Lisbon
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Brrr! As a gnome, this 16.53°C Lisbon weather feels more like 15.96°C to my stony skin! Few clouds? More like a gnome’s convention in the sky. With the wind zipping around at 12.35 m/s, my red hat nearly took off – I’d have been a gnome satellite! And don’t even get me started on the humidity… it’s at 66%! I’m rusting faster than a forgotten watering can! Ah, the trials of a globetrotting gnome! But hey, can’t let a little weather dampen my spirits, right? Onward!
Lisbon’s Gnome-coming Roundabout
But let’s focus on the bright side. As they say here, “Não há mal que por bem não venha” (Every cloud has a silver lining). During my circular tour, I stumbled upon an intriguing little corner of the city that I would’ve missed otherwise. Nestled in the heart of Lisbon, I found a park filled with hundreds of gnomes! Can you believe it? A gathering of my brethren in a city park! It was like a mini gnome United Nations.
But let me tell you, some of those gnomes could use a change of scenery. Just like the famous Portuguese song goes, “Saudade, só os simples podem sentir; Saudade, só os nobres podem ter.” (Saudade, only the simple can feel; Saudade, only the noble can possess.) It’s a longing for something that’s been lost, and I saw a lot of that in their painted eyes.
Now, let’s not forget our journey stats: We’ve been on the road for 3 days, traveled a total of 31.9 kilometers, and our recent stops include: Cabo da Roca, Lisbon, Lisbon again, and Alverca do Ribatejo.
Until our next adventure, remember: “A vida é uma viagem, não um destino.” (Life is a journey, not a destination.) Stay curious and keep exploring, my friends!
Wandering Lisbon’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Prowess
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Lisbon.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Fado, Frills, and Nostalgic Thrills!
Fernando Pessoa, one of Portugal’s greatest poets, once said, “Minha pátria é a língua portuguesa“, which translates to “My homeland is the Portuguese language”. This love for the language is palpable in every corner of Lisbon, especially in the iconic Alfama district, where the soulful tunes of fado echo through the narrow streets.
The city also boasts the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortress was built in the 16th century during the Age of Discoveries, when Portugal led the world in maritime exploration. Its richly decorated limestone exterior, featuring motifs of the sea, hints at Portugal’s glorious past.
As I wander through Lisbon, I can’t help but echo the sentiments of the famous Portuguese composer Carlos Paredes: “Com que então Lisboa, minha cidade“, meaning, “So it’s you, Lisbon, my city”. And what a city it is, full of history, culture, and a language that sings.
Alfama: Moor Baths, More History!
In the heart of Lisbon lies a historical marvel, the Alfama District. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of a Moorish past. Following the Christian Reconquest in the 12th century, it became home to the city’s fishermen and poor. The district’s name derives from the Arabic “Al-hamma”, which means ‘baths’ or ‘fountains’. A famous local phrase is “Quem não viu Lisboa, não viu coisa boa” (Who hasn’t seen Lisbon, hasn’t seen something good). The Alfama’s resilience is legendary. It withstood the devastating 1755 earthquake and stands today as a testament to the city’s indomitable spirit. So, when in Lisbon, make sure to get lost in Alfama’s time-worn alleyways, where history lives in every brick and cobblestone.
Gnome’s Eye on Lisbon
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 