Lisboa - Portugal

After an unforgettable stay in Sevilla; filled with the passionate sounds of Flamenco, a unique architecture, romantic gardens and some delightful food, it was time to head for Portugal.  First stop; its capital Lisboa.  This place and its history have always fascinated me and I was keen to put the little Portuguese I knew to the test.  I expected some of the locals would speak some Spanish but was quite surprised to meet quite a few who spoke French.  This I found out is due to the large number of Portuguese tradesmen (principally in the building industry) who have spent some time working in France.

Monastery of Jeronimos

The Bull Ring - Campo Pequeno

I had a few things I wanted to do while in Portugal; sample their famous cod dishes, discover the Alfama district; the famous old quarter of the city, listen to some Fado, the traditional Portuguese musical expression and wander the streets of this legendary city.

Triumphal Arch in Comercio Square

Lisboa Architecture

Lisboa is the capital and the largest city of Portugal, with a population of around 2.7 million people.  It is situated on the northern banks of the River Tagus (Rio Tejo).  The river established Lisboa as a major Roman port with its estuary providing good protection from the Atlantic Ocean.

Discovering the Streets of Lisboa

 Interesting Balcony display

Lisboa is one of the oldest cities in the world and the oldest in Western Europe.  Ruled by a series of Germanic tribes from the 5th century, it was later captured by the Moors.  Prior to the 18th century, Lisboa had experienced several significant earthquakes.  In November 1755, the city was destroyed by another devastating earthquake, which killed an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 residents and destroyed 85 per cent of the city's structures.  After this earthquake, the city was rebuilt largely according to the plans of Prime Minister, The1st Marquess of Pombal.

The Statue of the Marques of Pombal - the Rebuilder of Lisboa

Much has been said about the many remarkable features of the reconstructed Lisboa after this latest earthquake.  I was instantly impressed by the grandeur of its avenues, the imposing columns bearing the notable people who left their marks on the city and the country.  The architecture of some of the buildings was a testimony of the rich history of the city and the open spaces and various green areas were friendly and welcoming.  I was also fascinated by the stunning Black and White mosaic on all the footpaths and public squares.

Statue Near the Rossio Square Fountain

The Impressive Mosaic Displays Are Everywhere



More Mosaic in the City

I Wonder How Much Time This Display Would Have Taken To Complete

During World War II, Lisboa was one of the very few neutral, open European Atlantic ports, a major gateway for refugees to the U.S. and a haven for spies.  More than 100,000 refugees were able to flee Nazi Germany via Lisboa.

We went on the traditional form of public transport in Lisboa; the tram.  These yellow trams (Line 28 is the most famous) are not only used by tourist but by many locals as well.  We were repeatedly told to watch out for pickpockets.  We couldn’t resist taking a ride on a small motorised open-air taxis (similar to the ones you find in some Asian countries).  It was a lot of fun to zoom in the streets and get a closer feel of the moment and the place.

The Famous Line 28 Lisboa Tram

The Other Famous Mode of Transport in Lisboa

Whether it was the cod dishes, pastries, wines or freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning for breakfast, all the foods I tried left me very impressed.  I was also particularly taken by the caring approach that Portuguese restaurants have about the food they serve.

Grilled Cod and Steamed Vegetables - Simple but Delicious

Portuguese Pastries

Lisboa, is a city also known for its soulful Fado music.  Fado is what it is to be Portuguese.  There were various places where Fado was performed.  Rather than opting for one of the many outlets that offer this kind of entertainment, we chose the theatre.  I hadn’t heard much Fado and didn’t know much about it either.  The 90-minute show was an absolute delight.  A lot of emotion and musical talent go into Fado and what attracted me most was the elegance of its language and the depth of the emotions.  There is a huge difference between Flamenco and Fado; two musical expressions from two countries located next to each other and with so much history in common.

Statue Celebrating the Fado

The Reception Hall of the FadoTheatre 

All in all, an unforgettable two days in Lisboa.  I would like to return there one day.  Our next destination; the medieval town of Obidos.

Cadiz - Spain

We left Gibraltar behind and headed to Cádiz.  The luxuriant vegetation and green fields as we drove reminded me more of French Normandy than Spain.  Quite a change from the drier countryside I had seen so far during this trip.  I also noticed a heavy concentration of Parasol Pines everywhere along the road.  After a pleasant and sunny drive, the city suddenly appeared.  We only spent a few hours there but it was sufficient time to discover the place and to sample some of its astronomical delights.

The City of Cadiz

Cadiz Central Square



Cádiz, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain stands on a peninsula jutting out into a bay, and is almost entirely surrounded by water.  It was named Gadir by the Phoenicians, who founded their trading post there in 1100 BC.  It was later controlled by the Carthaginians, until it became a thriving Roman port.  It sank into oblivion under the Visigoths and Moors, but attained great splendour in the early 16th century as a launching point for the journey to the new lands of America.   Christopher Columbus sailed from Cádiz on his second and fourth voyages.   In the early 19th century Cádiz became the bastion of Spain's anti-monarchist, liberal movement.  The city has been a principal home port of the Spanish Navy since the 18th century.

Plaza San Juan de Dios - The Town Hall



Cadiz Architecture

Cádiz is, in most respects, a typically Andalusian city.  The older part of the city is commonly referred to as the Old Town.  It looks quite Moorish in appearance with its narrow cobbled streets opening onto small squares.  The city is dotted with numerous parks where exotic plants including giant trees supposedly brought to Spain by Columbus from the New World flourish.

The Narrow Streets of the Old Part of Cadiz

One of the Many Parks in Cadiz

In recent years, the city has undergone much reconstruction.  Many monuments, cathedrals, and landmarks have been cleaned and restored.  One of Cádiz's most famous landmarks is its cathedral.  It sits on the site of an older cathedral, which burned down in 1596.  The reconstruction of the new cathedral was not started until 1776, and was built over a period of 116 years.

The Cadiz Cathedral



The Main Entrance of the Cadiz Cathedral

As we wandered the streets, we ran into a wedding.  The guests all were waiting outside the church for the wedding party which arrived in a vintage car.  In typical Spanish fashion, no one objected my joining the crowd and taking some shots of the event.  They were even thrilled to know that the wedding images would make it all the way to Australia.

The Wedding Guests Waiting for the Bridal Party



The Bride and her father Arriving at the Church



Happy Smiles for the Special Day

I also visited a market place where a large noisy crowd gathers for lunch every day.  The people all stand around small tables and do what Spanish people do best; talk incessantly, eat great food and drink the local wine and beer that are served with an amazing speed from the many food outlets; each offering their specialties.

Tasty Lunch at the Market Place



Sharing Good Food with Good Friends

The gastronomy of Cádiz includes a heavenly combination of local seafood and local wine which is unique in Cádiz.  You will find there some of the best and freshest fish and shellfish in the world.  They are best eaten as simply cooked as possible: plain boiled shellfish (from tiny prawns up to lobsters), grilled or baked whole fish such as bass or bream, or deep fried with a light flour coating.

Fresh Seafood at the Market



Fresh Tuna

In most of the popular eating places which are heavily frequented by the locals, you have to squeeze in, claw your way along the seafood display, order by weight at the bar, and eat standing up if necessary.  The staff is funny and fast, and the food –squid, stuffed spider crabs, baby sole, langoustines etc.  is simply delicious.

Clients Waiting for Their Table



The Take away section of the Restaurant

We had lunch in one of these places.  The fresh tasty seafood, the noise of the bustling crowds inside, the sounds of a jazz quartet playing just outside the restaurant, the staff running with huge platters of piping hot food, the smells of the kitchen, local wine and beer and the typical Spanish atmosphere all contributed to a most memorable and delicious experience.

Assorted Fried Seafood for Lunch - Yumm

The Jazz Quartet Outside the Restaurant

 Thank you for visiting my blog, I look forward to your company at the next post.

Malaga - Spain

Our next stop was Málaga, the gateway to southern Spain and the Costa del Sol; the birthplace of painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso and actor Antonio Banderas.  It is a hectic city of nearly 600,000 people.  Boasting one of the best climates in Europe, Málaga is now one of Spain’s hottest cultural, gastronomic and leisure destinations.  The port and beach area, with its Michelin star restaurants, cocktail bars, fashion boutiques, and beaches are all coming together to offer its visitors destination of excellence.

The City Centre of Malaga



Malaga - view from the Castle

Málaga lies on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.  It is the second most populous city of Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain.  There is an impressive number of places and monuments to visit, including the 11th-century Alcazaba fort and the Picasso Museum.  The old city is a haven for gourmets with countless taverns and bistros, each with good food and great wines.

Entry to the Picasso Museum

 Information Plaque

Picasso's Birth Place

Málaga's history spans about 2,800 years.  It was founded by the Phoenicians as Malaka about 770 BC.  From 218 BC it was ruled by the Romans.  After the fall of the empire it was under Islamic domination for 800 years.  In 1487 it again came under Christian rule.

Moorish Garden and Bitter Orange Trees

The Architecture - apartments...

Malaga Architecture

Our daytime visit started with the bullfighting ring and its museum.  I neither condemn nor condone this kind of entertainment and the cruelty it inflicts on the animals.  I simply look at it as one of the country’s traditions and went there to get a better appreciation of what the Corrida is all about.  As such, the museum was a very informative part of my stay in Málaga.  The costumes and the folklore that go with this practice were fascinating.  We then took a walk around, marvelling at all the sights, the sounds and the smells of this incredibly beautiful and friendly city.

The Makaga Bull Fighting Ring - Spain

The costume on display

The Bull Fighter's Traditional Costume



Leisurely Promenade in Malaga

One of many decorated balconies in Malaga - Spain

Decorated Balcony in Malaga

One of the many “Must See” places is the Alcazaba; a Moorish fortress set high on a hill overlooking the city.  We reached that place with the city tour bus, which drops visitors off and picks them up at various points right through the day.  On the way, the bus passed by of Málaga’s trendy suburbs with each house more elegant than the next one.  The breath-taking views from the ancient walled fortress that look out across the city and out to the Mediterranean Sea certainly made this visit extra special.

The Alcazaba Fortress

 The fortress and gardens..


The Gardens Inside the Fortress

Málaga’s Renaissance Cathedral has a dominating presence in the heart of the old town.  Construction started in 1528 after the city was conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella, and finished in 1782.

The Malaga Cathedral

 The Malaga Cathedral -  view from the side


Another view of the Cathedral

At night time, the city takes on a new look.  Lights everywhere, streets bustling with music, exuberant people everywhere and an infectious sense of “Joie de Vivre” wherever we went.  We spotted a restaurant where Flamenco was performed at night and decided it would be the place to have dinner and enjoy a taste of what Southern Spain entertainment is all about.  We weren’t disappointed.  The food was superb and the show a true reflection of the passion and fire that runs in the veins of the people from this most remarkable place.

Malaga Centre by night

 The city colours.


Business building in Malaga

The Flamenco Restaurant and dancer...

The Flamenco Restaurant's interior

 The Flamenco troupe on stage...

The Flamenco Troupe

 The passionate and fiery dance...

Strength, timing and the passion of Flamenco...

The Flamenco Dancer

 The beauty of the dancer


The passion of the Flamenco

Málaga is now one of the foremost gastronomical destinations in Spain.  From humble tapas to high class restaurants, it is worth visiting the city, just to savour its food scene, much of which using the smaller fish (anchovies, mullet, mackerel) as well as shellfish and on typical recipes such as gazpacho.

Fresh Clams and Lemon Juice

More glorious food...

Grilled Prawns and Sea Salt

There are 15 beaches within Malaga’s city limits.  The beaches are clean, family-friendly and accessible, with restaurant and bars offering everything from traditional Pescaito Malagueño (fried mixed fish), to Moroccan-style couscous and mint tea.

One of the beaches in Malaga

The beaches

The view of the beach from our Restaurant

We had a memorable lunch at a restaurant overlooking the beach.  Between the food and the view, we could have stayed there for ages; it was simply perfect.

Our Restaurant by the beach

Delicious food

Vinegar battered fish pieces

Along with Malaga's emerging food scene, there is a wine tradition that dates back to the Phoenicians.  Best known for its sweet wines made from the Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez grape varieties; one mustn't go home without visiting one of Malaga's traditional wine bodegas.