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Lisbon. First leg of our journey. Love the city's charming neighbourhoods, pastel-coloured buildings, tilework and relaxed atmosphere. Situated on nine hills, there are plenty of ups and downs in the city with stairs, trams and a Neo Gothic-style elevator called the Santa Justa Lift to aid the weary walker.
The Alfama, an old neighbourhood that used to house the city's wealthy Moorish citizens, is a jumble of steep cobblestone lanes, pretty pastel-coloured houses and quaint street scenes. It is not unusual to spot groups of Lisboetas having afternoon beers or a spot of gossip, while burly men walk their miniature dogs. A young Portuguese population seems to have found a home here, revitalising the area with their energy and good looks.
Alfama is special for its miradouros or viewpoints, granting the tenacious with several splendid views over the neighbourhood's toylike tumble of houses and church spires leading towards the blue sea.
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