THE BIC(H)AMELEONS FAMILY

The Elevador da Bica, which is the most famous funicular of Lisbon, has been yellow since 1892. Anyway in the last January it camouflages itself.

A MOBILE OASIS OF OLIVE TREES

Every torrid afternoon until the sunset, a lot of lisboetas cool themselves under the shadow of the Jardim Móvel das Oliveiras olive trees, enjoying the broad fluvial view from the old river port of Cais do Sodré, where the “oasis” is located (between the River Tejo and the bus terminus).
Each olive tree is placed inside a colored and movable base provided with armchair, which is useful for a single person or for two thin lovers.


Managers spending break time, fishermen, tourists and tired vagabonds: everybody likes this garden.

THE GALLERY OF BECO DAS FARINHAS

Among the old neighborhoods of Lisbon, Mouraria is the one which most proudly has resisted to modernity.
Because of the humidity in the alleys (becos in Portuguese), the structural weakness of the buildings, and the gloomy feel of petty crime, real estate speculation has been until now discouraged.
I noticed no intrusion of new, trendy clubs, except the spaghetti restaurant Cantina Baldracca.
There are only groceries run by Pakistan citizens, taverns and African restaurants.
Old people have an easy living in Mouraria: they liven up the streets and keep the spiritual supremacy of the old neighborhood alive.
Scottish artist Camilla Watson, in last September, dedicated to them Tributo, an exposition featuring 19 shots of aged habitantes, whose serigraphies cover the walls of Beco das Farinhas.
Here are some images...

Senhor Joaquim

Dona Amélia

Senhor Salgado

Dona Nazaré

Senhor Henrique

Senhor Carlos and José Moreira

Dona Adelaide

Dona Georgette, Senhor António and Dona Adelaide (detail)

Senhor Carlos and Dom Quixote