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Two equally vibrant cities, two different continents and many stark resemblances — I’d have never imagined Lisbon, capital of Portugal and the hometown to Vasco De Gama, would conjure up memories of my trip to San Francisco.
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The beautiful, tranquil setting of the sleepy little town of Lisbon makes it a paradise for people who like heading off on solitary walks in a strange, intriguing land! While trudging along the Lisbon streets, I could see a panorama of colours at one go.
With houses with cute thatched red roofs and colourful flower baskets in the balconies, cobble stone streets, magnificent statues and water fountains in every square and stunning Moorish tile works on the sidewalks, Lisbon appears like it belongs to another era. Explore this city well, and you’re transported to the medieval times.
Bridging the gaps
I believe the charm of Lisbon lies in its strong links to history. Well-preserved palaces, impressive castles and churches mirror the city’s rich historical heritage. After exploring this colourful city by foot and by bus, I decided to take a boat ride through the calm Tagus River.
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After a quick visit to the majestic Belem tower — a piece of architectural brilliance — the boat was langorously gliding ahead as I noticed a huge reddish-orange-coloured suspension bridge and a feeling of déjà vu swept my mind.
It was my first ever visit to Lisbon, then why did that bridge seem so unnervingly familiar? And then it struck me — the shape and orange colour of the bridge was strikingly similar to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge! The 2.2 km long Salazar bridge was partly covered in fog which reminded me of our numerous visits to the Golden Gate Bridge which used to be encompassed in fog every single time.
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Here’s a little trivia — San Francisco’s climate is marked with a continual foggy weather, strong winds and currents so the requisite for building this bridge was that it had to be tough.
Similar factors faced Lisbon and that’s how it was decided to join the banks of Tagus River with a bridge.
Besides, both these bridges are designed by the world famous builder-engineer Joseph Straus, who, it seems, chose the unusual orange colour because it fit in with each area’s natural beauty.
The colour was contrasting with the grey used on most bridges. Today these bridges are regarded as amongst the most beautiful bridges in the world.
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Spot the similarity
Lisbon, or ‘Lisboa’, as it’s fondly addressed by the Portugese (an extremely friendly and jolly clan), is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Tagus River, while San Francisco is flanked between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco bay.
Lisbon is a city of seven hills, which provide an outstanding view of the city. The city city of seven hills, which provide an outstanding view of the city. The steps and steep slopes are the peculiar characteristic of Lisbon. I discovered that each and every narrow street of Lisbon has a different story to tell.
San Francisco too, stands in a geographical area with seven hills. On one of these hills we find a very ‘twisted’ path, Lombard Street. It has eight very difficult bends because of which it is also called ‘a crooked Street.’
Even today San Francisco and Lisbon retain the same mode of transport which has become a symbol for both these cities, and which have a close connection with the fact that both of them are earthquake-prone — Lisbon with its yellow Carries trams and San Francisco with its cable cars. They still have their original timber construction and run on rails.
European America
San Francisco and Lisbon both are called the “cities of flowers and wine yards”. Because of the unusual climate and natural environment a wide range of plants and flowers are cultivated in both the regions.
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During my visit, I found an esplanade — a pavement cafe, practically on every street and avenue of Lisbon. Europeans love coffee as a general rule, but for the Portuguese, spending time and money in cafes is a way of life. The Portuguese food I had was fantastic.
Just as Lisbon is not typically ‘European’, San Francisco is not your usual American city. It is different because of its cultural and ethnic diversity.
In fact, it is regarded as the ‘most European’ of American cities! Both these cities are home to many artists and writers, which I found out thanks to the numerous museums and art galleries I visited at both places.
Note to remember
After witnessing these similarities, a thought floated in my mind. There are very few places in the world which share so many resemblances.
It is very difficult to believe that two distant cities from two different continents have so much in common — natural beauty, romantic views, breathtaking sights and magnificent architecture. To visit one is to be reminded of the other.’
► Photo Caption:
1. A typical Lisbon square
2. Trams that are still the most popular mode of transport
3. The majestic Belem Tower
4. Flower baskets that adorn every Lisbon balcony
5. Salazar Bridge bears an uncanny resemblance to Golden Gate bridge, San Fransisco
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