THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND LISBON
Feb 15th, 2006, 07:03 PM
#142
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We did rent an apartment in Lisbon last year and paying for it was a nightmare.
I am not interested in doing that again, namanka, no matter how nice the apartment is.
We did not use Paypal, but we used a wire transfer and it was back and forth, back and forth. Also, there were a lot of extra fees.
Of course, this is only my experience. But when someone starts saying to me that I must pay extra fees, it just gives me a bad feeling.
I wish you luck.
I am not interested in doing that again, namanka, no matter how nice the apartment is.
We did not use Paypal, but we used a wire transfer and it was back and forth, back and forth. Also, there were a lot of extra fees.
Of course, this is only my experience. But when someone starts saying to me that I must pay extra fees, it just gives me a bad feeling.
I wish you luck.
Feb 16th, 2006, 04:37 AM
#143
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Ideas for interesting wildlife experiences:
If going to Setubal area then one of the best things is a dolphin tour, for the river Sado is home to a large number of estuary dolphins: http://www.vertigemazul.com/Ingles.htm We keep talking of doing it - I was lucky to see dolphins from the normal ferry in Setubal itself and have watched large schools of dolphins from the shore. It appears this company also offers tours of Arrabida natural park which is a large mountain having beautiful scenery, I am not in anyway linked to this company but I think it would be a fantastic and different experience.
Near Sines is a large safari park called Badoca Park - http://www.badoca.com/ (I can't see if it has English) which is a good day out (Although having toured Tanzania and the Serengeti it was a bite "tame" for my tastes) but again worth considering. Got some great hands on experience with some birds of prey and different owl species, although no night owls ;-)
Matt
If going to Setubal area then one of the best things is a dolphin tour, for the river Sado is home to a large number of estuary dolphins: http://www.vertigemazul.com/Ingles.htm We keep talking of doing it - I was lucky to see dolphins from the normal ferry in Setubal itself and have watched large schools of dolphins from the shore. It appears this company also offers tours of Arrabida natural park which is a large mountain having beautiful scenery, I am not in anyway linked to this company but I think it would be a fantastic and different experience.
Near Sines is a large safari park called Badoca Park - http://www.badoca.com/ (I can't see if it has English) which is a good day out (Although having toured Tanzania and the Serengeti it was a bite "tame" for my tastes) but again worth considering. Got some great hands on experience with some birds of prey and different owl species, although no night owls ;-)
Matt
Feb 16th, 2006, 02:38 PM
#144
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A few posts back gj05 asked about walking tours in Lisbon. So here's a more complete list:
www.lisbonwalks.com
www.lisbonwalker.com
www.espiatorio.com (Adventure walks and treks)
www.insidelisbon.com (includes mini bus tours to Sintra, Cascais, Arribida, Sesimbra, Obidos and Fatima)
www.mrfriend.pt (Guided tours to Sintra, Palmela, Mafra, Fatima and Obidos)
And what could turn out to be something really different -
www.sidecartouring.co.pt (Tours of Lisbon on the back of a motorbike and sidecar).
Once again please note I have no relationship with any of these listings but again well worth a browse.
Matt
www.lisbonwalks.com
www.lisbonwalker.com
www.espiatorio.com (Adventure walks and treks)
www.insidelisbon.com (includes mini bus tours to Sintra, Cascais, Arribida, Sesimbra, Obidos and Fatima)
www.mrfriend.pt (Guided tours to Sintra, Palmela, Mafra, Fatima and Obidos)
And what could turn out to be something really different -
www.sidecartouring.co.pt (Tours of Lisbon on the back of a motorbike and sidecar).
Once again please note I have no relationship with any of these listings but again well worth a browse.
Matt
Feb 16th, 2006, 02:47 PM
#146
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Well, I have been in contact with the owner of the apartment. He did apologize for not mentioning the fees in the other posts. He gave me some other alternatives though; #1 that I could do a bank transfer, which internationally runs $25 each time. That would end up being $50;once for deposit and once for balance due. He also suggested that I could pay the deposit through Paypal (30% of total cost) and just pay the paypal fee on the 30%. It's a 4.5% fee; not too bad there. The remaining balance I can just pay in cash when I arrive. After thinking it over, I have decided on the latter route. I feel confident in his willingness to put me at ease and his expedience in addressing all my questions and concerns. I hope it works out in the end!
Feb 16th, 2006, 03:20 PM
#147
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This is a photo Lobo sent me of his "nocturnal" guise...
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionC...er99/FRITZ.JPG
;-)
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionC...er99/FRITZ.JPG
;-)
Feb 16th, 2006, 04:11 PM
#148
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Matt, you have very good archives, but a litlle outdated. I don't use mustache since 1999. 
Namaka, is so good to know everything is cleared and you are coming. I look forward to meet you and your family.
Namaka, is so good to know everything is cleared and you are coming. I look forward to meet you and your family.
Feb 16th, 2006, 04:40 PM
#149
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Namaka. I am glad it worked out for you also.
Please email me when you return to tell me how you liked the apartment.
I am glad you decided to not do a wire transfer, which is what gave us so much trouble when we rented. I would very much appreciate it.
Sherry
[email protected]
Please email me when you return to tell me how you liked the apartment.
I am glad you decided to not do a wire transfer, which is what gave us so much trouble when we rented. I would very much appreciate it.
Sherry
[email protected]
Feb 16th, 2006, 05:19 PM
#150
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Lobo Mau and Sherry,
Thanks so much for your support. It makes me feel even more confident in my decision. I can't wait to get there;only 4 more months to go!
I just have to share one small story! I lived in just outside of Lisboa from 1972-1975 as a child because my father was in the military. I probably complained about everything that was not American. No McDonalds, no Brady Bunch tv show,etc.But when the day came to finally board the plane back to California, I was crying hysterically because I didn't want to leave. I have dreamed of coming back the last 30 years and can't believe it's finally happening. Oh,uh-it's almost making me cry right now.
Thanks so much for your support. It makes me feel even more confident in my decision. I can't wait to get there;only 4 more months to go!
I just have to share one small story! I lived in just outside of Lisboa from 1972-1975 as a child because my father was in the military. I probably complained about everything that was not American. No McDonalds, no Brady Bunch tv show,etc.But when the day came to finally board the plane back to California, I was crying hysterically because I didn't want to leave. I have dreamed of coming back the last 30 years and can't believe it's finally happening. Oh,uh-it's almost making me cry right now.
Feb 16th, 2006, 05:26 PM
#151
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I think your return will be the cause for a large celebration. Okay, I'm in, Lobo, Sher, Tere, who else? In fact I'll start in advance and open a bottle of red especially...
Unfortunately you'll find McDonalds just about everywhere you look now in Lisbon and surrounds - and overweight children
Matt
Unfortunately you'll find McDonalds just about everywhere you look now in Lisbon and surrounds - and overweight children
Matt
Feb 17th, 2006, 12:08 AM
#154
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Sher. It's not a good idea to save the remainings of the bottle for so long. We have plenty of them and we'll open another one for you.
Matt, I'm always ready to celebrate, whatever it is.
And a last note that may leave many people in shock: I like MacDo, I go there at least once a month...
Matt, I'm always ready to celebrate, whatever it is.
And a last note that may leave many people in shock: I like MacDo, I go there at least once a month...
Feb 17th, 2006, 02:38 AM
#155
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I wonder about you, Lobo Mau... You work (...?) near Entrecampos, you know Lisbon as nowbody else, your english is almost perfect... you even has all the needed etiquette notions and are able to transmit it to foreigners! You are not a child, has your eldest son already drive...
Feb 17th, 2006, 05:59 AM
#157
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Well. We used McDonald's quite often in the mornings.
We drove extensively on our last trip there and sometimes if we wanted to get on the road quickly, it was a great place to stop for coffee TO GO.
We drove extensively on our last trip there and sometimes if we wanted to get on the road quickly, it was a great place to stop for coffee TO GO.
Feb 17th, 2006, 06:14 AM
#158
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Hey Sher, I think you missed the end of the sentence - I'll galdly finish for you <i>for coffee TO GO</i> <b>in the bin</b> Man you really have to be desperate to drink a "McBica" or whatever they call it. Yeuch! I personally have an intravenous drip supplying my system with caffeine that I trail around with me and even then I must have at least 2 bicas per day just to stay awake. I guess that's the bonus of having a 2 week old daughter...
Matt
Matt
Feb 17th, 2006, 06:48 AM
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Dear Saozinha, in spite of not understanding the usage of the question mark (...?) in your post I read your post as a complimentary post and I thank you for that. The comments about my usage of English language and knowledge about Lisbon are largely undeserved (Matt knows Lisbon much better than I do and has that bon vivant flair that I miss).
And last but not the least, I have a unresolved conflict with my ID card. It says I'm over 40 and I believe I'm 20 but I'm positive I'm right in this dispute ;-).
The huff and puff capabilities are largely due to never have smoked (someday I'll try a cuban cigar)
My screen name is inspired in the big bad wolf children's story, but apart from that, I must confess I'm a huge fan of the "Grey Wolf", better known as Mustapha K. Ataturk, the father of modern Turkye and my very favourite statesman of 20th century.
And last but not the least, I have a unresolved conflict with my ID card. It says I'm over 40 and I believe I'm 20 but I'm positive I'm right in this dispute ;-).
The huff and puff capabilities are largely due to never have smoked (someday I'll try a cuban cigar)
My screen name is inspired in the big bad wolf children's story, but apart from that, I must confess I'm a huge fan of the "Grey Wolf", better known as Mustapha K. Ataturk, the father of modern Turkye and my very favourite statesman of 20th century.
