Lisboa, Portugal...a day in the city. Yes, this is the correct way to spell the city, however in english it has been changed to Lisbon. Probably because when the Portuguese say 'boa' it sounds like bon to us. This is also true for boa dia, or boa nuit. Boa, end of the language lesson.
When I have visited Portugal in the past, we have left the city for many experiences in the countryside and seaside of Portugal. There is so much I've seen, and yet so much more to see. Due to Cesar's work schedule, this visit we need to stay in the city. I took a tour of the city on my first ever cruise/visit to Europe, five years ago, and since then have visited many times, always with my personal, local tour guide. Lisbon was the second stop on the first trip, and I wandered the old city in wonderment for part of that first day. I never could have dreamed of the beauty of Portugal, I'd heard so little of this gem surrounded by ocean and Spain. and now, well now I am a bit of an expert on the country. Well, not an expert, but a very experienced Portugal tourist.
It seems as though I continually meet Portuguese people wherever I am. I was waiting in Venice for the check in to begin and looked quite lost because it said it wasn't open and there were lines of people being checked in for something. For some reason I can't explain, I don't seem too comfortable in the airports in Italy, but I do okay. So this lady walks up and offers to help me and assures me that I am in the right place at right time so I get in line. As we talk, she explains that she is a curator for the well known private museum in Lisbon and travels with art work that is on loan around the world. Now that is an interesting job! She gave me her card and said if I needed anything while I was here to call her. Very nice offer. I always take those offers seriously, just in case I need someone. Luckily, all has worked out well and I'm fine here.
When I was at the airport in Mykonos I met a very nice young couple from Lisbon and they gave me their cards. It turns out they are both hotel managers and I have stayed at both of their hotels this visit, so that was definitely a great connection, and what warm greetings I've received in each place! My 'friends in Portugal' list is growing!
So what have I done in Lisbon? Well, luckily we spent the day out and about yesterday in beautiful weather, even if it was a bit warm for me in the sun. There was a nice breeze when we were in the shade so it wasn't miserable. Cesar and I are both good at heading out and just seeing what happens so we walked to the subway station and took the subways to the Baixa, the downtown or old town. It was nice to walk around with him! After all of the traveling I do alone, it is a welcome relief, and a joy, to have someone to take over the details. We decided to go on the tram 28, that is famous for both taking you to the castle AND for pickpockets. He assured me we would be fine because he is a locale and we were. So we bumped our way up the hill to the castle stop, my first time on the Lisbon tram. When we got off there was still quite an uphill climb to get there so the driver of the darling little Tuk, Tuk vehicle said he would take us up there for very little money so we hopped in and bumped our way up even more charming streets. Many people took photos of the little Tuk, Tuk so again, I will be in tourists photos. When we got to the top I decided that I really didn't care if I aw e inside of another castle and wasn't looking forward to walking back down that steep route afterwards so we got back an and Tuk, Tuk-ed our way down to a restaurant recommended to us. Delicious lunch! We both ordered the rice with shrimps and I'd forgotten how much I love Portuguese food...it was delicious! We left lunch and wandered and tok more photos of the area and then got back on the tram 28 for the trip down the hill. We got back to the town, and after posing for some fun photos with a mime in the old town we walked to the tourist information office to get ideas of what to do. We checked out the on/off bus but had done most of the things it goes to. As we were looking at the brochures at the exact same time we said, "river cruise". It was late so we didn't know if there was anything but there was one that left in less than an hour so we decided to see Lisbon from the Tagus river. Another cruise! :-)
We got to the terminal and on the boat. Our last "cruise" had been on the pirate ship in the Algarve and we'd both gotten seasick, but Cesar assured me we would be fine and we were. We had a lovely, short, voyage past the hills of Lisbon, under the 25th of april bridge, past the Explorers monument, past the tower of Belem, and then turned around hand headed back. I was thinking it was my first time on the river and then realized that I'd been on it each time my cruise ships had sailed in and out of Lisbon. But it was a nice touristy thing to do. Then we were at one of the main squares and Brazilian music started to come from the stage. We couldn't stay because Cesar had to rest to work all night, but even a few minutes of that lively music was fun to hear. It had been a nice day wandering the streets, hills and river of Lisbon.
Near our very modern hotel, and yes, we did get a room with the tub in the middle if it...another story...there is a beautiful mall. We went to the 'food court' there and I have to say I was very impressed! Cesar picked a very nice restaurant with delicious Portuguese food. I will say he is batting a thousand on choosing food for me over the last five years. He ordered me a meal of codfish and mashed potatoes in a delicious sauce. It was baked like a casserole and I loved it. I also loved the food he chose for himself, it was a thick sandwich with meats and cheeses on thick Portuguese bread, covered with cheese and sauce and then warmed up so the cheese is melted over the side. That will be my dinner tonight! An excellent dinner! Cesar went to work and I spent the evening alone.
Today it is rainy so we are lucky that we did our sightseeing yesterday. I'd wanted to go to a concert of Brazilian music this afternoon, but it is outside.We were for going to go to a fado show but it isn't on Sunday nights...so a quiet evening is ahead, with some delicious food.
Oh, with him gone, I did try to enjoy the tub/shower in the room, but I couldn't figure out how to get the water hot so gave up on that. But was pushing buttons and found all kinds of ways to make the colored lights in the whirlpool tub work. Tonight, a relaxing soak in the very unique tub in the middle of the room!
It is too bad that Cesar has to work so much while I'm here, but good that he has a job at a nice hotel. I will see my friend tomorrow and then she will take me to the airport, and it will be time to continue my homeward journey...off to London for the evening before heading to the US...home to reality.
Ciao from Lisboa!
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