#25 de Abril Bridge

[rabbitcruiser]

The 6.4–7.1 Mw Lisbon earthquake killed about thirty thousand people on January 26, 1531. 

[themoreiclick]

click

[diogenesz2020portugal]

Kilátás a hídra

📌 Cais do Gingal - Almada - Lisboa

[soniarbcastanheira]

Margem sul, Lisboa, Portugal

- IPhone 12 Pro

[monstersinthecosmos]

September 24, 1973

The guy working at the desk at his hotel only speaks a little English, but they communicate well enough for him to write down the address of the train station on a piece of paper. Daniel rubs at the back of his neck, twitchy and impatient, even though the sun is up.

Slept a little bit. Kept some food down, but he’s uncomfortably bloated now. He shifts his weight as he waits for the concierge to call him a taxi, and can’t remember when was the last time he fucking took a shit.

Hates his fucking body all of a sudden.

A few minutes later he’s outside, lighting a cigarette and leaning against the wall of the hotel as he waits for the taxi. Closing his eyes against the sun, feeling the warmth on his face. It feels good, even though he’s beginning to resent it. Feels safe. He could fall asleep, just like this, standing up.

He digs Lestat’s watch out of his pocket again, flips it open. Ornate thing. Antique. He tries to wind it but nothing happens, and he can’t help wondering when it stopped. It’s stuck on 3:59. 

Maybe if things calm down, if he thinks he can stay in one place for a few days, he can get someone to fix it.

Lestat is still down there, Daniel thinks. He pictures it, wonders if Lestat sleeps curled up like a person, on flat on his back like a corpse. He thinks of that fucked up house and all those books, and has so many questions to ask. 

The taxi driver speaks even less English than the concierge, but Daniel is able to show him the note. Friendly as he nods, and gestures towards the trunk, but Daniel keeps his bag with him, in his lap in the back seat, hugging it as they pull out. 

He slumps against the door, his temple leaning into the window. The driver has talk radio on and Daniel can’t make out a word of it, which is… relaxing. Sun beats down through the glass, baking him. Feels safe. Moving, in the sun. Warm now.

Eyes close. Too tired to be scared. He’s not sure how far away the train station is, but maybe it’s okay to sleep for the car ride.

Armand knew that Louis would kill all those other vampires. They’re people, Daniel wants to scream. He can imagine himself down there, beneath the theatre, holding the yellow dress. They’re still people. The image of the theater is so vivid now, knowing what Armand looks like. Shorter than he imagined, but he holds the entire room hostage with his presence.

Daniel doesn’t understand why Louis stayed with him.

He killed your wife. She was your daughter.

The taxi hits a bump and Daniel gasps awake.

Unsure where he is, can’t remember anything except he’s got to get away, keep moving moving moving. The sky is too open through the window, and he can see water, and the cables of a suspension bridge blurring by. He sits up, rubbing at his chest, feeling his heart racing through his t-shirt.

He’s back in San Francisco. On the Golden Gate. Louis’s voice spills from the car radio.

Daniel shouts. He tells the driver to stop, but the man just glances at him in the rearview, perplexed. No English. Daniel’s hand leaves a smudge on the window and he considers throwing himself out of the car.

“They’ll find me here,” he shouts. “I left California, Louis will know. They’ll find me, they’ll know!!”

The driver slows. Not to stop, but to adjust to the flow of traffic. He snaps at Daniel in Portuguese, and his ears ring.

Armand is gonna fucking kill me.

He’s sweating, reaching for the door handle, but as the car slows he gets a better look at the outside.

Red bridge but… it’s not San Francisco. It’s not. It’s not.

He turns around in the seat, looking out the back window. Doesn’t see the skyline. His stomach cramps and his vision doubles.

“Sorry,” he mumbles. Lip quivering. He twists back to sit correctly. Hugs his bag to his chest. The driver narrows his eyes, and Daniel holds up his hands in apology. “Sorry,” he says again. He doesn’t know any Portuguese but he attempts a quick “Lo siento,” just in case. 

Their eyes stay locked for a moment. Finally the driver nods. He shrugs, mutters to himself. Looks back to the road.

Daniel tilts his head against the glass, trying to see up to the top. 

Just a red bridge. He’s in Lisbon. He remembers that. He flew to Lisbon.

He’ll take a train next. Just take off into Europe and see what happens. Trains don’t seem safer but he wonders if he should try take one overnight. That way he can keep moving. Won’t have to stop. 

That guy told him about the Midnight Sun one time. It’s almost winter, though, it’s not going to work. In fact, it would be the opposite soon. Dangerous.

Anyway. That guy got locked up, he was crazy. 

Daniel isn’t crazy. 

[previous day] | [next day]

[smidge-j]

your top five bridges

The Otira Gorge Viaduct in Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

Ponte 25 de Abril in Lisbon, Portugal

Tower Bridge in London, England

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, USA

Bonus: The Memorial Avenue Overbridge in Christchurch, New Zealand

[sakuhina]

"Salazar Bridge" is renamed as "25 de Abril Bridge".

Lisbon, 1975.

[tamurakafkaposts]

25 de Abril Bridge....

Lisbon

[atotaltaitaitale]

.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

On our way to Monteiro dos Jerónimos we stop by the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos). It’s a monument on the northern bank of the Tagus river estuary, near the Belem Tower. Located along the river where ships departed to explore and trade with India and the Orient, the monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery (or "Age of Exploration") during the 15th and 16th centuries.

On the background there is the Jerónimos Monastery. You can also see the Ponte 25 de Abril, a striking Golden Gate-style suspension bridge which links Lisbon with Almada and Cristo Rei, which reminds me of Cristo Redentor in Rio.

[30-before-30-but-im-27]

Lisbon Itinerary

Day 1

Graca Viewpoint - FREE

Castelo de S. Jorge - £13

Lisbon Cathedral - FREE

Alfama Neighbourhood - FREE

Praca do Comercio - FREE

Rua Cor de Rosa (Pink Street) - FREE

Doca de Alcantara (marine dock) - FREE

Monument of the Discoveries - FREE

MAAT Museum 

Ponte 25 de Abril (cool bridge) - FREE

Belem Tower

Jeronimos Monastery  - £9

Fado Bar in the evening for live Portuguese music

Day 2

Praça Dom Pedro IV - FREE

Santa Justa Lift - £2

National Tile Museum - £5

Santa Cruz neighbourhood - FREE

Ponte Vasco da Gama - longest bridge in Europe (FREE)

Telecabine Lisbon (Cable Car) - £6

LxFactory

[mesatop]

25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal ‘23

[rabbitcruiser]

With the signing of the Treaty of Zamora, King Alfonso VII of León and Castile recognised Portugal as a Kingdom on October 5, 1143.

[themoreiclick]

3x click

[soniarbcastanheira]

📍 Belém, Lisboa, Portugal

- iPhone 12 Pro

[ganhosdoelefante]

London, 27 de Abril do Ano 2 - Segunda - Doc - 25 anos.

06:00 - Acordamos e corremos. 07:00 - Voltamos, tomamos banho e nos arrumamos. 07:45 - Tomamos café em casa:

08:30 - Cada um para o seu trabalho. 12:30 - Almoço com Anne e Pati: "La Petite Poissonnerie" Oyster Seafood Bar & Fishmonger

13:30 - Voltamos ao trabalho. 17:00 - Saio. 17:10 - Consultoria. Bridges Fund Management Ltd.

18:35 - Chego em casa, tomo banho e me arrumo. 19:30 - Jantar de negócios com Raul: Zayna

21:00 - Volto para casa e durmo.

[roomchailimited]

Lisbon’s Light: Exploring Portugal’s Sun-Kissed Capital

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city bathed in light—both from its year-round sunny weather and the warm glow of its vibrant culture. From its cobbled streets and historic tramways to the striking blend of Moorish architecture and pastel-colored buildings, Lisbon is a city that entices travelers with its timeless charm and easy-going atmosphere. As I arrived, I was instantly captivated by the city’s relaxed energy and its seamless fusion of old and new.

Morning: Exploring Alfama and São Jorge Castle

My day began in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, where the maze of narrow streets felt like a step back in time. The scent of grilled sardines wafted through the air as I wandered past traditional Fado houses and small cafés. Alfama’s charm lies in its authenticity—this is where locals still gather to chat on doorsteps and laundry hangs from balconies, creating a sense of community amidst the historic surroundings.

A short climb led me to São Jorge Castle, perched high above the city. The castle offers panoramic views over Lisbon and the shimmering Tagus River. As I walked along the ancient ramparts, it was easy to imagine the city’s long and storied past unfolding below. From Roman times to the Moors and the Portuguese monarchy, this castle has witnessed it all. The view alone made the climb worth every step.

Midday: Tram 28 and Bairro Alto

Next, I hopped on Tram 28, the iconic yellow tram that weaves through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods. Riding this tram felt like a quintessential Lisbon experience as it rattled and clattered along steep hills, offering glimpses of the city’s beautiful architecture along the way. The tram journey took me through the heart of Bairro Alto, a lively district known for its vibrant street art, trendy shops, and energetic nightlife.

While in Bairro Alto, I stopped for lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant to savor the city’s famous dish, bacalhau à brás—a delicious mix of salt cod, onions, and crispy potatoes. Paired with a glass of local wine, it was the perfect way to recharge for the rest of the day.

Afternoon: Discovering Belém’s History and Sweet Treats

After lunch, I made my way to Belém, a district that celebrates Portugal’s maritime history. My first stop was the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. This fortress, standing proudly on the banks of the Tagus, is a symbol of the Age of Discovery when Portuguese explorers set sail to map new territories.

Nearby, I visited the Jerónimos Monastery, another stunning example of Portugal’s rich architectural heritage. The intricately carved stonework and peaceful cloisters provided a serene contrast to the bustling streets of the city. After absorbing the history, it was time for a treat—no visit to Belém is complete without tasting the famous pastéis de nata, Portugal’s beloved custard tarts. The original recipe, crafted in Belém, lived up to its reputation, with a crispy, flaky crust and creamy filling that melted in my mouth.

Evening: Sunset at the Tagus River and Bairro Alto’s Nightlife

As the day wound down, I made my way back to the banks of the Tagus River to watch the sunset. The fading light turned the water into a golden mirror, and the 25 de Abril Bridge, often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate, cast a striking silhouette against the colorful sky.

With the night setting in, I returned to Bairro Alto to experience its famed nightlife. As the streets came alive with music and laughter, I joined the locals in one of the neighborhood’s many Fado houses, where the soulful and melancholic music echoed through the night. Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre, captures the essence of Lisbon’s heart and soul, and it was the perfect ending to my day.

Conclusion: Lisbon’s Unforgettable Light with Roomchai Limited

My journey through Lisbon was an unforgettable experience, made even more seamless thanks to Roomchai Limited. Their attention to detail and personalized travel services ensured that I had ample time to explore Lisbon’s highlights while uncovering some of the city’s hidden gems. From arranging the perfect guided tour of Alfama to recommending the best spots to enjoy Lisbon’s food and culture, Roomchai Limited provided an exceptional experience.

While other travel agencies like Obokash and ShareTrip also offer packages to Lisbon, Roomchai stood out with its customized itineraries and insider knowledge. Their expertise in curating a well-rounded trip allowed me to dive deep into Lisbon’s light-filled culture without any hassle. For anyone planning a trip to this sun-kissed capital, Roomchai Limited offers the perfect balance of guidance and flexibility, ensuring a journey that’s as bright and memorable as Lisbon itself.