácia , the loftiest and most tortuously built church in the city - begun in 1682, its vast dome was finally completed in 1966. Through the tiled cloisters of nearby São Vicente de Fora you can visit the old monastic refectory, since 1855 the pantheon of the Bragança dynasty.
(One of the oldest part of Lisbon, Portugal)
The Alfama is also full of historic buildings and churches, which are well worth exploring. Some of the buildings display fading coats of arms, which bear testimony to the fact that the Alfama was once home to aristocrats.
(Colour, decoration was a sight to behold)
At the edge of the Alfama, Lisbon’s renowned flea market, the Feira da Ladra, is held in the Campo de Santa Clara every Tuesday and Saturday. At night the Alfama takes on a more mysterious aspect with street lanterns throwing shadows on the medieval walls
(Quarter’s exotic atmosphere)
(They even sells fishes in this narrow stretch of lane)
Along the narrow cobblestone alleyways are taverns and street markets, interspersed with close-packed houses still occupied by stevedores, fishmongers and sailors.
(Don't ask me why I took this picture in-between the two walls)
Stroll the steep, narrow cobblestone streets, some of which are less than eight feet wide, where stevedores mingle with black-shawled old women.
It is undergoing some commercialization, thanks to its cobbled lanes and "character", but although the antique shops and restaurants may be moving in, the quarter retains a largely traditional life of its own.
(Can I take this picture for exhibition? So natural)
Just a stone throw away was the The Jeronimos Monastery.
The Jeronimos Monastery is the most impressive symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. King Manuel I built it in 1502 on the site of a hermitage founded by Prince Henry the Navigator, where Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night in Portugal in prayer before leaving for India.
(We came, we stare, we go in)
(It was built to commemorate Vasco Da Gama's voyage and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for its success.)
(All these old building are huge)
The monastery was populated by monks of the Order of Saint Jerome (Hieronymites), whose spiritual job was to give guidance to sailors and pray for the king's soul.
(The art of carving.)
(A cigarettes a day, keep mosquito away)
This style of architecture became known as Manueline, a style of art that served to glorify the great discoveries of the age.
The church interior is spacious with octagonal piers richly decorated with reliefs, and outside is a garden laid out in 1940 consisting of hedges cut in the shape of various municipal coats of arms of Portugal.
It is one of the great triumphs of European Gothic (UNESCO has classified it a World Heritage monument), with much of the design characterized by elaborate sculptural details and maritime motifs.
(Where is this place? I have no idea...haha)
Our local (Portugal) guide brought us to this place, Pastel de Belem. Yes......the very original Portugal tart. This shop is the most famous in Portugal and was open in 1837 more than over a century ago. It's secret receipt known only to 4 person.
(Mum making purchase, die die must try. Original from Portugal you know. The crowd there was like a mob)
(Just one word, delicious)
Took a 1/2hour coach ride to our next stop, the Tower of Belem in Lisbon. This historical building can be found in the famous harbor of Portugal capital.
(Holy mummy.......my mum damn COOL)
(The Tower of Belem has been built to commemorate one of Portugal's most famous sons: Vasco da Gama.)
(The Monastery dates from 1502, and is a fine example of Portuguese architecture.)
(The building behind mum is the The Tower of Belem)
(The real beauty of the tower lies in the decoration of the exterior. Adorned with rope carved in stone, it has openwork balconies, Moorish-style watchtowers and distinctive battlements in the shape of shields.)
Yes, it was a busy morning. We were brought to city square for have our free and easy. Everywhere we looked were shops and more shops. One thing we had not anticipated was that it was extremely crowded.
As we walked along, came cross this old elevator that brought you to the top of the tower. Come with a fees of course, about 1 Euro person.
(People were staring at me when I took this picture Had to shout my sis,"quick")
Brought tickets and when you enter there is this ticket machine where you need to insert it your ticket.
(Clock your ticket and pull out again)
(Took picture inside the elevator)
(Once at the top, we still need to climb up flight of stairs)
(I think it almost another 4 floors)
(Finally at the top)
(They sells fruit at the top of tower)
(From tower to below)
(Hey, there even a small snack bar right on top of the tower)
Climb down was easy and we walk the busy street while taking pictures. Below are some of the pictures taken during our walk.
(I looked like wearing "green" hat)
(Pretty like Orchard road back home; Mob scene)
(Hell, who's that girl strike a pose too)
(City square clock)
Oh ya we had our lunch, the usual way which is on the street,..kanina
(Yes.....local Portugal burger. In short, bread again)
(Picture to show how busy the cafeteria was)
At 4pm, we took a 2 hours to Fatima, small town in Portugal. Fátima is a city of approximately 10,000 inhabitants located in the district of Santarém in central Portugal, 123 km north of Lisbon.
Fatima's claim to fame is the shrine called the Sanctuary of Fatima, built to commemorate the events of 1917 when three peasant children claimed to have seen the "Virgin of the Rosary",
(This church is big!)
(Mighty big!!)
Fatima now attracts hosts of believers from far and wide, particularly on the pilgrimage days, and the shrine has been developed on a correspondingly large scale. The large torch-light processions in the evening are particularly impressive.
(When I say the place is big, I really meant it)
(Around the esplanade are a considerable number of shops and stalls selling all kinds of religious articles)
Left the place 2 hours later and we went back city to check it our hotel. Weather is amazing here. Just in the day time was as hot as stove and by 8pm the temp drop to 21C. After dinner, we take Metro (Mrt) to the bullring, to see bullfight.
All along, we wanted to see....I mean the real stuff.
(Sister waiting for train)
The train services open until 1am. If use one line, it costs about Euro 0.7 and use 2 lines then will be Euro 1 regardless of distance. Inside the train they have a electronic signboard, indicate the next-stop. I believe it much better than Singapore style, just announcement.
(It's crowded but at least it not like Singapore style; Can of sardine pattern)
Reach our station and when came out of the station exit guess what? There is a protesting going on!
People carrying banner and shout their slogan.
border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">(Mum asked to not to go too close to take pictures)
(I'm so excited seeing all this animal right group, "cow bei cow bu"
Apparently they were from the animal rights movement. They sees red over bull fight due to the fact that bullfighting was cruelty toward animals. They condone cruelty to animals. Police on the scene, protesters and bullfighting lovers exchange jeers. It's was chaotic alright.
First time in my life, I see real protesters on the street.
Total awesome!
(This is the bull ring which we couldn't get ticket. All sold out.
Anyway, we couldn't get any tickets to the bullfight as it was all sold out.
What a disappointment, only could spend the night shopping.
.
