55+ Living Guide Spring 2019 55 LG SPRING 2019 JOOM | Page 12

Travel
WO R L D
THE
’S LEADING DESTIN
AT I O
N
PORTUGAL
By Diana Loeffel, CTC
Exploring the Highlights
I have often wondered why the
delightful country of Portugal has
not been visited by more American
tourists. Americans flock to Europe
each year and seem to concentrate
on visiting and revisiting England,
Ireland, France and especially Italy,
but far fewer extend their travels into
Portugal. They are truly missing out
on a small gem of a destination.
Portugal is located on the far west-
ern most edge of the European conti-
nent, quite small in area compared to
neighboring Spain, but culturally rich
and varied. Its small size makes it
perfect for a week to 10-day visit, re-
sulting in a feeling of having captured
the essence of the country.
Typically, a trip to Portugal begins
with arrival in the fascinating city
of Lisbon. One could easily spend a
week in this city exploring its many
nooks and crannies. Lisbon is spread
out over seven hills along with Tagus
River. You will spend much energy
walking from the lowest level of the
city to the upper reaches but is a must
do, as the scenery is worth it. I would
also recommend you take a stop to
visit the museum and environs of the
St. Georges Fort. There’s also a vast
trolley system that traverses the
many narrow winding old streets.
Lisbon can get quite crowded in the
height of the vacation season; July
and August. If at all possible, I would
advise visiting in late spring or early
fall to avoid crowds and to take advan-
tage of less humid temperatures. Being
able to avoid the constraints of the
school calendar is a big plus for the
older traveler!
There is a vibrancy and energy that
flows through the Lisbon streets.
One can soak up the culture and vibe
while strolling the quaint streets and
districts. The Alfama is the oldest
section of Lisbon, with narrow twist-
ing cobblestone streets that stretch
narrowly up the hillside, populat-
ed with small shops and echoing a
lifestyle from long ago. Sometimes
as one strolls along one can hear the
haunting sounds of fado music. This is
a traditional folk music dating back to
the early 19th C. and is still very pop-
ular in Lisbon. It is not really heard
outside of the city. It is a dark and
thought-provoking style of music and
singing by a solo singer. Ironically it