Lisbon Links - Journeys Beyond Lisbon
Lisbon links to the Atlantic and the great sea routes- Azores , England, The Americas, and to The East . This legacy is reflected everywhere in the city from its pavements to its music. By land all routes lead to Spain, it's partner and rival in Iberia.The history of these two nations will be forever intertwined and the contrasts are fascinating. Lisbon is a city of travelers, a city of arrivals and departures.Historically Lisbon literally linked several continents through the great discoveries of the 15th century. Lisbon is full of people from all over the world seeking new lives or just passing through. These Lisbon links suggest onward journeys that compliment a visit to Lisbon through ties of history. Atlantic LinksPortugal faces westward to the Americas. Right in the middle of the Atlantic are magical islands which have attracted visitors for centuries. We have seen a great site which will help you - should you wish to take advantage of the cheap internal Portuguese flights to the Azores. It is a very tempting possibility, if you like Portugal and exploring beautiful and unusual places. Magical AzoresLisbon Links - SpainSpain is a compliment and a contrast to Portugal. The Portuguese and the Spanish are very different. The Portuguese are quieter more introspective, more thoughtful, whereas the Spanish are vibrant, fun loving and always ready for action. I spent many years on the border between Spain and Portugal and loved the experience, because it is so interesting to see these differences in action and to enjoy the best of both worlds.Firstly, here is a link to a site we recommend on the beautiful Costa Brava A fascinating area at the other end of Iberia with a beautiful coastline and impressive mountains near France and Andorra. On our last visit we were surprised to find there are still lovely unspoilt beaches in this area and like Lisbon it is great for watersports.
www.costa-brava-spain.com
Great Britain and Ireland
The Lisbon links with the British Isles and the North Atlantic in general go back centuries. The Royal Families of these two countries were intertwined by marriage. The common enemy of both was Spain who sought to be the main Catholic power in Europe. Both Portugal and the UK are sea trading nations and the British have been involved closely in the wine trade in Portugal for centuries. The two nations boast the oldest alliance in Europe going back six centuries. Although Portugal complains that the British have sometimes forgotten their smaller friends ! Here is a good site on Historic London and the surroundings which will help make a trip to Southern England very enjoyable.
http://www.london-day-trips.com
Exploration in AfricaThe Portuguese connection with Africa is long and deep rooted. The Portuguese had major colonies here - Angola, Mozambique, Cabo Verde and San Tome - their influence was extensive.A very interesting and attractive site on the Victoria falls area is given below. Explore the Mighty Victoria Falls Unique information site about "Victoria Falls". Local knowledge and experience provides the visitor with every bit of conceivable information they will need. Including accommodation, activities, history, culture, weather, safety etc Here is another great site on Cape Town an area the Portuguese explored in the 15th century. Cape Town secrets and holiday guide run by an on-the-spot-local. Insider tips for best accommodation, adventure, activities, restaurants, transport, safety and more... My Cape Town South Africa IndiaThe Portuguese have a long connection with India. Goa was a portuguese colony into the 20th century. This site explores the area of Northern India where the Dalai Lama has made his home with information on yoga, meditation-retreat, Himalayan Adventures,Tibetan and India tours and Buddhism . dalai lama-dharma-dharamsalaAmericasColumbus was turned down by the Portuguese before he headed off west and found Caribbean islands like this. http://www.aruba-caribbean-beaches.com/index.html actually he was looking for India but still this island looks like a lovely alternative.more interesting sights to follow
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