Olá Portugal - Lisbon, part 1

We've been back for few weeks, but here is a recap of Portugal Revisited. That is, I was revisiting and poor Luke had to listen to non-stop mission stories. I'm serious. I think Luke knows as much about my missionary experience as I do. He was very patient, and if he got tired of my ramble, I never suspected.

Pedestrian-only street in the Baixa.

This is where we stayed, Pensao Geres. It was very typically Portuguese. The smell, the bed, the religious art, the low pressure shower, 100% tile bathroom. It wasn't super comfortable, but it was a great location and it was super fun to feel like I was really in Lisbon again.

Luke and I are in front of Marques de Pombal which was part of my second area. My companion and I used to run around this park. It was so fun to be back in my old areas. Definitely my favorite part of the trip.

The church I went to in my second area. Luke was kind enough to tramp all over Lisbon in search of the church. I forgot to bring the address and couldn't remember how to get there. The mission president used to live above the church, but they've made that floor part of the church now. Strange.

In Belem with Cristo Rei in the background.

Belem monument memorializing Portuguese great discoveries. Go medieval Portugal.

On top of Belem tower.

Metro!

Lisbon is pretty in a sort of shabby way. I think the way they build their buildings makes them fall apart really fast or something.

In Alfama. It's a really old, quaint neighborhood right in the city. There are no cars and no city noises. Narrow streets, plenty of old ladies looking out the window or hanging laundry and plenty of old men standing in groups talking about soccer. The smell of soup and freshly mopped marble entry ways. Portugal at its truest.

I thought the olive grove at Jeronimos was breathtaking. I wish I were a photographer.

On the walls of Jeronimos, a big old castle in Lisbon. The sister missionaries took this pic. P-day.