tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33808570824704644052024-03-04T20:02:46.261-08:00Raerayreyraerayreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688558522470931441noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380857082470464405.post-45836507152086850192020-05-02T09:51:00.001-07:002020-10-28T18:13:49.668-07:00Experience Shirakawa-go 白川郷 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6UMTvGsATuJXdnuNMyKyXz7i4x3XxaLpDYZbsgtag2c_d5KBjdnQoXuC7mY9qhQ96Way6n8L1JyXP8qvhmO4VgToieQETxx7HE1O-yZmJ5txs1WEjUy8rMFrDyIRulNyuxgBmkWvzC0/s1600/L1070224-36.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6UMTvGsATuJXdnuNMyKyXz7i4x3XxaLpDYZbsgtag2c_d5KBjdnQoXuC7mY9qhQ96Way6n8L1JyXP8qvhmO4VgToieQETxx7HE1O-yZmJ5txs1WEjUy8rMFrDyIRulNyuxgBmkWvzC0/s640/L1070224-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirakawa-go's Ogimachi village from the observation deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Every year, the snow-covered picture of this village appears on my social media feed. Something about the photo has me drawn to the place and wishes that I could someday go there and see the snow-covered village myself. Many years later, while brainstorming our next annual trip, an idea for a trip to Japan came up. After experiencing Kansai area during late spring many years ago, we have always wanted to go back and explore other parts of Japan. We've decided on Tokyo and the area around it (of course Mt. Fuji was on the list). The date have been fixed for winter, around January. Yes, it's one of the coldest time of the year but with the cold means possibly less tourist. Winter...cold...snow?! Hey, it's the perfect time to see Shirakawa-go covered in feets of snow! I must somehow include that in the trip!<br />
<br />
After wrestling with our schedule and itinerary, a short trip to Shirakawa-go was squeezed in to our 12 days itinerary. Shirakawa-go stands in a remote area in the Gifu and Toyama Prefecture on the western coast of Japan (Tokyo in the east). Making it harder, the village can only be access by buses from a small number of small cities. With the limited number of buses going to the village per day and the trains getting to the small cities to board the bus, it is impossible to get there in one day.<br />
<br />
We naturally had to pick one of the cities to stay the night and board the Shirakawa-go bus the next day. Kanazawa was then chosen as our stopover since its a direct Shinkanzen train ride from Tokyo and one of the major cities of that area.<br />
<br />
Plane tickets booked, hotels booked, JR Rail Pass bought, Shirakawa-go tickets booked we are ready for the trip!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZhuDHdOm9SLTAqh4ePKKO1hoXSZYtcg3wdpCTuniAPZWxgaR9cB9xPG15wzAygu-wK4EPMF5kptzK2ZpDEdFWd28gUKwqnDlThGr3N8Kk_Zdi5zUCcE536M1qQ1cDMaV3Tc7TxUjcU0/s1600/L1070239-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZhuDHdOm9SLTAqh4ePKKO1hoXSZYtcg3wdpCTuniAPZWxgaR9cB9xPG15wzAygu-wK4EPMF5kptzK2ZpDEdFWd28gUKwqnDlThGr3N8Kk_Zdi5zUCcE536M1qQ1cDMaV3Tc7TxUjcU0/s640/L1070239-39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
From Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go is about a hour and a half by bus. The bus tickets can be purchased one month in advance of the departure date. And since winter is a popular time for people to visit the village because of the "light up event" I heard that bus tickets can be sold out. We picked a weekday so we could avoid the crowd of tourist who flocks to see the light up event.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, when we arrived in Kanazawa we learnt through our guest house owner that there has been no snowfall this year yet, not even in Shirakawa-go. It's an unusual situation, but we all know what is to blame. My heart dropped for a moment when I realized that I will never get to see the snow-covered village of Shirakawa-go that I've been dying and came all the way over to see. But the trip must go on. Although there won't be snow, the village of Shirakawa-go still stands as one of the world's UNESCO World Heritage site.<br />
<br />
We departed Kanazawa early morning on the first bus and headed towards the mountains. The weather that day was forecasted to have thick fog, so driving into the foggy mountain adds the suspense feeling to the excitement. The bus passes through many tunnels that cuts through mountains and hills. The fog was so thick that the only thing we could see was a few feet of empty road in front of us.<br />
<br />
After a short nap, I woke up to the bus exiting to what looks like a small highway. The bus starts descending into the valley, and there my first glimpse of what looks like a village appeared among the fog.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LWcBx0J9CKVh5Ud_81xerR7BueCCzzAUi2cguulQJPuQJECyDbSUXSPq_ipzgvRyZ_QDtMOMZS-6GoTVoT5pP8bq7yxkG_IfC3gTFwWIOYaB-nF0hIg70mRGAA6Z2dHHboYegdGw1_4/s1600/L1070272-47.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LWcBx0J9CKVh5Ud_81xerR7BueCCzzAUi2cguulQJPuQJECyDbSUXSPq_ipzgvRyZ_QDtMOMZS-6GoTVoT5pP8bq7yxkG_IfC3gTFwWIOYaB-nF0hIg70mRGAA6Z2dHHboYegdGw1_4/s640/L1070272-47.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Gasscho-style farmhouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqn0knMmxNBVbNAoml1Mg5UNYcGxsW9q0Ow3nnMiKJMF_zcPDBlFhf7NfuA8TeYVroehy7DtGhOt2j_JLb7eIVWuNliSFVrW3Jd0AyhUVvobMRQ8nmB44w1I9gdwU1TNTNcOjJX2CvVE/s1600/1070275.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqn0knMmxNBVbNAoml1Mg5UNYcGxsW9q0Ow3nnMiKJMF_zcPDBlFhf7NfuA8TeYVroehy7DtGhOt2j_JLb7eIVWuNliSFVrW3Jd0AyhUVvobMRQ8nmB44w1I9gdwU1TNTNcOjJX2CvVE/s640/1070275.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly replaced Gassho Roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span>We arrived at Ogimachi, the largest of the three villages that makes up shirakawa-go. Tucked away in a river valley surrounded by endless mountain peaks and lush green forest, people here having been living their lives in harmony with nature that surrounds them. The village's unique farm house's Gassho-style roof was built to withstand the environment that surrounds the village, especially the heavy snowfall during the winter.</span><br />
<span><br />
Walking around the village takes you back in time before technology took over our lives. Life in the village during the 11th century revolved around forging from what the surrounding has to offer and farming crops off the land. As the day goes by, the quiet main street gets filled with tourist who were brought here buses after buses. The main street of the village started coming alive as local started setting up their businesses for the day. Some of these tradition farm houses are open to the public so you can get a glimpse of what life was like living inside one of these houses. </span><br />
<span><br />
On the main street, there is also a bus that takes you up to the observation deck where you can see the entire area of the village and see how remotely isolated the village really is. </span><br />
<span><br />
After half a day of exploring every possible little area of the village and filling our stomach with snacks and homemade soba from the local restaurant, it was time for us to depart and head back to Tokyo. As the bus departs the valley, the village fades away into the mountains and awaits for the next group of explorer to come experience it....</span><br />
<br />
<br />raerayreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688558522470931441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380857082470464405.post-56853619776100876402017-03-02T03:35:00.000-08:002019-08-05T22:20:13.112-07:00Travel Guide | Kansai, Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihObQ3w-Jt1Aobai-fCb2yYHL8UH1FlrmjHJ23MwZPXF355u7-GB_M7pKw-6col36agmYPbYVfUDi_eRVBjtzF35HMKOaW9xHGXqWanJNNe3vK3F47qZBi64vJ_FEAIGttXBX8pCsLKCs/s1600/kansai_japan_title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihObQ3w-Jt1Aobai-fCb2yYHL8UH1FlrmjHJ23MwZPXF355u7-GB_M7pKw-6col36agmYPbYVfUDi_eRVBjtzF35HMKOaW9xHGXqWanJNNe3vK3F47qZBi64vJ_FEAIGttXBX8pCsLKCs/s640/kansai_japan_title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Last year in April, I visited Kansai region for the second time. The first time I visited the Japan was almost 10 years ago with a guided tour. This time, I'm back on my own (with a friend), traveling through Kyoto, Otsu, Nara, Kobe, and Osaka for 10 days. I arrived at the end of the cherry blossom season and right before Japan's big holiday, Golden Week. Yes, it was intentional, I wanted to avoid the crowd of tourist coming to see the cherry blossom in the area and also avoid the crowd of locals traveling on their holiday.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>About Kansai Region</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlhhOL4pgwJm_bFEuz7SSlFZXDATN8EhFao9XlQNvfHeYfpNFnaqE1PaI7Os1KkbcZKn8p0E8IeqIeDgueq66oVm8B7GId20OaseRj3kR7YzpdOXrLa9aHM8VDFQuUJyzSlzB2fG8QHA/s1600/1105_1701.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlhhOL4pgwJm_bFEuz7SSlFZXDATN8EhFao9XlQNvfHeYfpNFnaqE1PaI7Os1KkbcZKn8p0E8IeqIeDgueq66oVm8B7GId20OaseRj3kR7YzpdOXrLa9aHM8VDFQuUJyzSlzB2fG8QHA/s640/1105_1701.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1105.html)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><br /></u>
Kansai Region is located to the southwest of Tokyo. It consist of 7 prefecture (equivalent of a district). The 4 biggest cities in the region are Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara. Kyoto was the old capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 until it was moved to Tokyo. Osaka is the second largest area second to Tokyo. Nara was Japan's first permanent capital, established in the year 710. Being the first permanent capital of Japan, many of Japan's oldest and largest temples can be found here. Kobe is one of Japan's top 10 largest cities. Kobe is a port city, among the first to be open to foreign traders in the 19th century (<a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1105.html">Source</a>). Kansai Region is known for its well preserved nature. The region has more UNESCO World Heritage listing than any region in Japan.<br />
<br />
<u>Getting Around</u><br />
<br />
There are many, I repeat MANY different kind of passes for your convenient travel in the Kansai region. <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_03.html">Japan-guide.com</a> will list the different passes you could purchase for travel in this region. However, I would have to say that getting these passes won't guarantee that you would save money. You would need a clear plan of your travel in the region and a lot of research on transportation in the area.<br />
<br />
For instance, I mostly stayed in Kyoto and Osaka during my travel, I did some research on public transportation in those two cities. I researched how to get around the cities and the available passes I could purchase. I have compiled some of the passes that would be of use during my travel below. Note that I did <b>not </b>use<b> </b>all of these passes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV4ZYfYwuUeEuOxLy-nvVCo8tg2YOGFGMb6-x1nFECUP_zZomzTe6Aewwc7seQZES2SYoeAVW-3keeeQTM6mICNzZGvUB4GUnFjs8gsyvz1sU0QHV_dgqlQpEevKvXlkMPt8dRVD85VI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-25+at+21.02.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV4ZYfYwuUeEuOxLy-nvVCo8tg2YOGFGMb6-x1nFECUP_zZomzTe6Aewwc7seQZES2SYoeAVW-3keeeQTM6mICNzZGvUB4GUnFjs8gsyvz1sU0QHV_dgqlQpEevKvXlkMPt8dRVD85VI/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-25+at+21.02.25.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the tourist passes for Kyoto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf2UzuZTaaWoAU0Kbk7zCBNKOHPT9ahDRi9EHMcrIM7d7TLMwayqDhxGH0JDJUkMb2Sy6xULxqbVaB8HunY08VOqJ_uONKb9JcNutFYayQu3Ylbf9zBxFHXOCu8nhBTX-0LVHrYkmmlg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-25+at+21.02.34.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf2UzuZTaaWoAU0Kbk7zCBNKOHPT9ahDRi9EHMcrIM7d7TLMwayqDhxGH0JDJUkMb2Sy6xULxqbVaB8HunY08VOqJ_uONKb9JcNutFYayQu3Ylbf9zBxFHXOCu8nhBTX-0LVHrYkmmlg/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-25+at+21.02.34.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the tourist passes for Osaka<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For getting to any of the 4 cities from the airport I recommend getting the Icoca Haruka Package 1-way ticket which comes with the train ticket from Kansai Airport to any of the 4 major cities and a ¥2000 yen loaded Icoca (Kansai area reloadable transportation card). This pass can be purchased from the JR office located at the train station across from the airport. Note that the price in the chart is for trips from Kansai airport (KIX) to Kyoto. Prices for other cities varies. More information on this pass can be found <a href="https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/">Here</a>.<br />
<br />
For those of you who plans to travel to multiple cities I recommend getting the Kansai-Thru pass. Depending on how many cities you are planning to visit you can either get the 2 day or the 3 day pass. The pass can be use on trains and buses in Kansai area. You could also use it as a discount to enter 350 major tourist attraction in the region. One good thing about this pass is you can use it on non-consecutive days. What do I mean by non-consecutive days? With most multiple day passes, once you activate it, it is valid for the number of days you purchase it (ie. 3-day pass, you activate it on Monday, it will be valid from Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday). However, with non-consecutive, lets say you bought the 3-day pass, you could choose which 3 days you want to active and use it (you can activate it on Monday, Wednesday, Friday). The pass can be purchased from inside the airport (after arrivals) or at the local tourist centers. I would only advice you to buy this pass when you have a clear plan of your visit, and that you plan to visit more than 1 city.<br />
<br />
In Kyoto, I would recommend getting the Kyoto 1-Day bus pass. This can be purchased from the tourist center located in from of Kyoto train station. The bus system in Kyoto is well developed and major attractions can be reached by bus. Map of Kyoto bus <a href="http://www.kanpai-japan.com/travel-guide/guide-kyoto-buses">here</a>. The pass is worth getting if you plan to take the bus more than 3 times. The normal city bus ticket cost ¥230 per trip. However, there is a limit to the pass; the pass is not valid on rural buses and only valid on city bus routes within in the red line (refer to the bus map).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE0McYBE0aCITsx4plD4yai3Pz4J-zMEWEDgWo8q9fDp6tCYDZfd53D2ZD5I_VbhUEnNy4VSDelM7vSCfPXcfjKJhg3vVsL9eT7kG83WXDYwS7O7nq99RpPXqkjbeYzY_9heuACBlaKw/s1600/kyoto-bus-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE0McYBE0aCITsx4plD4yai3Pz4J-zMEWEDgWo8q9fDp6tCYDZfd53D2ZD5I_VbhUEnNy4VSDelM7vSCfPXcfjKJhg3vVsL9eT7kG83WXDYwS7O7nq99RpPXqkjbeYzY_9heuACBlaKw/s640/kyoto-bus-map.jpg" title="Kyoto Transportation System" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyoto Transportation System <a href="http://www.kanpai-japan.com/sites/default/files/uploads/2015/11/kyoto-bus-map.jpg">Full size</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For Osaka, I recommend getting the 1-Day Enjoy Eco-Card. This card can be purchased from the subway station ticket machine. The pass cost ¥800 on weekday and ¥600 on weekends. You could use in on any of Osaka's 8 subway line and bus system for 1 day. Opposite of Kyoto, Osaka's major attraction can be reached through the subway. Subway fare depends the distance you will be traveling, fare ranges from ¥180 for zone 1 to ¥370 for zone 5. The subway map in the station will tell you how much your fare will be to get to your destination. Information on Osaka's transportation system is <a href="http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Fares.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
In Kobe, there is a designated city bus that runs through all the major attraction in the city. The city bus has a tour-guide on board that give you information about each attractions. Individual ticket for each trip cost ¥260 and can be purchased from the tour-guide on the bus. The 1-day pass, which allows you unlimited trips on the bus for 1 day, cost ¥660. The pass is worth it if you plan to visit 3 or more stops on the map.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnUvNMRuhZmeE0-dwhm-LvGSpr8N8_5d8N_cxVMBq_lGmgnYAnTVZ6njSg8MD_txtEChMWlqDVzspJ6pZ92osiCOYUnlcT9ojIwlDnOSkqUA36f3un3h0kCl85ONyKwH4Ct_mkwkWc4o/s1600/3l_omote_1604s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnUvNMRuhZmeE0-dwhm-LvGSpr8N8_5d8N_cxVMBq_lGmgnYAnTVZ6njSg8MD_txtEChMWlqDVzspJ6pZ92osiCOYUnlcT9ojIwlDnOSkqUA36f3un3h0kCl85ONyKwH4Ct_mkwkWc4o/s640/3l_omote_1604s.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kobe City bus route. <a href="http://www.kctp.co.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3l_omote_1604s.pdf">full size</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Finally, for those of you who plan to travel to the airport from Osaka, I recommend getting the "Kansai Airport Rapi:t" ticket. This is a ticket to or from Kansai Airport from Namba Train Station. This ticket can be purchased at Nankai Namba Service office (2F) for ¥1,130. Or you could also get the "Osaka City Subway to Kansai Int'l Airport" for ¥1,000. This ticket can be purchase from any ticket machine in Osaka.<br />
<br />
Noting again that in order to make good use of these passes, you need a clear plan of each day you are traveling in the area. To make it simple, you have to out-smart these passes☺. Also these are passes I've found useful for <i>my </i>trip, this may vary according to your own trip.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">💡Note: Some of the discount passes are not available for purchase inside Japan, or is more expensive when you purchase them here. Please check before you depart. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">💡 Tip: The Shinkansen is not needed if you are planning to travel in this region. There are plenty of local train connecting you to different cities in the area. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">❓Help: If you have further questions about transportation or planning, please leave me a question/message.</span>☺<br />
<br />
To be continue ... ⇢<br />
<br />
<br />raerayreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688558522470931441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380857082470464405.post-72724161659526731612017-02-24T11:13:00.001-08:002017-02-24T11:13:34.636-08:00[3 Night 3 Days] in Lisbon, Portugal Part. 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF97OoL7ivbqJ0DczXHYGit3fi-0QZk25PvAvEjU3Je4HhrcAnFPNLolb46ftGIs4cnj0iSFUu18LC5PE5WOrcTfxx3MukoL3H4qt_GFmWDUMlzKQyi8qVzqyKW2yBFs5u16Hd8zdnrf8/s1600/L1030926-158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF97OoL7ivbqJ0DczXHYGit3fi-0QZk25PvAvEjU3Je4HhrcAnFPNLolb46ftGIs4cnj0iSFUu18LC5PE5WOrcTfxx3MukoL3H4qt_GFmWDUMlzKQyi8qVzqyKW2yBFs5u16Hd8zdnrf8/s640/L1030926-158.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful house of Alfama District</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Day 3</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today is my last full day in Lisbon. The last area we explored was the <i>Alfama district, </i>the oldest district in Lisbon. There are many important buildings in this district including: <i>Lisbon Cathedral, Castelo de S. Jorge, National Panthenon, and St. Antony's Church. </i>The district can be reached in 2 ways. One, taking tram 15E or the famous 28 tram. The other way is by your own will-power walking up the steep hill of the district. I took tram 15E from <i>Paça Figueira </i>square, located near <i>Rossio </i>Train Station, to <i>Largo das Portas do Sol </i>Station. Don't worry if you don't know where to get off, just get off at the station everyone else gets off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">💡Tip: Start your day early, especially during the weekends. Tram 28 tends to be more popular than 15E. Both takes you to the same location.</span> <i> </i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6Kphozw3UcAD4cAxjhQrQuRMr3XKsMc6Yex8bs6B6rFj0dUg7r5bFyL-gqk-VSZYe2yxSFn2Uwqiy2x9MN_gifV1bAZTeEIR_x8KP6_fHSfh3180kRenwM8uiXFzHkV9XSqbz_CEdOs/s1600/L1030929-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6Kphozw3UcAD4cAxjhQrQuRMr3XKsMc6Yex8bs6B6rFj0dUg7r5bFyL-gqk-VSZYe2yxSFn2Uwqiy2x9MN_gifV1bAZTeEIR_x8KP6_fHSfh3180kRenwM8uiXFzHkV9XSqbz_CEdOs/s640/L1030929-160.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfama district panoramic view from <i>Portas Do Sol</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After getting off the tram (15E) at the top of the hill, you will be struck with the amazing view of the Alfama district. There are two view points where you can capture the panoramic view of the district. <i>Portas Do Sol </i>and <i>Miradouro de Santa Luzia, </i>both with the same panoramic view in slightly different angle. I prefer <i>Miradouro de Santa Luzia </i>because there is a little balcony-like sitting area to enjoy the view.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbXPjX7BB5qh_f2cxlmcebLvHQeRbLXUNHUdD9fVg1Mwdxhcx0B7IANnPoPnvxRhCLTVJ8s5S0rQhSdUSevGY5idtsqxmfCnEn6z62Xpl3p-EtB_uArk8NdsNdVGk5_W0yTLoAUt7Q-s/s1600/alfamadoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbXPjX7BB5qh_f2cxlmcebLvHQeRbLXUNHUdD9fVg1Mwdxhcx0B7IANnPoPnvxRhCLTVJ8s5S0rQhSdUSevGY5idtsqxmfCnEn6z62Xpl3p-EtB_uArk8NdsNdVGk5_W0yTLoAUt7Q-s/s640/alfamadoor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute doors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next we head up the hill toward <i>Castelo de S. Jorge </i>(St. Jorge Castle). The castle has been standing on the hill for more than 400 years. However, most of the castle has been restored during the 1920s, so not everything is original, but it's still charming. Entrance fee was €8.50 for adult. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go inside. I'll definitely comeback for it when I get a chance. In the castle you can get an even better panoramic view of Lisbon. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ_0Nhx4hUdWQzboscXX7l3BkZm97E4Rcy8wIihEUeYHUfb00xBAgLLVN8khegdsTxCNmy1vCbBr_KzyMMhmBIq9uNgTA-KAEG3a7TPu740Lhjz5SfNvSujmKLkefB8xFft-E78KYh90/s1600/L1030951-179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ_0Nhx4hUdWQzboscXX7l3BkZm97E4Rcy8wIihEUeYHUfb00xBAgLLVN8khegdsTxCNmy1vCbBr_KzyMMhmBIq9uNgTA-KAEG3a7TPu740Lhjz5SfNvSujmKLkefB8xFft-E78KYh90/s640/L1030951-179.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many alleys in the area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I walked around the area surrounding the castle. The castle is surrounded by many colorful houses. I could spend literally hours here admiring the houses here, especially the doors and decorations. Unlike other cities, houses here are painted in pastel tone color. Some houses were also decorated with colorful tiles. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkphbsE4cizMBUtyDAkyWt432-oWn2I88rV8_aT4u6CuV9uOcHvItHug3kc3CtjRi3s7VKmi8gEIAzOcAX_UxpzNKGKsud-aQifn6kKxRmUXfSxqYH3UTtrAkNnMmewUXXOSci7SpXuxA/s1600/L1030975-193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkphbsE4cizMBUtyDAkyWt432-oWn2I88rV8_aT4u6CuV9uOcHvItHug3kc3CtjRi3s7VKmi8gEIAzOcAX_UxpzNKGKsud-aQifn6kKxRmUXfSxqYH3UTtrAkNnMmewUXXOSci7SpXuxA/s640/L1030975-193.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As you descent down from the top of the hill you will find <i>Lisbon Cathedral. </i>This is the oldest church in Lisbon. The church has gone through many reconstruction due to earthquakes that happen in Lisbon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQv1L0nj4uyvUQI326ta1Mk4yPSwAAsugk-JKV_pZrDNdr-rQHajnaCXtlOYu1OGea_8oe20OP7LGX6ulXMI4-Q3t5Lt2W_vqtKMz1VZdGnNMz4-T7fdFHorhK4sTo1CamcxLyO7j6s8/s1600/L1030983-199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQv1L0nj4uyvUQI326ta1Mk4yPSwAAsugk-JKV_pZrDNdr-rQHajnaCXtlOYu1OGea_8oe20OP7LGX6ulXMI4-Q3t5Lt2W_vqtKMz1VZdGnNMz4-T7fdFHorhK4sTo1CamcxLyO7j6s8/s640/L1030983-199.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Praça do Comércio and King José Statue</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF0nLCkYQepey7AGssLUDHG7aFm5kUW4qHv_XVC0PRcfep6MYLPgEMOreBkItpMhyphenhyphenvwwZL7pMV403nMfduO9BqmUMUW9NdkrXxHbFFVuLYS3vyWSuNKomd-_Tr_KBc5al73vCUOTKhq0/s1600/L1030995-208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF0nLCkYQepey7AGssLUDHG7aFm5kUW4qHv_XVC0PRcfep6MYLPgEMOreBkItpMhyphenhyphenvwwZL7pMV403nMfduO9BqmUMUW9NdkrXxHbFFVuLYS3vyWSuNKomd-_Tr_KBc5al73vCUOTKhq0/s640/L1030995-208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arco da Rua Augusta</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just about a 5 minute walk from the Cathedral, we reached the main plaza area, <i>Praça do Comércio. </i>In the past this plaza serves as the main trading plaza for merchants. In the middle of the plaza is the status of King José. Behind the status is the <i>Arco da Rua Augusta </i>arch. Pass the arch is the main shopping street of Lisbon. We moved our accommodation today to be close to the red metro line, which runs directly to the airport. Our plane was at 10:00am the next day.<br />
<br />
<u>Egg Tarts</u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15blvsXmkzaxDxX5I0G_OVCvq6oVv1xgZH13kTXLbdQMG_1mPKqPTgiq9iDzUnL2N3zlX5cHUkTsBI3g5VoBDY88K9vJ8K_LyDY_tCIT3b6a-6Pb5vXIW3CYtlqG5gOyuHtNBAq0mfJo/s1600/L1030748-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15blvsXmkzaxDxX5I0G_OVCvq6oVv1xgZH13kTXLbdQMG_1mPKqPTgiq9iDzUnL2N3zlX5cHUkTsBI3g5VoBDY88K9vJ8K_LyDY_tCIT3b6a-6Pb5vXIW3CYtlqG5gOyuHtNBAq0mfJo/s400/L1030748-31.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;">Pastéis de Belém</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Ranking: </b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: These are my personal opinion. I only tried 4 different bakery. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
1. <i>Pastéis de Belém</i><br />
2. <i>Fábrica da Nata</i><br />
3. <i>Manteigaria Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata</i><br />
4. <i>Confeitaria Nacional</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Pastéis de Belém</i><br />
The egg tart here is the least sweet among the 4 places. It has a thick and crunchy outer crust. The inside custard has slightly firm texture. This bakery comes in first because of its not-too-sweet custard filling.<br />
<i>Fábrica da Nata</i><br />
This bakery's egg tart has a thinner flaky crust compare to the above bakery, the custard is also slightly runnier. The crust here has a light salty taste which cuts down the sweetness of the custard.<br />
<i>Manteigaria Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata</i><br />
This bakery adds cinnamon to their custard. The crust is similar to <i>Pastéis de Belém, </i>thick and crunchy. This bakery came in third because its was slightly too sweet for my taste but I really liked the cinnamon in the custard filling.<br />
<i>Confeitaria Nacional</i><br />
This bakery's egg tart is the sweetest out of all the bakery on the list, hence it's 4th place.<br />
<br />
End✈...<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />raerayreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688558522470931441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380857082470464405.post-90415617591213867782017-02-10T05:41:00.000-08:002019-09-11T19:15:34.581-07:00[3 Night 3 Days] in Lisbon, Portugal Part. 2<br />
<u>Day 2</u><br />
<br />
Today we're heading west toward the end of continental Europe. We're spending our day in <i>Sintra </i>and <i>Cascais.</i> We started off our morning trying another egg tart bakery. <i>Manteigaria Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata. </i>This place was recommended by a friend who has visited Lisbon before. We bought a total of 8 egg tarts (2 for each person) to take on our journey to <i>Sintra</i>. We actually missed the train and had an hour to spare. It was a 20 minute trip from <i>Rossio Train Station</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr8ufPJDyvbDvfHooCz8HONLQTIGt11AYVAXj4eXfaXpr8Tm7cqW3V2aSPZnpaGPxFZ_xUaskR5RTYNP8ai28UAGB7Ukgbt3po6tTLHS4kdpmqDelgsCwjeEoEv0t1UChyZVJCtEcD0g/s1600/L1030808-79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr8ufPJDyvbDvfHooCz8HONLQTIGt11AYVAXj4eXfaXpr8Tm7cqW3V2aSPZnpaGPxFZ_xUaskR5RTYNP8ai28UAGB7Ukgbt3po6tTLHS4kdpmqDelgsCwjeEoEv0t1UChyZVJCtEcD0g/s640/L1030808-79.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;">Manteigaria Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata </i><span style="text-align: start;">egg tarts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To get to the <i>Sintra</i> we had to take the <i>Linha de Sintra </i>line, which departs from <i>Rossio Train Station. </i>Because we plan to visit both <i>Sintra </i>and <i>Cascais</i>, we bought a one day ticket which include return train ticket from Lisbon to and from <i>Sintra</i> or <i>Cascais, </i>and unlimited ride on the local buses. The one-day ticket cost €15. You could also choose to purchase the train and bus ticket separately. Round trip train ticket to and from <i>Sintra </i>cost €4.30. Buses cost €5 per loop.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkFXBaCXKpjJtiBLV2bvH6v_1jciP13AS_Qw6X8JcYb-gMwL9bxFOPfbVd-7go7a3hY3D19KD7rk0cls6YW2ur6yvCHtJJui_CLhHiiBDpE2bU35hV3Oi5gneVBgDq4v-I_BKGbSGb5w/s1600/L1030811-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkFXBaCXKpjJtiBLV2bvH6v_1jciP13AS_Qw6X8JcYb-gMwL9bxFOPfbVd-7go7a3hY3D19KD7rk0cls6YW2ur6yvCHtJJui_CLhHiiBDpE2bU35hV3Oi5gneVBgDq4v-I_BKGbSGb5w/s640/L1030811-80.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rossio Train Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoOUwUlgvoqj6-ZWvHWPfX21gJ1610_POuwOt98IAGFKmZb-Ntb4VLjaTTtBeHLROSD9C3F50tjgKBSN8KqtLPsyprnubkpIhHelUGyfD8hOMCYvxywzsVXfuln9LvZBH4cqTYlY6QvA/s1600/L1030813-81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoOUwUlgvoqj6-ZWvHWPfX21gJ1610_POuwOt98IAGFKmZb-Ntb4VLjaTTtBeHLROSD9C3F50tjgKBSN8KqtLPsyprnubkpIhHelUGyfD8hOMCYvxywzsVXfuln9LvZBH4cqTYlY6QvA/s640/L1030813-81.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our train to Sintra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Places to see in <i>Sintra</i> includes:<br />
1. <i>Sintra National Palace</i><br />
2. <i>Mours Castle</i><br />
3. <i>Pena Palace</i><br />
4. <i>Quinta da Regaleira</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Because we are also going to <i>Cabo da Roca </i>and <i>Cascais </i>we had to pick one out of the 4 to visit. After long deliberation and discussion we decided on <i>Quinta da Regaleira</i>. One because we think by the time we got to <i>Sintra, </i>the palaces would be filled with tourist. Second, after searching the 4 attraction, <i>Quinta da Regaleira </i>seem to be the most unique one. Unlike the other 3 attraction, <i>Quinta da Regaleira </i>is an estate located deep into the hills surround by lush green forest. Admission ticket cost €6. <a href="http://www.regaleira.pt/Docs/FolhetoINGpq.pdf">Map of the estate.</a> From <i>Sintra Train Station </i>take bus 435 to get to the estate. We spend roughly 2 hours exploring the estate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BXOdnuMg5tamigJe4opT8jF9U2UwDhe4e52a7TEpbTrxo4_78uumnAC3kU7A9eAPLEQYlv0dKQTiHY-xBvk6Cp3yiwsU425qmfhZHZpQkYhk5hm2tCl7wogzERDuE3ttm4N_h3Vp_PA/s1600/L1030835-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BXOdnuMg5tamigJe4opT8jF9U2UwDhe4e52a7TEpbTrxo4_78uumnAC3kU7A9eAPLEQYlv0dKQTiHY-xBvk6Cp3yiwsU425qmfhZHZpQkYhk5hm2tCl7wogzERDuE3ttm4N_h3Vp_PA/s640/L1030835-100.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initiatic Well. 27meters deep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 💡Tip: I would recommend starting from the top of the well and go down the steps to explore the tunnel which leads to other parts of the estate. This will save your legs from walking up 27 meters. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbsJrBkMcbJVPmqrrQVqoV1y4fzXKPSvim4iGlBsiTKVNmLVTgOatY-rE08RCEYDJgx2-q5PyzdsFZhmLCc1zvsBFJldgFSKlxwADYMItesA6tGQjniraUX4wY_9W4P7XBuB4BEOdB2Y/s1600/L1030895-129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbsJrBkMcbJVPmqrrQVqoV1y4fzXKPSvim4iGlBsiTKVNmLVTgOatY-rE08RCEYDJgx2-q5PyzdsFZhmLCc1zvsBFJldgFSKlxwADYMItesA6tGQjniraUX4wY_9W4P7XBuB4BEOdB2Y/s640/L1030895-129.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden view from the Main House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwcZHkttdHrWUovAxnJM9YmxTEbXvI1O0cAw3uJBjWOon84o7RkN13kTJbmfX1-K3iDKvtGNVULtnKRoTsjqnnoaFN4u4dmI4EFPuttsz6BPIRLS4HphvQzbtAaW6fzIxZ0iWa2_OUm0/s1600/L1030897-131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwcZHkttdHrWUovAxnJM9YmxTEbXvI1O0cAw3uJBjWOon84o7RkN13kTJbmfX1-K3iDKvtGNVULtnKRoTsjqnnoaFN4u4dmI4EFPuttsz6BPIRLS4HphvQzbtAaW6fzIxZ0iWa2_OUm0/s640/L1030897-131.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Chapel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVBbhjCvSP7sfPC5FXaARyJxd4FV0RCUgtTMm4swlioXbVW0J1FRD42mTr2-4HCcmrd5Z3H4ze-arS2kBysWReBuPr5-eN-_75qQJK0W-mNdHVifqAP7dnxurH7ExdLvWAIHiPQ3FzoM/s1600/L1030902-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVBbhjCvSP7sfPC5FXaARyJxd4FV0RCUgtTMm4swlioXbVW0J1FRD42mTr2-4HCcmrd5Z3H4ze-arS2kBysWReBuPr5-eN-_75qQJK0W-mNdHVifqAP7dnxurH7ExdLvWAIHiPQ3FzoM/s640/L1030902-136.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Main House (theres a museum inside)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After finishing our round of the estate we got on bus 435 heading back to the train station to catch bus 403 to <i>Cabo da Roca. </i>The bus ride took us roughly one hour winding through narrow streets. Finally after many naps to get rid of car sick we arrived at the westernmost point of Europe. Because it has been raining, the coast was covered with fog (unfortunately). It was still neat that beyond the fog and the endless ocean is America, my home. And it was nice seeing the ocean again after 4 long months.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFAcX9Qlxn3n5dwlNTMpJVJ2do-CfzbDmtcXyOVjp2pebDXXyv_rQNj-ukFvyvk9opYXA7K3c4m9EOiu9xGkB9MXBcRxEjV0H3cCTqR9oWYrvoleVMHJAqTR0Z-mVoo_2zv5na7Uhj7M/s1600/L1030906-139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFAcX9Qlxn3n5dwlNTMpJVJ2do-CfzbDmtcXyOVjp2pebDXXyv_rQNj-ukFvyvk9opYXA7K3c4m9EOiu9xGkB9MXBcRxEjV0H3cCTqR9oWYrvoleVMHJAqTR0Z-mVoo_2zv5na7Uhj7M/s640/L1030906-139.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foggy weather...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Getting back onto bus 403 we head to <i>Cascais. </i>Our last stop was <i>Pria da Rainha </i>beach. I can see this town be filled with beach goer once the weather warms up. But because it was in January, the town seem quiet. We had dinner (seafood of course) and head back to Lisbon. We took the <i>Linha de Cascais </i>line which ends at <i>Cais do Sodré station. </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzq7SvOeGL8uzgwtv-SlwFgTQwdvfa5z4bK4noq6lJGszRnLpXm0mDKr78wb0bnH-kkDfFXOw-MUTMru_FHsn4ZQJYzdoL7S9GM9Y0gk7wSxhKRU8Dumw_5ZioMZo75qwQuyYeWZEqm4/s1600/L1030924-157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzq7SvOeGL8uzgwtv-SlwFgTQwdvfa5z4bK4noq6lJGszRnLpXm0mDKr78wb0bnH-kkDfFXOw-MUTMru_FHsn4ZQJYzdoL7S9GM9Y0gk7wSxhKRU8Dumw_5ZioMZo75qwQuyYeWZEqm4/s640/L1030924-157.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty<i> Pria da Rainha. </i>Because it was winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Too fully explore <i>Sintra</i> and <i>Cascais</i> you would need to spend a night in one of these city.<br />
<br />
<br />
To be continue...⇢ <a href="http://raerayrey.blogspot.com/2017/02/3-night-3-days-in-lisbon-portugal-part-3.html">Part 3</a>raerayreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688558522470931441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380857082470464405.post-11367572970498284912017-02-05T08:22:00.001-08:002020-10-31T17:41:01.925-07:00[3 Night 3 Days] in Lisbon, Portugal Part. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQyVkIUIUOI0pyMxT8e7_aJ98aHj7U11SLaMcWi1u579yOmzP1NxhYtZsdEP3DrE97TM7XFYXx0DDlVUi1cHKhy3CFZwximFgakFvY8SJQYcF2xrLH85vTCiLxv8IlG8lCtMRQBesvAg/s1600/Lisbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQyVkIUIUOI0pyMxT8e7_aJ98aHj7U11SLaMcWi1u579yOmzP1NxhYtZsdEP3DrE97TM7XFYXx0DDlVUi1cHKhy3CFZwximFgakFvY8SJQYcF2xrLH85vTCiLxv8IlG8lCtMRQBesvAg/s640/Lisbon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Right after our brutal 2 week exam period, me and my friend hop on a flight to Lisbon. My main motive for visiting Lisbon was for my initial love for egg tart (<i>Pastel de Nata</i>). We escaped the 3℃ (37℉) weather of Manchester, UK to the lovely 16℃ (60℉) winter in Lisbon.<br />
<br />
<u>Day 1</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
After getting through the airport we got ourselves a rechargeable transportation card and hop on the bus heading to city center. The airport was only about 6 miles from city center and it can be reached through either bus, city bus, or the metro. In our case, bus was the cheapest (€1.40) and the fastest (around 15 minutes). After finishing lunch we visited <i>Miradouro de Sãopedro de Alcântara, </i>one of the many view point in Lisbon. Here you can get a clear view of the whole city specially the <i>Alfama Neighbourhood. </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzBA-aHiLTJTk47HkP02ppvOflI9ivZ6cMaK0CH3sXE5krm4emTRI-RD-fTLwR3WJetMUOSC7255aVNpUhWskf-ZHbXTEytgZFwW3cKuL7kOCQ7IzyVNqAa_Cnfk9Vb7CZZWPy9liZ2I/s1600/L1030724-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzBA-aHiLTJTk47HkP02ppvOflI9ivZ6cMaK0CH3sXE5krm4emTRI-RD-fTLwR3WJetMUOSC7255aVNpUhWskf-ZHbXTEytgZFwW3cKuL7kOCQ7IzyVNqAa_Cnfk9Vb7CZZWPy9liZ2I/s640/L1030724-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were greeted by a rainbow upon arrival at the view point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpaFjnatwm1gIqN8c1hDBqSVqxHtjbsKCYqNgQrFi51jyGvy9p_nDa3TwB-nEMLd81q-WewMicir7gXuQahwT9Gg4eVCMlUhEoj1Cx1NNE3sWwcdeBv8oSxVOtNrb0J8FmleI4Qaf8pE/s1600/L1030727-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpaFjnatwm1gIqN8c1hDBqSVqxHtjbsKCYqNgQrFi51jyGvy9p_nDa3TwB-nEMLd81q-WewMicir7gXuQahwT9Gg4eVCMlUhEoj1Cx1NNE3sWwcdeBv8oSxVOtNrb0J8FmleI4Qaf8pE/s640/L1030727-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">São George Castle up on the hill surrounded by Alfama neighbourhood </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">💡Tip: For those planning to use public transportation to get around, I would recommend getting the rechargeable transportation card, which cost €.50 to purchase. This will save you time and money in the long run. With the rechargeable card, every public transportation mode in Lisbon (bus, metro, tram) will only cost €1.40 for a single journey. Without the rechargeable card metro will cost you €1.90, bus €1.80, and tram €2.90. </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next we got on tram 15E and head for <i>Belém.</i><i> </i>There, I had my first taste of the authentic Pastel de Nata (Portuguese egg tart)<i>. </i>A little history of egg tart. They were invented by monks at the <i>Jeróminos Monastery</i> back in the 18th century as a way to utilise left over egg yolks. During tough times, monk started selling these tarts at sugar refinery for extra income. As the monastery shuts down in 1834, they sold their recipe to <i>Pastéise de Belém.</i> As <i>Pastéise de Belém </i>opens their door in 1837, they were the first bakery to start selling these delicious tart. Hence my visit to <i>Pastéise de Belém</i>. I will be describing and ranking each egg tart place later on. We were lucky enough to not have to wait in line and got a seat inside right away. </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">💡Tip: Get there early and avoid weekend (if possible). </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMNMTEvEK1bHuCq6yTDIWWIb6Q7FfoqvuoY1w2D7AfW6BkvY40JyBkezlENohOFBfdeJ5sAhv3CRX3LyXzqeOF2TO1F5hFWZYy7oQn_dQflwSFISz5PejAwH2nEDkmN8hWSecJmd_uBw/s1600/L1030748-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMNMTEvEK1bHuCq6yTDIWWIb6Q7FfoqvuoY1w2D7AfW6BkvY40JyBkezlENohOFBfdeJ5sAhv3CRX3LyXzqeOF2TO1F5hFWZYy7oQn_dQflwSFISz5PejAwH2nEDkmN8hWSecJmd_uBw/s640/L1030748-31.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pastel de Nata at </span></span><i style="text-align: start;">Pastéise de Belém:</i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> €1.05 each</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just a 5 minute to the left of the bakery, you will see a huge white structure. It's <i>Jeróminos Monastery. </i>More information about the Monastery can me found <a href="http://www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/en/index.php?s=white&pid=168">Here</a>. With blue skies in the back drop, the white exterior of the monastery shines as the sun hits. Admission cost €10 to enter the Monastery. Unfortunately, I did not get to explore the interior of the Monastery due to time crunch. But if I do come back to Lisbon one day, I would love to check it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75KO9q6eTVz-9ZcbZTd3sNZNlTsGvDhXGWBK39aMD3vO2gdPug2dDQ4rUXv-mW-DOs8Ix1BIyCOtfF9SCRe60LPgZbtAaHD0WRB57gjyF1p06EHBHpnFizaOizbsx-fJzsxgwvkcLY6Q/s1600/L1030770-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75KO9q6eTVz-9ZcbZTd3sNZNlTsGvDhXGWBK39aMD3vO2gdPug2dDQ4rUXv-mW-DOs8Ix1BIyCOtfF9SCRe60LPgZbtAaHD0WRB57gjyF1p06EHBHpnFizaOizbsx-fJzsxgwvkcLY6Q/s640/L1030770-50.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jerónimos Monastery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZlZp02dlidTOSD3xxjeKU1hrlpmCLUPOaF0_GW_nSqemQYXMYhFMy3X94ILITBQiCyEQTGJp_ZRheXevIt3T4W_S4R6Mfx6IBjGNd1mizkHcZd39I9P4ztsVr8nNfaFlk9lPAe21lYI/s1600/L1030764-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZlZp02dlidTOSD3xxjeKU1hrlpmCLUPOaF0_GW_nSqemQYXMYhFMy3X94ILITBQiCyEQTGJp_ZRheXevIt3T4W_S4R6Mfx6IBjGNd1mizkHcZd39I9P4ztsVr8nNfaFlk9lPAe21lYI/s640/L1030764-46.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up detail </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">💡Tip: You can purchase admissions to the monastery and <i>Belém Tower</i> together which cost €12. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;"><br /></span>
Right across <i>Jeróminos Monastery</i> is the <i>Padrão dos Descobrimentos</i> (the Monument of Discoveries). History and information of the monument can be found <a href="http://www.padraodosdescobrimentos.pt/en/monument-to-the-discoveries/">here</a>. In the background of the monument you might see what looks like the Golden Gate bridge. Its the<i> Ponte 25 de Abril bridge</i>. As suspected, the architect who built the Golden Gate Bridge was also responsible for constructing the <i>Ponte 25 de Abril bridge</i>. To me, who lived in the bay area for 4 years, it looks like a combination of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2sqzRMSVDAAeUQoB0TAGvbV8DZtwk7WG62UaBYYiX9NvjhJISJEnr0Ff3QpH6KNTaSBq5qk7JRE2NB2imF2GwH_WhYSY_pKWVtV79y3bMJ7YfR2U7CeEr7Wo1Xnczd3vLaiIN9nJbZo/s1600/L1030775-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2sqzRMSVDAAeUQoB0TAGvbV8DZtwk7WG62UaBYYiX9NvjhJISJEnr0Ff3QpH6KNTaSBq5qk7JRE2NB2imF2GwH_WhYSY_pKWVtV79y3bMJ7YfR2U7CeEr7Wo1Xnczd3vLaiIN9nJbZo/s640/L1030775-54.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;">Padrão dos Descobrimentos</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLOoHcDulYtyVpFov5CbLxIqB3GsAzduV4HTNkADh3WTU4WVywahrpPrMw0_KZMWtC2XcBMaN-WiqNUm9LLsFt3WJLU2N3hp7i5XbrMgJ1tLWY52E4YtQDVN7elxqtQG8gI4DXXp2OLM/s1600/L1030787-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLOoHcDulYtyVpFov5CbLxIqB3GsAzduV4HTNkADh3WTU4WVywahrpPrMw0_KZMWtC2XcBMaN-WiqNUm9LLsFt3WJLU2N3hp7i5XbrMgJ1tLWY52E4YtQDVN7elxqtQG8gI4DXXp2OLM/s640/L1030787-66.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;">Padrão dos Descobrimentos with Ponte 25 de Abril bridge in the back</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">A quick walk down the pier is our final and last stop on Day 1. </span><i>Belém Tower. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">This defence tower was built between 1514 and 1520 during the reign of Manuel I. More info on the tower can be found </span><a href="http://www.torrebelem.pt/en/index.php?s=white&pid=168" style="font-style: normal;">here</a><span style="font-style: normal;">. I ran from the monument of Discoveries to the tower to get a picture of the tower before the sun sets. You could actually go up the tower, but by the time we got there it was already closed. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7wo4QyNHjXFPJCY5K_vp1Tc5LkdTEestmiwJrbmClf9Hf5n-m316IS4mob-lEbqBG_qNEzM9HvlrGT-9C79NZrDQYT-ik0ZPaIv1ugsVdKJ7KyBVdV7Dzlkk-PPaObzcGV4JTKo-Lk4/s1600/L1030794-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7wo4QyNHjXFPJCY5K_vp1Tc5LkdTEestmiwJrbmClf9Hf5n-m316IS4mob-lEbqBG_qNEzM9HvlrGT-9C79NZrDQYT-ik0ZPaIv1ugsVdKJ7KyBVdV7Dzlkk-PPaObzcGV4JTKo-Lk4/s640/L1030794-71.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Belém Tower and it's miniature replica</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I would say including exploring the interior of <i>Jeróminos Monastery </i>and <i>Belém Tower, </i>half day should be enough to see everything in the area.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">💡Tip: If you are visiting, like me, during the winter be aware of the random showers that comes down side-ways. I would recommend bringing a raincoat instead of an umbrella. However, because we came during their low-season, there weren't as much people around tourist spots. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
To be continue... ⇢ <a href="http://raerayrey.blogspot.com/2017/02/3-night-3-days-in-lisbon-portugal-part-2.html">Part. 2</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
raerayreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688558522470931441noreply@blogger.com1