Lisbon Tour Day 2

Yesterday we took the Red Line hop-on hop-off bus tour. Today let’s head off on the Blue Line tour.

Both tours start at the same place

…so we know how to get there this time! Ready? Let’s go!

This time we head south (towards the river), passing through what seems to be a residential area.

Quite lovely architecture, isn’t it.

And then past public buildings where we are treated to a bird’s eye view of the very ornate carvings. Very European  isn’t it.

The trolley system converges down here by the river

Heading east along the river we travel a long distance…I did not realize how large Lisbon was! But quite frankly, very little has enticed us to get off at any of the stops.

But wait…what’s this!

(Hint: Click on the photo to enlarge it.)

Yes, that is a cable car system in the background.

Modern design…nay, futuristic design.

This does not fit my vision of Portugal!

We learn this is the Portugal Pavilion built for Expo 98 (a World Trade Fair held in Lisbon in 1998). That graceful span between the two buildings is actually made from tons of concrete! and was designed to represent sailcloth used on the Portuguese sailing ships that made Portugal a leading trading nation in the 1600’s.

Welcome to the Parques das Nacoes (Park of Nations).

This was the site of Expo 98 and now is a trendy, active area. The whole site is a shock to the senses as it contrasts so much with traditional Lisbon…I love the juxtaposition!

The area is quite large so this “little train” helps tourists get an overview of the grounds. Note the Portuguese pavement (see, I am learning!)

The Expo 98 park was inspired by/designed around the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s 1498 arrival in India and the direct trade routes that created. So, it is logical that there are several buildings here bearing his name.

Vasco da Gama Tower

(what is it with the stylized trees?)

and the Vasco de Gama Bridge…….the longest bridge in Europe.

This bridge (built over the widest part of the Tagus River ) opened just in time for Expo 98.

Remember my comment about stylized trees?

How about these?

They are part of the Oriente (east) Station …

 housing a bus terminal, a subway stop, and a train station.

In Portuguese…Gare do Oriente.

Next stop, the Lisbon airport. This is the only hop-on hop-off bus tour we have been on in all our travels that stops at the airport!

And what do we have here?

Of course, the Jardim Zoologico (Lisbon’s zoo)

 Oh, I recognize this from yesterday’s red line tour…El Cortes Ingles, a huge Spanish based shopping mall.So that must mean we are almost back at our starting point at the Marquis of Pombal Square.

Hungry anyone?

See more of Portugal…click here.

and/or

See more of the world…click here.

Happy Travels!