A city has many names. So does Lisbon.
Long long ago, very long time ago. In the beginning of times when I thought of Europe, it was more the eastern Europe which fascinated me. I had always dreamt of traveling in the east of Europe. But little I knew that I will start with the west. Not only the west, I went to the Southern european countries. I came across the beautiful landscapes of the Portugal and Spain.
But I had some impressions in my mind of Madrid and Lisbon when I had seen them in a TV program called Supercities. Then much later when I started to work, I had seen a picture in Orkut; a group sitting in a line in a street of Lisbon. The caption was, "the western most european country".
Although that caption had thrilled me, I had never thought of including it in my Europe tour. I had thought of France for the cliche i.e Eiffel Tower. But never thought of Lisbon. Then one day while planning my Europe tour, my friend Jorge told me you must visit my country while you are in Europe.
And much after one fine day, I landed in Lisbon. I was full of emotions. I was thrilled, mesmerised, overwhelmed.
In my time there, I realised, Lisbon has many names. The western most european capital, the city with cobblestone streets, the vibrant pastel colour buildings and terracotta roofs. A city with very hospitable and welcoming people.
It is the a city on 7 hills with beautiful yellow trams running up and down on those hills. It is a city for street parties.
A city that invites with its narrow and steep ways of Alfama. A labyrinth full of beautiful houses, graffitis, restaurants and street food.
A city that sailed boats to far east, went around Africa and the Americas to make history.
A city that is thriving for its culture, its Fado music, the work of famous poet Fernando Pessoa etc.
A city of architects for the Patheon, Praca do Comercio, 25th April bridge, Belem Tower, the discovery monument, the Arc of Augusta, the Christo de rei, the Jerenimus Monastry.
A city of engineers for the Funicular trains of Santa Justa, the Vasco da Gama bridge, the aqueduct connecting the hills for water supply.
I was lucky as I met people, made friends for life, partied in the streets and clubs, ate the best food, went to chic cocktail party, went for rock shows, walked many streets, went around in a mini cooper. Here friends turn into family.
The city has many names and this cornered city of Europe has so much to give.
I never wanted to leave and was planning how to live longer. But, I left. I left with a promise to go back again
I lived a local's life and that day Lisbon became Lisboa to me.
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