As most of you know I've just returned from 8 days in London (where I worked for 4 days in the office) and 3 nights in Lisbon. Had a wonderful time in both places!
I flew out last Thursday night from Heathrow to Lisbon. Had the wonderful pleasure of checking in through the business class line, which meant the line was empty and (more importantly) had no line at the security check in! For some very crazy reason we had to undergo another security check meters from the gate, of course it was forever so it took forever. Of course then we were delayed and then sat at the gate for over an hour. Got to Lisbon safely then spent at least 20 minutes waiting for my bag, really not fun! Finally met up with Ruth and Alex at our apartment we had rented.
Friday morning was a little slow. We did the typical Portuguese breakfast cup of tea (ok they do coffee!) and a pastry before taking the #28 tram (which supposedly they advertise as the tourist tram, although its not it just takes your through many areas) to the castle area. Walking around we saw some amazing sites, very European, narrow streets, small balconies, colored or tiled walls, cars parking on the pavement, bird cages hanging by the front door of apartments
We decided to do lunch in the Castle area and what an experience this was! When we sat down they gave us snacks (bread, cheese, Portuguese ham and potato croquette type things) without us asking. Alex and Ruth ate them as part of the their lunch, along with a salad which had lettuce, chicken, cashew nuts, raisins, beetroot, gherkins, coconut, broccoli, carrots, peas, sweet corn, cauliflower, dried bananas and white chocolate malsters. Rather amusing. They paid hugely for the snacks! I choose a vegetable baguette and nearly fell over when it arrived. It had carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, egg and tomatoes in it. Not exactly what I was thinking.
From here we headed into Castelo De Sao Jorge (St George's Castle) which had amazing views of the city! You could see for miles and miles. Lisbon is definitely an orange roof place, you look down and see a sea of orange roofs.
Next stop was the Se Cathedral (for some cooling down! As well as to visit it.) The ceiling in the alter area was pink which I found quite unusual. Am hoping my photos will do it justice.
We kept wandering around the streets (Baixa area), pedestrian street, Praca do Comercio (square), arco da rua augusta (arc), before stopping for a cold drink sitting outside in a campo under umbrellas, felt like I was back in Italy being in a campo and watching a beggar doing fire work. Went to Convento do Carmo which was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1755. The only remains are the Gothic arches and walls. There was a small museum as well which houses a number of things, including tiles, carved tombs and mummies. Home on the tram (is there any other way when it’s a tram city!) via the supermarket where we brought Portuguese cheese and chorizo. Last stop was the Port Shop near our apartment. We sat chilling with Port and our snacks before heading into Barrio Alto area (via tram) for dinner. We went to a restaurant that was recommended in Rough Guide Lisbon book. Looked a little funny, but was fantastic. Waiter was great! Spoke very good English (but kept saying 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry), had fresh fish brought to the table to show....left it there a little too long for comfort!! Was given nibbles to start (which we weren't charged for!) and a starter (were charged) of squid in garlic, olive oil, onions and coriander. The three of us could not get enough of it! So far we were super impressed and Alex had done a 360 on Portuguese food. Ruth and I had two types of fish (monkfish and we think swordfish and prawns) cooked in olive oil, white wine, onions, peppers, coriander and cooked in a cooper closed in pan. Was fantastic!!! Alex had Portuguese steak which look great.
We also had yummy house red wine, which he kindly gave as a free half bottle of. We ended the night with a plate of cherries, which I found rather funny. We will definitely be recommending this place!!!!
Next stop was the Instituto do Vinho do Porto (Ruth loves Port!!) where we sat in comfortable chairs enjoying a glass of Port. What a great way to end a fantastic day!!
Saturday morning started off with a cup of tea brewed in our small, but nice, apartment. Pastries sitting in the park (definitely not as good as yesterdays). We took the tram into the city center and waited a life time for a tram to take us to Belem, where we spent most of the day. Visited the Torre de Belem (tower) which is on the water and has great views. Walked along to the Padroa dos Descobrimentos (limestone monument for the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator's death), then to lunch at a great Portuguese restaurant. We all had the same, grilled squid, prawns and chorizo kebabs. Most yummy!
From here we stopped at the famous Pasteis de Belem for the custard tarts (which is one of the things Lisbon/Portugal is known for.) These were out of this world!!!! Obviously we needed to walk these off so headed to the Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos which is the monastery and Church. Very impressive buildings. Am hoping my photos will do it justice.
Tram back into the city center then home via the Port shop :-) and the Basilica da Estrela which is right by our apartment. Another impressive Church although not as large as the one at Belem.
Chilled with Port, cheese and chorizo (I could get use to this life!), before taking the tram into Barrio Alto for dinner. It was a typical Portuguese restaurant but definitely not as good as last nights food. Had a night cap at the Port place from last night, again very good. Managed to get the last tram (well we are assuming it was the last) home, and it was a strange feeling getting off (and not because of the Port or wine) knowing it was my last tram ride in Lisbon.
Sunday morning started super early as we had early flights out.....well 11.15am and 12.50pm. Of course, in typical SADJ traveling, my plane was delayed one hour. When clearing passport control and was told I was very beautiful by an older Portuguese man.....so no husbands this trip! Got to London and had to transfer terminals (more lines!) to get my flight back to JFK. Enjoyed chilling in the lounge before taking off.
I really enjoyed my time in Lisbon and could have stayed longer! Would definitely recommend anyone to come here....just don't eat lunch at the Castle!!
Hope this finds everyone well and happy. Next trip is on Tuesday to Phoenix, Arizona for 5 days to celebrate July 4th.
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