Leaving Lisbon
Meditations on my visit
15 December 2000: Leaving
Lisbon
I went to Lisbon with such
hope. When I was finally done with customs, there big clouds in the sky that
looked like mountains. Unfortunately, so many people were so rude or taciturn, I
couldn't help but be disappointed. I walked the streets in vain some nights just
looking for a decent meal. One night, I had a nice little lasagna that made me
sick as a dog. By the time I was packed and ready to leave, I was really ready
to leave. Imagine my surprise when I found out I left a day early! I happily
paid the extra $150 to change my ticket. I couldn't imagine going back in to
Lisbon, after a night that left me physically drained from diarrhea and mostly
sleepless. The kindly night clerk came into my room to make sure I woke up for
my taxi, which got caught in "congestion" when newspaper delivery trucks crowded
the narrow streets of the Bairra Alta, where my hotel, the Anjo Azul
was.
Luckily, I got a reclining seat in
the exit aisle--more room for Bookey. We were delayed taking off because of
congestion at Newark Airport. I fell asleep, and literally slept through take
off. By the time I woke up, we were over the Atlantic. They say that seeing
Lisbon from the air when you land is beautiful, but I couldn't see it coming in,
as it was pitch black. And I missed it the other way. Lisbon from the air, like
many other things, eluded me, or I missed them somehow. It's a shame. Lisboa has
a lot of wonders, but I can't say I would ever go back for a
vacation.
Posted: Fri - December
15, 2000 at 01:08 AM