Lisbon - Made of Gold

You know that girl everybody loves, and she's like, omg, sooo pretty, and so nice and so smart? Everyone's obsessed and you just want to understand the appeal! That's Lisbon, once you see it, you can't help but love it. There's nothing like it.

Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon

I've been to Lisbon a hundred times before (Am I exaggerating? YOU BET!), and I still fall in love every time. Why is that? For me, it's the simple things. Read bellow, if you care to find out. Maybe you'll start to plan your trip to Lisbon sooner than expected.

Ok, so, Lisbon is old. I mean OLD, old. More than 2500 years old, so it's been through some ~stuff~. In 1755 it was hit by a deadly earthquake which also contributed to multiple fires. (When it rains, it pours, right?) I mean, look at this painting below, things got rough.

Allegory Of The 1755 Earthquake by João Glama Strobërle

Most of the city was destroyed and thousands died, but, the Portuguese are resilient, so the city was re-erected. No earthquake is going to get us down. Well, emotionally, at least.

Liberty Avenue, Lisbon

Electricity Museum, Lisbon

To do list: get lost

The city takes you through highs and lows (non-emotional ones, thankfully) as it is built upon a large assembly of hills. It's a beautiful maze you won't mind getting lost in. You may plan on going to a specific store in Bairro Alto, or to a cute little cafe overseeing the Tejo River, but be warned, it may take you a little while longer to get there. It's almost impossible not to wander aimlessly, as every street intersection of traditional Portuguese pavement calls your name.

But here is one of the most special things about Lisbon, at least for me...

The Light

The sun has a way of following you wether you're going up or down the street.

It makes you take off your jacket in the mid days of Spring. It touches the tip of your nose and puts a smile on your face early in the morning.

It makes you not freeze your butt off, when you go to a park in your lunch break during Winter, or at least it tries to.

It also cooks you to a crisp during Summer, but, it's a good crisp...I guess?

Forgive the car, but just look at that beautiful BEAST OF A DOOR receiving those perfectly subtle little specs of sunlight.

The sun peers through every nook and cranny and reflects off of tiles that cover the city's old traditional buildings.

It warms the back of your neck when you least expect it...

Gold Street, Lisbon

Lisbon's golden light takes your breath away. Even if you've been there a hundred times before.

Have you ever been to Lisbon? What's your favourite thing about the city?