1936 On the Continent

first day in Lisbon must have dazed you. You will dream of caravels springing lightly from street corners and ancient fountains into the Tagus in search of fresh adventures; of the big Terreiro do Paço square, where pigeons and seagulls fraternise; of mingled impressions of happy hours; of figures and scenes witnessed during your stroll through the city; and, enwrapping all, you will hear in your dreams the tuneful cries of the street-sellers which form the musical background of Lisbon’s happy charm.
Sights
    To-morrow, I will take you to the museums and to the Jeronimo’s Convent, where we will stop for a moment at the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Camoens. We will also ascend the Avenida de Liberdade (Liberty Avenue) and enter Edward VII Park, where I will show you the great cold greenhouse of the capital. Then you will visit the terraces and belvederes of the Monte and Santa Luzia, pass through the Estrela Gardens, admire the graceful and decorative silhouettes of the “Varinas” (fisherwomen) who are to be met with everywhere in Lisbon. You will hear their quaint sing-song cries, and, following them, you will find yourself in the interesting Praça da Figueira market. And now you must see Alfama. Lose your way in its labyrinth of typical narrow streets, note the alleys and side-streets of this curious district, which still maintains all the charm of the sixteenth century. You should go through it in the afternoon or evening. You will find a picturesque atmosphere and a population of workpeople who, on seeing you pass, may send the youngest child of the family to offer you a flower in token of welcome.
Of Interest
    The newspaper offices in this district work feverishly all night long; from here, at break of dawn, numerous groups of light-footed newspaper boys start on their rounds, and the cries announcing their newspapers ring through the streets. If you have time you should alsotake a walk through the Mouraria, a district connected with many curious popular traditions, and Mandragoa, where you will see gathered together the fishwives and street vendors, whose graceful poise and lightsome gait remind one of a flight of seagulls. Then stay your steps a moment in the Caes do Sodré, where you will see the haunts of seafaring people, both foreign and national, and their bars and cafés—the “London,” the “Royal,” etc.
    Opposite the terrace of the “London” is the station from which the trains start for the Sunshine Coast. You can leave at any hour.
Estoril
    An electric train will bear you rapidly to a zone of great panoramic beauty. Estoril, a world-famous resort with up-to-date hotels and an extraordinarily mild climate, is situated at a distance of fifteen miles from Lisbon, at the end of a long series of lovely, gay beaches. You can stay in restful comfort at this most highly reputed resort which is visited by tourists from all over the world, and from where you can make many charming excursions.
    There, on your right, is the “Palace Hotel,” next to the splendid baths, installed to facilitate the therapeutic use of the thermal springs. The glass-framed swimming bath is much appreciated for sport and for competition fêtes, and is a constant attraction to visitors. At the end of the park, built on English lines, is the Casino.
Sports
    The Casino has ballrooms, exhibition rooms, a theatre, a cinema, and roulette and baccarat tables. It also possesses a restaurant and bar, and has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with frequent fêtes, concerts and balls. The “great world” assembles there. The 18-hole golf links are among the best in the world and cover a vast area. The surrounding scenery is quite unique and varied in its beauty. H.M. King Edward VIII, when Prince of Wales, played on these links, as well as many other great men. Nearby are the riding and polo camps. In the park, in the Estoril Pavilion and the Cascaes sporting club, there are several tennis courts, with instructors. The naval hippodrome, where the horse-races are held, is seven and a half miles from here. In an annexeof the baths building the master-fencers of Portugal direct fencing matches that are enthusiastically played all the year round. In the riding school an able professor teaches ladies and children. There is also pigeon and plate shooting. The clear, calm waters of Tamariz, Conceição, and Rainha beaches—the latter at Cascaes—are excellent for swimming; outboards fly dizzily along, water polo is played, and light,