Category Archives: Photography

Our hotel awaits—MS Prinsendam

It was a long first day in Lisbon. After the fado we returned to the ship and rested up for the next foray into town. The next morning we took up where we left off, including yet again passing by King John I in Praça da Figueira (Square of the Fig Tree):

King John I . . . again—Praça da Figueira (Square of the Fig Tree)

And, as during the preceding day, we passed by some really great buildings:

Lisbon, Portugal

I do so love photographing doors and windows, as you may have noticed:

Lisbon balcony

There’s also all that exquisite tile everywhere:

Royal Police Guard (1804)

Eventually we made it to Praça de D. Pedro IV (Square of King Pedro IV; also called Rossio Square). Here we found another king. This time it we met Pedro IV:

Pedro IV overlooking Praça de D. Pedro IV (a.k.a., Rossio Square)

Here’s King Pedro IV posing for his closeup:

Pedro IV

And here’s the Rossio Square fountain:

Praça de D. Pedro IV fountain

Lisbon, Portugal

Ursula and I spend much of our first day in Lisbon just hoofing it through the streets and soaking in the views.

Lisbon, Portugal

There’s much to see and do here, so be well rested and have a good pair of walking shoes!

Lisbon, Portugal

Fortunately, we had a relaxing evening planned, which I’ll get to in a moment. Until then, let’s take a look first at the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha (Lady of the Old Conception):

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha

The really neat view in this church is the overhead plaster relief in the nave, which depicts Mary, an angel slaying a dragon with a spear, and, rather surprisingly, a depiction of God. All are surrounded by cherubs:

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha

Back into the sun for a little trek back to the ship in order to prepare for the evening’s festivities:

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

We had a date with some fellow passengers for the Lisbon tradition called Fado. Fado traces its origins back nearly 200 years. Fados consist of a very specific musical genre, and they are conducted in restaurants. The music is schmaltzy; usually about life, especially the poor; and melancholic. The person who put together our visit to fado this night chose Taverna d’el Rey (Tavern of the King) in the ancient Alfama Quarter of Lisbon. It is this section of Lisbon most famous for fado bars and cafés.

Taverna d’el Rey

Looking at the reviews for Taverna d’el Rey, it appears not very popular with visitors. I don’t know why, as we had a blast. But, then, it could be because we were in a large group. Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing Lisbon then you should experience the culture, which includes fado:

Warming up for the Fado

Following this week’s Fun Photo Friday, I’ll be rerunning some of my Christmas Season articles, including two humor pieces, how to photograph Christmas lights (three-part series), and some Christmas light photo series. Look for a return to the 54 Days at Sea series on December 31, when we’ll begin the transatlantic crossover back to the U.S. with a stop in the Azores.