sunnylisbon

Today was the day  my beautiful guest from Valencia was leaving.  Even though Lisbon is known for her beautiful sunny skies,  in winter it sometimes gets really foggy,  making me wonder whether I am in Lisbon or in London.  Winter mists can be kind of exotic to those who got used to sunny skies like Lisbonains. Winter is low season so it's much easier to get around. Less crowded and less waiting.  The downside is the tricky weather.  So when she booked my house,  I checked the weather forecast and everything seemed great.  No rain whatsoever.  She even mentioned she enjoyed beautiful sun a t my living room throughout her stay. (My house faces south, soaking in all the sun in winter.  It feels great snuggling on the couch and sunbathing.) In winter, it makes a big difference whether you have your sun all day or not. It's a blessing to live in a house facing south.  But today... ...

Heading downtown, I always walk. It's an easy walk as my house is not all the way up on the hill. However, coming back, I usually take the metro. There are many buses but the subway is the fastest way to get home.  It usually runs from 6:30 to 1 a.m. but the schedule may change.  So if you want to go out at night and head back home-away-home late, then click  here  to make sure when the last train is.  It's a blessing to ride an escalator after a long day of walking.  Even after strolling through the nooks and crannies of Lisbon hills, you may want to use an elevator instead of stairs, especially with bad knees. Some metro stations in Lisbon do have elevators and escalators. Before lugging a heavy bag or babystroller, please plan ahead and check the wheelchair signs on the metro map first. As you can see, all the metro stations on the RED LINE have elevator access.  It's either at the end or in t...

Known for its beautiful suneset, here is  Castelo de S. Jorge  , 2.6 km walk from my house. I usually walk up there from my house, but you might find it challenging.  From the airport, there are a lot of ways to get to your hotel or airbnb in Lisbon. Airport bus, metro, city bus, and of course taxi. My house is near the Alameda metro station so it's only 9 stops away from the airport and there is no need to transfer. Unlike apartments in Alfama or Baixa-Alto, mine is a blessing after a long day of flight. I can easily walk to my house and take the private elevator and unwind. However, I usually grab a taxi especially at night. Dragging a bag through calçada(the Lisbon tiles) can generate a lot of noise, disturbing the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.  And the taxi fare is usually under 10 euros even with a lot of luggage. WOW look at my luggage. I know it's a lot. As you know, in addition to taxi fare, 1.60 euros for luggage,...