Saint Jorge Castle

For a couple of days, we have used Hop On Hop Off buses to move about Lisbon.  On our first day, it was great to get a sense of where things were and glimpse what  are the most promising hop off points.  High points like this one are usually good photo points.  

If you want to enlarge the picture or pictures, double click on the image

It was the closest point to Saint Jorge (George) Castle.  The route from the bus stop included narrow streets and what seemed like trails.  It was very interesting to walk past artwork and narrow passageways through archways.

When we arrived at the first gate to the castle we ran into this old beggar.  He looked ancient and charming.  We are suckers for both of those traits.

There was little in the guide book to recommend this castle.  All we knew for sure is we should have some views over the Lisbon area.  It turned out the castle and surrounding grounds were bigger and better than we would have guessed.

We didn’t know the fort itself would have much to interest us.  

Sometimes you have to cross the line to view what you think you should see.  This is one of the few times I convinced Shari to cross the red line.  As she crossed it, I couldn’t help but recall the Top Gun song ‘Danger Zone’.  It was a decent view.

There was ‘wildlife’ present which also was a surprise.  And some species, like the peacock, even has an appreciation for art.

We met Charlotte, a new friend who has a way with birds.  She arrived from the U.S. the day of the castle tour and was good at making friends with the local peacocks.  While she does many things, she runs an egg co-op in the D.C. area.  I guess the birds sensed her unique background.

The castle and it’s grounds are dramatically different when compared to almost all of Lisbon.  Even the parts rebuilt and still standing from three centuries ago look modern when compared to this ancient castle.

We travel for many reasons.  One is to see different and often unique and beautiful things.  Today was rich with beauty.