Shot no. 18

Shot no. 18 (Fujifilm Finepix SP8200, Canon EOS M10, Huawei Mate 9)

Photos taken at Lisbon City, Lisbon District, Portugal in August 2017.

Lisbon, the city that I love to visit but I keep saying that I would hate to live in. The traffic kills me and driving is one of the things that gives me most pleasure.

For me, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, perfect for photographers. At each corner, one good shot between a modern city, old fashioned buildings and medieval buildings.

Normally my visits are always very quick, just a layover between Dublin and my hometown in Portugal but every now and again I'll spend the night in Lisbon and walk around the city.

This time I stayed for a day and a half, part of that day was spent on the beach (of course, my vital environment!!!). Still managed to walk around downtown (Baixa, Praça do Comércio and Rossio) and Parque das Nações for some photos, didn't have much time but got a few good shots. Visited the Arco da Rua Augusta (3rd photo from the top) and took some nice photos from the top. Also, wanted to visit Elevador de Santa Justa but about 11am on Saturday morning the queue was too big. It's an excellent spot to watch the city from a higher perspective but if you want to visit it go as early as you can... like everything else in Lisbon.

My suggestion for staying is Ibis Hotel Parque das Nações. A modern three star hotel with continental breakfast very well located, close to airport, train, metro, shopping centre and many places to eat!

Probably will never live in Lisbon but I will always return for a visit! 

Info:

• About Lisbon: 
• https://www.visitlisboa.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon
• Parque das Nações: https://www.visitlisboa.com/lisbon/lisbon-region/parque-das-nacoes
• About Arco da Rua Augusta:
• https://www.visitlisboa.com/see-do/sightseeing-activities/museums-monuments/arco-da-rua-augusta
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rua_Augusta_Arch
• Elevador de Santa Justa: http://lisbon-portugal-guide.com/Baixa-Lisbon/Elevador-Santa-Justa-Lisbon-elevator-lift-guide.html
• Hotel Ibis Parque da Nações: https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-8501-ibis-lisboa-parque-das-nacoes/index.shtml

Shot no.9

Shot no.9 (Fujifilm FinePix SP8200)

Photo taken in Kilkenny Town, Co. Kilkenny (IRL), September 2016.

One day I went to visit Kilkenny and that day wasn't enough! It was a long enough drive from Dublin, can't remember exactly how much time spent but was more than 1h driving! Such a nice town and with that beautiful day, Kilkenny looked even more beautiful!

The whole morning was spent in Kilkenny Castle, a magnificent building over 800 years old and a splendorous garden by the River Nore's bank. 2h won't be enough if you are interested in history and want to take loads of photos.

Then for lunch, and this was acutally the main reason to visit Kilkenny, we went to Algarve Grill, the only Portuguese restaurant in the whole of the Republic of Ireland! After 4 years in Ireland finally managed to visit them and I tell you, that visit was worth every litre of diesel, every cent spent! The food was just delicious and I felt like I was back home!

In the afternoon, we just walked through Kilkenny's streets. It's not a big town but still full of life and friendly people (like most of the Irish folks!). After a few hours walking we found this very beautiful cathedral, St. Canice's Cathedral, with a big round tower where it was possible to climb the stairs to the top of the tower but unfortunately when we arrived it was already too late, the cathedral and the tower was already closed! The good point was, there was no one there to destroy my photo! I must go back!

Info:

• Kilkenny: http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/
• Kilkenny Castle: http://www.kilkennycastle.ie/
• Algarve Grill:
• https://www.tripadvisor.pt/Restaurant_Review-g186616-d2664166-Reviews-Algarve_Grill-Kilkenny_County_Kilkenny.html
• https://www.facebook.com/AlgarveGrill
• St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower: http://www.stcanicescathedral.ie/