Into the City

After a few days seeing the countryside and smaller places, like Setubal, it was time to venture into Portugal's capital, Lisboa (Lisbon).  What made it easy was that, rather than driving into the city of 3 million people, we drove to a small town called Seixal and took a 25 minute ferry ride across the Tagus River.  The dock for the ferry wasn't far from where the cruise ships dock - there were three of them in port.  We started by strolling along the river, stopping for a "refreshment" then checking out some inukshuks - not quite in the style of the traditional ones, and a sand sculpture before crossing the huge square and entering the city through a beautiful arch.

My first Aperol Spritz of the trip - and, I expect, not my last!

Our plan was to hop onto a tram - at least to the extent I can hop anywhere these days with my sore hip - and see the city that way.  The #28E tram route is well documented as THE way for tourists to see Lisbon.  From the jam-packed trams we saw, it was apparent every tourist had figured that out.  I had little interest in being crammed "cheek by jowl" into a tram where there was no guarantee I wouldn't be stuck between two tall strangers and see only their backsides, being worried the warnings about pickpockets would come to fruition, and having no idea where we actually were because there would be no commentary.  Plan B would have seen us wandering up (and up) and then down this hilly city to visit the various famous places.  Okay, maybe if I was 25 years younger and fit that would have worked.  So, it quickly became apparent we needed another plan.  Easy, peasy.  Lisbon is well populated with tuk tuk drivers plying their trade offering tours.  So, we waved one down, asked him about a tour that would roughly follow the tram route, checked the price (not cheap!) and climbed aboard.  It was certainly the right decision.  Mauricio was a great guide, entertaining, well informed and funny.  In keeping with the "small world" incidents you find everywhere, he actually lives in Azeitao where John and Pedro live.  

So, we started by going up and up passing a myriad of churches and beautiful tiled buildings.  Our first stop was at some gardens with sweeping views over the river.  The statue was of St. Vincent who was the patron saint of Lisbon until 1981 - no idea why it was changed - and he is holding a ship in his arms.  From the balustrade, you could also see the Panteao Nacional, originally the 17th-century Church of Santa Engrácia converted into a pantheon where important Portuguese personalities are buried.  We also stopped at a tile shop and watched some tiles being hand painted.

St. Vincent holding a ship

The domed building on the left is the Panteao Nacional

The largest tiled building in Portugal

We continued the tour seeing a monastery, a closer view of the Panteao Nacional, and the views from Senhora do Monte and Sao Pedro Alcantara.  

From the hilltop, we continued bumping our way along main routes and smaller streets including along the very trendy avenue with a lot of high-end stores and finally going down to the port area.  On the way, we passed a neighbourhood being "refurbished" and a newly branded street called "Pink Street" where lots of trendy bars and restaurants are.  Apparently, the place is really busy in the evening.  Mauricio dropped us at Time Out Market, a fairly newly renovated market that formerly sold food and is now filled around the perimeter with places to order food with the center filled with tables where you can eat.  It was really busy.  

From there, we made our way across the street to the ferry terminal for the 16:45 boat back to Seixal.  I know we had barely scraped the surface of the city but with the tuk tuk we certainly saw a lot more than we would have by foot or public transport.  Clearly, I need to return and see more!   

After a wonderful day in Lisbon, I got back to find out my missing bag had finally been located which was great news.  As it turns out, for some reason known only to whomever, my shoebox sized bag had been delivered on the "oversize luggage" belt and had been languishing in that part of baggage claim since my flight's arrival Monday morning.  Who would have thought to check there - apparently not me or the luggage people who were searching for it?  Hopefully, Friday it will be reunited with me.