Alfama...the Hot Baths

We took a bus tour to the Alfama district in Lisboa… The name translates as “hot baths”, and it’s rather mind blowing to see all the cultures overlaid atop each other… Reminded me a bit of Istanbul, but with a very different feel. The Muslim influence has been overwritten, but all around you are Arab stones from the 9^th century, amidst medieval churches, gorgeous 18^th century buildings, and everywhere slippery cobblestones and narrow steps… We walked down a winding set of stairs (Las Enscandidas de San Miguel), through kids playing makeshift games of street football, past people drinking, and around people doing random repairs to their very old homes. It’s one thing to read about history, and very different to live amidst it. The 17 minute tourist video posted below is very much akin to our experience. In fact, I think they hired the same company of tour guides...