Meet you at Rossio?

Whenever we went to Portugal, one of our main stops was Lisbon and even if we had been down to the Algarve (way down in the South) we simply had to be in Lisbon for a while.

Once in Lisbon, we always stayed at the same hotel (I’m afraid a very chic one) but we never had breakfast there. We took a walk, being quite rudely awoken by the hussle and buzzle (and claxoning) of life in the big city, and came to

Praça Dom Pedro IV (officially), known as Rossia by all.

One of the most lovely squares in Lisbon (there are no un-lovely squares in Lisbon!).

It’s in the middle of the Baixa, the low city and a magnificent statue of Dom Pedro IV, looking down at two baroque fountains and flower stalls.

These four virtuous ladies are sitting at his feet. Four very serious ladies portaying cautiousness, justice, strength and temperance.

Evenings are great fun at Rossio. Many good restaurants, shops open till late, flower girls selling carnations, sidewalk cafés and in case you want to go somewhere, here is the Railway Station.

And the next morning, when you go for breakfast to yet another restaurant, don’t forget him … the old man sitting there selling small bags with food for the pigeons.for next to nothing

Feed the Birds, Feed the Birds…