Club Trip to Lisbon 9th to 12th May 2009
Another Guest's View
Manchester Airport: Saturday 6.30am: Colin taking the role call of 21 people waiting to check in for the BMI Baby flight to Lisbon, Expo 2009 ready to commence. As a visiting member (named George!) introductions were made and I soon felt a welcomed member of the group.
On arrival at Lisbon the flight attendant reminded passengers of the one hour time difference with the UK and to adjust watches accordingly. Not so! Said Colin and he was eventually proved right by a further announcement from the flight deck to confirm that there was no time difference. Confidence was now high that Colin's arrangements for the weekend were such that all aspects for the visit to Lisbon been expertly covered. Baggage collected, no problems, Taxis - , three for four passengers, three for three passengers were part of these. What did they charge you for the journey? -10 euros, WHAT! We paid 40euros. We now realize that the metered taxi price was 9 euros. Lessons learned for future visits. Rooms allocated rain; imminent, best option to take a tour bus after lunch. Great way to get a feel for the city. The tour proved interesting and gave an outline of the cities layout and architecture and allowed some early photography. Back to the Hotel- time to relax and plan the venue for the evening meal. Restaurant selected; 7.30pm assemble in the hotel lobby; down to the chosen venue having booked a table for 21. Table ready Sir - greeted the waiter! The nibbles on the table, the water and, the bread were not included in the menu pricing and wine would be supplied until you said no!. Lovely meal, can we have the bill said Dave Akers. Dave does the calculation per person, WHAT, HOW MUCH! Smile and pay up, we are on Holiday. Second lesson to be learnt.
With these initial experiences behind us the party went on to have a very enjoyable weekend. There were incidents; I had my pocket picked but recovered my wallet intact after a confrontation with the two ladies operating in the main street, Colin was nearly arrested on the train for not validating his train ticket, Jackie much to her disgust being accepted as over the age for concessions. Alan smiling and thinking he got away with a cheap ticket for her. Photography was good with many places of interest to capture , The Castle, the Expo 98 area, Bridges, the many tiled fascias to buildings, some in state of dereliction but photogenic, statues and monuments, special tourist trams , the famous lift , and views from the top, buskers and interesting people , peacocks at the castle and many other discoveries. All will be revealed in due course as the image files are committed to print. See the next quarterly competition at the club.
Who is a contender for the most images ? Bill with 7Gb worth?
All agreed on the final analysis that it had been a great weekend, Thanks Colin for arranging it. Thanks Colin for inviting me, and thanks to all my new friends for making me so welcome...