Sandra’s place is a little different. You are staying in a real house in the authentic Mouraria district, nestled below the Castelo San Jorje. Off the street, one steps directly into the open plan living area. No stairwell, or common corridor, this is not an apartment building. The walls are spick and span in bright white, with decorative elements denoting a musical theme. Don’t try to play the records on the walls though. At the rear of the living area is a small but well equipped kitchen. There is a dining table, chairs for 4, and a comfortable couch.
The small bathroom is downstairs, up the open staircase, whose individual steps cantilever from the stone wall, are the 2 bedrooms. The front room is a little larger. The rear room opens onto a terrace, providing expansive views to the north. It catches the cooling evening breezes most satisfactorily, and is a fine location for an evening drink.
Both bedrooms and the living area are provided with air conditioners, providing relief from the summer heat. They will likewise warm in winter, though there is also a wood heater in the living room.
Sandra was a n energetic and helpful host. She is more likely to drop around on her scooter to answer a query than to send a text. She is very proud of the house and the area, and added the personal touch to our welcome to Lisbon.
There are convenience stores just steps away, and a Pingo Doce supermarket within 10 minutes walk. It is just a few minutes downhill to Matrim Matriz, and the metro. This square is the starting point for the No 28 tram, and at the northern end of Baixa district, and all the sights.
I’d not hesitate to recommend staying at Sandra’s place.