I was in Lisbon for 3 days during the Easter weekend. Landed on Saturday morning, when it was cool and drizzling on and off. On my way to the hotel, the taxi driver told me I was lucky, because for the prior two weeks, it was almost raining non-stop.

The whole Square of Commerce was closed for construction. That was okay, as I kind of got used to seeing cathedrals or basilicas under renovation, so this time it was a square for a change. On the first day I covered the city centre and Belem, the famous area where you find the gigantic Jeronimos Monastery, the characteristic Discoveries Monument and the elegant Belem Tower, all of which so rich in taste and detailed workmanship. I love statues and sculpture. Portugal, like most of the European countries, has a lot to offer.

On the second day, the weather was much warmer and there was plenty of sunshine. I took the train to Sintra to visit the castles there. I got a red nose like Santa Claus. When I went back to Lisbon in the early evening, I took the Metro to Vasco da Gama. I didn't know what to expect in that district, but just wanted to take a photo there to show my buddy Vasco R. just for the interest of it. Once I stepped out of the metro station and looked back, I was stunned. The modern and awesome Oriente Station impressed me so much that after a few shots I decided to go back there the next morning.

So I did, after making a stop at the gorgeous Eduardo VII Park and strolling down the Avenida da Liberdade to Restauradores Square. Vasco da Gama is entirely different from the classic Lisbon. The Portuguese people are certainly artistic and creative in city designs. I spent a couple of hours there before going to the Castle of St. George and the incredible Santa Justa Elevator for a last glimpse of this lovely city.

When I was on the Metro back to the hotel, I said to myself that this unplanned 3-day itinerery turned out quite productive, though I made myself dead tired from walking up and down inside the castles. As I dragged my exhausted body into the hotel lobby, I vaguely heard the music band from the bar. The singer seemed to be whispering from afar with his magnetic voice, "I found my April dream, in Portugal with you, when we discovered romance, like we never knew...."

He was probably singing to a lovely lady in the audience. It's a beautiful song. I smiled to myself. I found my April dream in Portugal, with my camera.

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