Our new home high up the Tagus river just before the Vasco de Gama Bridge was the site of EXPO 1998. Parque des Nacoes (Park of Nations ) a futuristic wonderland of high rise buildings exhibition centres, wide avenues, water features and public art.
We had initially dismissed the place as possibly being a bit soulless, but we slowly began to change our minds, it does have a unique charm. Its a bit like being in a real version of "The Jetsons". As Lynne pointed out you feel people should be riding about on hover boards.........
For me there are certain advantages, it is pedestrianised to a large degree so I was able to get my bike out of the cockpit locker and cycle along the extensive waterfront cycleways right up to and beyond Vasco de Gama bridge. There was a skate park there which ticked another box should Alex choose to visit.
There were also Flamingoes feeding along the muddy tidal flats of the Tagus. Always a sight to calm the soul....
Above the bridge was evidence of a more extensive path system, the way of Fatima. also there was a huge nature reserve EVOA, famous for birdlife. The narrow entrance to the Tagus openes up into a large tidal lagoon and extensive wetlands. It became obvious why most tidal flow was concentrated on the ebb. Although it was a fair journey to cross the river to the birdwatching centre I made a mental note to look into it and to remember my binoculars!
The tide also gave the marina problems, specifically with silting. The Marina was partially dredged in 2014 and the pontoons we were on had sufficient depth but over half the Marina virtually dries at low water, hence the large number of empty pontoons, in actual fact there is an equally extensive piled area beyond the tubular building in the picture, potentially there is room to quadruple its capacity if only they could solve the silting problem, its a great shame because other than the silt its a fantastic facility.
However the strong tidal flow past the entrance sluice gates was less of an issue for us, we served our time in the Menai! the sluice gates are shown below. The flow can reach 4 knots which can and does provide some tricky manoeuvring. The Marina is very secure and we feel happy to leave Dark tarn here for periods as we explore inland and return home for Christmas.
For a city location it is surprisingly quiet and peaceful.
Back towards the bridge among the futeristic buildings is the Igresia Nossa Senhora dos Navigantes, is certainly modernistic, but does it work as a church?
Not for me if I am being honest, we are used to churches being an obvious hub of the local community in Portugal there are usually several people either sitting quietly or decorating with fresh flowers, or even just being around to talk to visitors. Here there was just the echo of concrete.
The support of the Vasco de Gama bridge have become an unofficial art gallery, there are extensive parklands all along the riverbank at the Expo site.
A remnant of the sites industrial past is this rather incongruous landmark, I say landmark as it quickly becomes the go to visual reference for orientation. It is possible to cycle up to the first platform via a spiral walkway the have a glorious fast ride back down. Of course you can always walk up too!
The view from the platform shows the wide tree lined streets.
Further on the central walkway have volcano shaped fountains which we didn't realise at first erupt every 15 minutes or so.
They surprised us and some children even more when they did.....
We also took the opportunity to visit the cinema, Most films are released with the original soundtrack and portugese subtitles so you can watch a film and have language lesson. The walk back shows a different aspect as the many features are lit up. Even after midnight it was surprisingly warm.
There are a vast number of places to sit and relax. Shops and supermarkets aplenty and the fabulous city of Lisbon 15 minutes away. Lynne has already made friends with the local ducks and the Marina even has its own resident lovebirds. Time to settle in for the Winter.
Here are a few more images from the area.......
The cable car runs along the same frontage as the paths and cycleway
The picture above shows the Aquarium which we are looking forward to visiting, it contains some of the largest tanks in Europe.
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