European Get-A-Way 2009

Walk along the waterfront to admire the impressive modern architecture of the surroundings (including the seemingly-endless Vasco da Gama Bridge), before heading to Alfama. Wander around the maze of narrow streets, stopping at the miradouros before walking up to the castle. You may want to choose to visit the Tile Museum (take a taxi) or São Vicente de Fora Church, or go straight to the castle if it is now late afternoon - you don't want to miss the sunset as you stand above the city. If you did not have lunch at the popular docas when you visited Belem, it is perhaps a good idea to head there for dinner today. Stay for some drinks and dancing at the neighboring bars and clubs, or burn off your remaining energy in style, at Club Lux.

Sé de Lisboa
Hours Daily 9am-7pm; holidays 9am-5pm
Location Largo da Sé
Transportation Tram: 28 (Graça). Bus: 37
Phone 21/886-67-52
Prices Admission: Cathedral free; cloister 2.50€ ($3.25)

Frommer's Review
Characterized by twin towers flanking its entrance, it represents an architectural wedding of Romanesque and Gothic style. The facade is severe enough to resemble a medieval fortress. At one point, the Saracens reportedly used the site of the present Sé as a mosque. When the city was captured early in the 12th century by Christian crusaders, led by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henríques, the structure was rebuilt. The Sé then became the first church in Lisbon. The earthquakes of 1344 and 1755 damaged the structure.

Beyond the rough exterior are many treasures, including the font where St. Anthony of Padua is said to have been christened in 1195. A notable feature is the 14th-century Gothic chapel of Bartholomeu Joanes. Other items of interest are a crib by Machado de Castro (the 18th-c. Portuguese sculptor responsible for the equestrian statue on Praça do Comércio), the 14th-century sarcophagus of Lopo Fernandes Pacheco, and the original nave and aisles.

A visit to the sacristy and cloister requires a guide. The cloister, built in the 14th century by King Dinis, is of ogival construction, with garlands, a Romanesque wrought-iron grille, and tombs with inscription stones. In the sacristy are marbles, relics, valuable images, and pieces of ecclesiastical treasure from the 15th and 16th centuries. In the morning, the stained-glass reflections on the floor evoke a Monet painting.

Le Wagg
62 Mazarine Street
75006 Paris
Metro: Odeon
Phone: 015542 2201
Only on Sunday
Salsa lesson from 3 to 5 p.m., and then 5 p.m. to midnight, dance floor is open.
Undeniable on Sunday, you must be there if you are a salsero! Great music, excellent atmosphere!
CUBAN STYLE SALSA - Rueda de Casino/Casino.

Getting to Paris, France ( Charles De Gaule Airport) at 1 p.m. from Lisbon on Easyjet airlines.
Charles de Gaulle airport :
Paris-Opéra / Charles de Gaulle airport
Maps of bus lines that link Paris and the airport Charles de Gaulle airport, gates 1 and 2.

Bus 351 Nation / Roissypôle Gare RER.

Bus 350 Gare de l'Est / Roissypôle Gare RER.

Use the following lines to get to and from the Charles de Gaulle airport :
Roissybus (Paris - Opéra / Charles de Gaulle airport, gates 1, 2 and 3), special fare rate.

RER B (2 stations within the airport zone : Charles de Gaulle airport 1, and Charles de Gaulle airport 2 - TGV. You may have also noticed the term "Roissy-Rail"; this is sometimes used to name the part of the RER B line between Paris Gare du Nord and the Charles de Gaulle airport.
Noctilien Lines and (night service only : Orly Sud), special fare rate.




From there we head to our hotel at the Athene-Paris Hotel. Famous for its cameo in a Sex-In-The City episode.