"Nothing comes between me and my dance!!" - Esperanza
Being the world traveler that I am, it may seem that all this comes easily to me, but occasionally I encounter a challenge that demands extraordinary measures - like the one that occurred on the way to my dance lesson. It required some ingenuity to get there, but I will let no obstacle stand in my way when it comes to dance!
The dance studio was about a mile from our Airbnb home in Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon which is listed in the book "1000 Places to See Before You Die". Alfama is full of twisting, turning cobblestone streets, ancient churches and castles, beautiful Portuguese tiles (like those in the flat below), brightly colored bougainvillea and panoramic views. It's a favorite of photographers and walker, and I thought it was a great home base for exploring much of Lisbon.
Our Airbnb building - directly across from the Cathedral Se and just steps from a group of "Tuk-Tuks"
Cathedral Se
On the day of my dance lesson, I left the flat with just enough time to get to my lesson. . . provided I caught a taxi or a tram immediately . . . which of course didn't happen! I was feeling frantic when I spotted a group of Tuk-Tuks waiting to give tours around the narrow Alfama streets. The driver was surprised when I asked him for a ride to the studio - Tuk-Tuks are not taxis. I gave him the address and had the awful feeling that he really didn't know how to get there - but I was desperate so off we drove.
My friend Kitt in front of a Tuk-Tuk. More than once, people asked if we were sisters to which I always replied, "Yes . . . she's the evil one."
The little Tuk-Tuk drove through the downtown streets, weaving through traffic and turned onto a four-lane divided avenue that ran parallel to the frontage road where the studio was located. I had a sinking feeling when we drove right past it and there were no place to turn around in the near distance. Cripes!
A few blocks down the road I saw a pedestrian overpass where I could cross the avenue to get to the frontage road. But when I crossed it, there was a 9-foot wire fence between me and the frontage road!
I saw a 20-something man on the sidewalk below, "Sir, could you please help me get over this fence? Can you catch me?" The poor man froze and you could see on his face that he didn't dare leave this crazy old lady alone.
Before he got a chance to answer, I started climbing the fence, high heels in hand. When I got to the other side, I dropped down and he caught me around the waist - just like they do in the movies! . . . I thanked him and ran off.
Stay tuned for the Portuguese dance - Kizomba. You won't want to miss it - it's a jaw-dropper!
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