Lisboa, Portugal

It doesn't take long to figure out Lisbon is a fascinating place. It's one of the oldest cities in Europe. Although there are a few shallow tourist areas and gentrified neighborhoods, for the most part it is a city teeming with real life. This is the kind of place where old women hang their laundry out to dry and talk from their windows. There are narrow, winding streets, hills, and trolley cars. The people are energetic, passionate, and seemingly love a good party. It's a little gritty, but has a great deal of character and mystery (In the first photo below, the apartment building where I'm staying is just to the left of the one with the orange colored sheets).

Train Station: Faro, Algarve, Portugal

I took a bus from Seville to Faro, a coastal town in southern Portugal. From there I boarded a northbound train to Lisbon.

Seville Pics - Part 4

This is "El Rocio," a week-long pilgrimage which here in Seville is basically a party disguised as a religious event.

Seville Pics - Part 3

"Bodega Santa Cruz." Locals Only. Lightweight Tourists Not Permitted On Premises.

Seville Pics - Part 2

Seville Pics - Part 1

Frank's World

In speaking about Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin once said, "It's Frank's world, we just get to live in it." These street musicians in Seville must have taken that line to heart. They played a medley of old Sinatra tunes, including "My Way." It sounded silly because the violinist played the lead.  By the way, what's up with the five-string bass? When was that invented?