So many times I find myself challenged and wondering just what do I think I am doing??
At every airport I have ever been at there is at least a 5 minute walk to or from the gate and baggage claim. Not for the physically unfit.
I walked about 11,000 steps my first day in Lisbon even though I did two hop on off tours. Of course I was lost most of the time. Fortunately, even after dark I did not feel uncomfortable being a woman alone. May be that is naíve on my part but I do not think so. I know the feeling of discomfort that comes from being in a place that may be unsafe. Then I walk fast as I did in Mexico City.
Ordering food when you do not know the language is a real challenge. Sometimes one just has to point to an illustration, if there is one.
My worst moment this trip so far was the lock issue. I had purchased a new Samonsite TSA approved lock prior to the trip. I did not test it before I put it on my luggage. Had I done that I would not have used it. Despite trying every possibility with my usual code, I could not unlock it once I was at the hotel. Tired. All I wanted to do is go to sleep, but I needed my toothbrush at the very minimum.
After trying, getting frustrated, quitting, calming down and trying again did not work for the upteenth time, I decided to call the front desk to see if they had a tool. Certainly I cannot be the only one with such a problem. In Istanbul when I could not get the room safe open the security personnel had it open with just a twist of one special key.
Security knocked on my door a few minutes later. Extremely polite, and typically hesitant to enter the room, he asked if I was sure I wanted him to cut the lock. If he had not been so polite I probably would have said, "go ahead, cut the damn lock; I did not call you to stand here and look pretty". Did it take him long to cut it? No, just a little strength and the right tool. So now I must use the room safe rather than locking my valuables in my suitcase as is my custom. That is until I find another lock.
A less serious crises was that I failed to pack an adapter to plug in my electronics. So down to the front desk and hopefully they have one. They do and run a 20 Euros charge on my account which is refunded when I return the adapter. At least, I have learned most hotels have a drawer filled with adapters.
Many of the sidewalks are cobblestones and along some of the side streets they are barely one person wide and when a truck drives by you feel the need to flatten yourself against the building. Also be aware that at night shiny cobblestones means they have been worn down and quite likely slippery.
Did I mention that Lisbon is very hilly. Lots of walking up and down. So be in good shape!
At every airport I have ever been at there is at least a 5 minute walk to or from the gate and baggage claim. Not for the physically unfit.
I walked about 11,000 steps my first day in Lisbon even though I did two hop on off tours. Of course I was lost most of the time. Fortunately, even after dark I did not feel uncomfortable being a woman alone. May be that is naíve on my part but I do not think so. I know the feeling of discomfort that comes from being in a place that may be unsafe. Then I walk fast as I did in Mexico City.
Ordering food when you do not know the language is a real challenge. Sometimes one just has to point to an illustration, if there is one.
My worst moment this trip so far was the lock issue. I had purchased a new Samonsite TSA approved lock prior to the trip. I did not test it before I put it on my luggage. Had I done that I would not have used it. Despite trying every possibility with my usual code, I could not unlock it once I was at the hotel. Tired. All I wanted to do is go to sleep, but I needed my toothbrush at the very minimum.
After trying, getting frustrated, quitting, calming down and trying again did not work for the upteenth time, I decided to call the front desk to see if they had a tool. Certainly I cannot be the only one with such a problem. In Istanbul when I could not get the room safe open the security personnel had it open with just a twist of one special key.
Security knocked on my door a few minutes later. Extremely polite, and typically hesitant to enter the room, he asked if I was sure I wanted him to cut the lock. If he had not been so polite I probably would have said, "go ahead, cut the damn lock; I did not call you to stand here and look pretty". Did it take him long to cut it? No, just a little strength and the right tool. So now I must use the room safe rather than locking my valuables in my suitcase as is my custom. That is until I find another lock.
A less serious crises was that I failed to pack an adapter to plug in my electronics. So down to the front desk and hopefully they have one. They do and run a 20 Euros charge on my account which is refunded when I return the adapter. At least, I have learned most hotels have a drawer filled with adapters.
Many of the sidewalks are cobblestones and along some of the side streets they are barely one person wide and when a truck drives by you feel the need to flatten yourself against the building. Also be aware that at night shiny cobblestones means they have been worn down and quite likely slippery.
Did I mention that Lisbon is very hilly. Lots of walking up and down. So be in good shape!
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| Cobblestone sidewalk |
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| Typical side street |
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| Landing in Lisbon; Tejas river |
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| My room at Inspirits Santa Marta Hotel before unpacking. |
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