Rejoining the newly refurbished World in Lisbon

The World had just emerged from a one-month dry dock in Lisbon and we were anxious to see all the refurbishments! Lots of staff were on hand to welcome us “home” and we scooted right to the apartment.
Friends of ours had been in Lisbon a few weeks earlier and reported rain on a daily basis but we lucked out with clear blue skies when we looked out on Friday morning. Good thing, too, as we were off to play golf at the Belas Clube de Campo.
It was located about 45 minutes from the port and there were only three of us along with Damon, the Ship’s pro. Our driver was quite the character and we saw some interesting sights on the way. There were a couple of large groups in front of us so it became a 5-hour round but the weather was beautiful and the course very nice so we didn’t care.
We were back on the Ship in time to rest up a bit before heading to the pool deck for welcome back cocktails. We dined with good pals, two of whom had just arrived and were seriously jet-lagged, but copious amounts of food and wine temporarily overcame exhaustion.
On Saturday we decided to take our long walk off the Ship and set off for town, which was in walking distance of the pier. We had spent three days here in 2013, the last time the Ship was in dry dock, and had seen most everything Lisbon and the surrounding area had to offer. So, today we were content to stroll along the Avenue Liberdade.

Views of the city from the Ship

Probably because it was Saturday and lovely weather there were lots of people strolling around or sitting by the fountains in the many town squares. We weren’t really sure what all these buildings were, just that they were beautiful, especially against the bright blue sky.

Love the architectural details on rooftops

The famous Black Horse Square

Once we passed through the arches we were on Avenida Liberdade which is one of the main thoroughfares in the city. Its four lanes are divided by grassy medians and closer to the buildings are one way lanes. This is the place for the elegant hotels and shops and great for people-watching.

The famous black & white cobblestone sidewalks

We took a different route back to the Ship and accidentally walked past the Elevador de Sante Justa, or the San Juste lift. Inaugurated in July 1902, it was classified as a National Monument on its 100th anniversary in 2002. The cast iron, Neo-Gothic structure is the only vertical lift open to the public and was built to connect the upper and lower parts of the city. It was constructed by the Portuguese architect and engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard who was an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel. Originally powered by a steam engine that lifted the elevator 147′, it has a belvedere and cafe at the top which provide great views of the city.

San Juste Elevator and crowds waiting to ride

We re-traced our steps across Black Horse Square and were soon back on the Ship. Tonight was a quiet, in room dining night while we watched “The Revenant”.