EXPLORING LISBON: Rua Augusta Arch (Fear of Heights HITS Hard!)

In this week’s video - We are exploring Lisbon, Portugal yet again. This time with vim, vigor, and vitality! in Baixa, we visit the top of the Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta). Michael battles his fear of heights at this incredible panoramic viewpoint. We sneak a peek at some “unique” waffles along the way in exploring the Carmo Convent (Convento do Carmo). From there, we refresh ourselves at A Brasileira de Lisboa (Café A Brasileira aka The Brazilian Lady Cafe). After some very tasty desserts, we wrap up with a quick look at the world’s oldest (and currently still in business) bookstore in Lisboa.

This adventure drops us first into the Praça do Comércio, Commerce Square in English. This is Lisbon’s main square. The earthquake of 1755 devastated the city. To stand in Praça do Comércio today, one can’t help but take a moment to reflect on how Lisbon had battled so many hardships to become the thriving city that it is known for today.:

Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta):
Looking up at the Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta) we never thought we could stand next to the amazing sculptures and breathe in amazing views of all of Lisbon. We literally stood in front of the sculptures of famous people in Portuguese history. One being, Marquis of Pombal (1699-1782), who was responsible for the development of the country and for the reconstruction of the capital. Among these exquisite statues, there was also Constable Nuno Alvares Pereira (1360-1431), who is also a very important figure in Portuguese history. He is the founder of the Carmo Convent.

Carmo Convent (Convento do Carmo):
Later in the day, we made it to Constable Pereira’s Carmo Convent and we were constantly reminded of how beautiful Lisbon truly is and how tragic the past was. At the time of the earthquake, the Carmo Convent (Convento do Carmo) was the largest church in Lisbon, but today the roofless nave open to the sky is all that remains of the arches and rubble that caved in on the congregation as they were attending mass. What used to be the main altar is now a small archaeological museum with an eclectic collection of tombs (the largest one is of King Ferdinand I). The tombs are all empty. However, the museum has one Egyptian mummy and two from Peru on display.

A Brasileira de Lisboa (Café A Brasileira aka The Brazilian Lady Cafe):
This Café is a gorgeous cafe in Chiado Lisbon that everyone should sneak a peek at. Stepping into A Brasileira do Chiado is like stepping back in time. One of Lisbon’s oldest and most emblematic cafés invites you to come inside and enjoy the meeting point of the intellectuals of times past, in a century-old space that preserves its original charm and elegance. Classified since 1997 as the heritage of public interest, today it is one of the oldest cafés in Lisbon Portugal, and one of only three that survived the entire 20th century and remain open.

Livraria Bertrand (world's oldest bookstore that is still in operation):
Just a stone’s throw from the Café, Livraria Bertrand is the world's oldest bookstore that is still in operation, according to the Guinness World Records. Founded in 1732, Livraria Bertrand was just a single bookshop. Sadly, this initial store was one of the many casualties of the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755. Livraria Bertrand then set up shop on Rua Garrett in 1773, where it still stands. Nowadays, there are around 50 branches of Livraria Bertrand across Portugal.

Life in Lisbon is an adventure. Getting lost in this welcoming city is not only rewarding but can also be very tasty and educational. Come eat, learn, laugh, and get lost with us.

#livinginportugal #Lisbon #Portugal #tourabunga

Notable moments:
0:00 Hey everybody, we kickin’ it
0:14 Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta)
10:44 So there you have it
11:02 So there you have it
11:20 Waffles
11:55 Carmo Convent (Convento do Carmo)
16:11 A Brasileira de Lisboa (Café A Brasileira aka The Brazilian Lady Cafe)
18:32 So there you have it
19:03 Livraria Bertrand
20:07 Thank you!
20:54 Extras
21:56 Subscribe & Follow us On Instagram @tourabunga

// ABOUT US //
Hi! We're Melissa, Samantha, and Michael. We're a happy-go-lucky, nomadic family from the United States. We sold everything and moved to Portugal with our dog, Willow. Join us on our adventures as we build our new lives here in Lisbon.

// MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO //
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
→ AFTERNOONZ → LA In The 70's (Content ID: CILQRALMJK7S3N81)

[josecunhaesilva]

The Fearless Michael, the man who conquered his fears! How do I understand you! Same problem to me. Happy for having you around my town! Cheers.

[lsvmuk]

Hi, the most symbolic Portuguese poet is Luis de Camões, who died on the 10th of June 1580. This date is used to commemorate the day of Portugal. He wrote a famous book of poems, Lusíadas, which has been studied by Portuguese High Schools students for a long time.
Fernando Pessoa died in 1935 and he is surely the most well known Portuguese poet abroad.
Portugal is considered by many people as a country of poets.

[thebordenkw]

Probably your best video yet. I've watched up to Ericeira. Getting better.

[amyreed-ferguson]

"Just try it, maybe it's a secret portal!" I love Samantha so much!
I guess you guys should rename it, "Michael's Arch De Triumph". As a fellow agoraphobe, I feel those heavy legs and dizziness!
Are those waffles naughty AND vegan? If so, I need them in my life!
Really nice musical accompaniment throughout the video. Loved the haunting feel for the church and the jazziness of the café!
Samantha, I could be wrong, but I think the kitty might be sleeping in a baptismal font.
Can I just say that Melissa is becoming a beautiful tour guide! I really enjoy learning the historical bits of your sightseeing. :)
Nice blending of three people's footage of a lovely day in Lisboa. I can't wait till I'm walking the same streets and seeing the same sights with the three of you. <3

[kgcg]

Nice views! Can't wait to visit Portugal. :) Great video.

[janiswilliams]

Hi Again,
Yes! I absolutely am terrified of heights. And guess what? I always live in the mountains. I have to train myself to go up and down the roads to get to where I live. I love the view from Heights but I’m scared to get there. I could feel everything. Good job! There are probably lots more places to climb in Lisbon. You are a lot braver than I am

[mann]

Well done Mikey for reaching on the top of the museum! Also, I love the transitions (shaky one) in the video. Looks like you guys are having great times. All the best.

[emanuelcamacho]

good morning friend, just to tell you that you were a great man and faced fear head-on. Little by little you will overcome your biggest fears, the panic will slowly let you go, believe in yourself.

[celiapereira]

My goodness do I miss my homeland.. great job Michael 👍💯🤗

[gladysntsibande]

Wooow am also scared of the heights michael you are not the only one

[filmboyben]

I think this may have been the best yet. I am truly inspired to get off my butt and travel more. There is so much to see in this world, and your family is living proof to do it! CONQUER YOUR FEARS, and GO FOR IT! I think we will, thank you, thank you, thank you Michael for always being a voice of encouragement, even whilst battling your own personal fears. You've got a steady follower here, and it was this video (Sam and Mel) that got the Wife and Mother in Law watching. So Cheers to a strong, creative, and of course wildly successful YouTube career. Where are you guys off to next, excitedly awaiting the next adventure.

[stevon]

Great vid will be there next week and will hopefully see these sites and places.

[jennifermello]

I've loved watching all of.your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[antoniobettencourt]

Just loved the part of Convento do Carmo. Wonderful music selection.

[mTheevilcow]

Next up before the King Christ Statue, the new April 25th Bridge lift that takes visitors up to the decking and of course takes you to a different viewpoint.
Fernando Pessoa is next to Luis Vaz de Camões (author of the Lusiadas, published in 1572 a book that was written in a similar way to those by Homer (Iliad and Odyssey)) on the grandness scale but still very sharp and complex literature, not for beginners.
Also might not make a great video but the Navy Museum is a great place to visit especially if you are a history buff.

[JoseOliveira-qqmk]

There are a lot worse highplaces with terrifying staircases across Portugal. I live in Aveiro and I have never fone up to Farol da Barra (Barra beach lighthouse) because I cannot find the courage to climb the last staircase. When I was younger I visited tha Sta. Luzia"s monument in Viana do Castelo and I tried to climb to the top, but I froze midstairs and I had to be taken down by the security guard there.... I felt really ashamed of the fuss I caused and never attempted it again. So, you are not alone Michael! But I foresee a LOT of situations like this one o. RUA Augusta for you (which, for me, was quite easy). All the best!

[lizpinto]

Ahhh you gave me shivers when you showed up on the stairs, if you continue to face your fears it WILL get better and you get to experience some fantastic memories, we will definitely go to the tower next time we go to Portugal, best wishes from 🇨🇦🇵🇹

[joseantoniocruz]

Boa noite. Sou português e adorei o vídeo. Obrigado.

[ricardomachado]

Welcome to Lisbon, just found your channel recently! I also have fear of Heights but I would recommend visiting the top of Ajuda Church and the visit to the elevator of 25 of Abril Bridge!

[carlosdejesus]

Fernando Pessoa wrote a lot in English, less in French and the rest in Portuguese. It is interesting to note that his work was only published after his death. In life he published only one book of poems "A Mensagem". It was by chance that his work was discovered inside a large trunk that the owner of the house where he lived was about to throw away.
Just for the record, the most important Portuguese poet was Camoens. Even our national day was chosen to celebrate his work. It's called "Day of Portugal, Camoens, and Portuguese Communities", (Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas)
Thank you for sharing all those views of my place of birth. Living far away from there, in this distant Canada, it is like a balm to ease the longing I have. We call it "saudade"!