Some back streets are similar to many tourist spots but without all the shops, local people replacing the tourists, houses in their original condition, and that feeling of quiet. That is where we went today, house and people watching up and down more narrow cobble stone streets with more designs, sharing our narrow white footpaths with one wheel of the cars. As I have noted before some places abandoned, not just here but all over Lisboa
According to Barry Hatton in his book: ‘The Portuguese” there are two main reasons for this. First is their inheritance laws which mean that monies go to all the family. This includes all relations so continual arguments keep the property unmaintained and unsold. When they do sell, investors are tied into continuous rent control laws which while benefiting the pensioners and poor, leave those buildings in disrepair. The positive for owners and investors, prices are on the increase regardless
For the visitor none of this matters so people like us can simply enjoy Lisboa with its cobbled streets and tiled buildings
the used and not
pretending I’m not there
The old and the new
So, I got the titles matched to the wrong pictures and thought the “old and New” was the one of you in front of the doorway!! But it all seemed so right, because you are “new” ! 🙂