First, I want to acknowledge that the photos that I am posting are not the best.The camera on the phone is handy and would probably produce great pictures if I would take the time to read the instructions or play around with it. Hopefully, they will get better as the trip progresses.
We slept a bit late as we all tried to catch up on our sleep. Laura had some little Valentine gifts for Jesse and Sage. Jesse claimed that they had agreed not to do anything to commemorate the day.
It was a nice morning and we set off to explore nearby and to look for a place for breakfast. I do not have much experience (yet) with travel outside Canada and the U.S. Walking around, I was energized in a really positive and happy way by all the new sights, sounds and culture.. It made me realize that I should do more of this.
We found a street with some good little shops and had good coffee and a nice breakfast sitting outside enjoying the weather and people watching.
Our air B&B is situated in an old part of Lisbon situated at the bottom of a hill on which there is a castle overlooking the harbour. We walked up the hill through narrow cobblestone streets to the Castello s.Jorge. The views from the castle were spectacular and we spent a bit of time exploring and enjoying the views. Sage was really taken with the pigeons and peacocks.
Leaving the castle ,we walked back a different way down to the waterfront. Again, the narrow streets of the old town area were interesting, we stopped and looked at a beautiful Cathedral (St. Vincent’s.
We took lunch in a tiny little restaurant. At this point, my impression of Lisbon was: hills, narrow cobblestone streets, old buildings, and lots of little restaurants with outdoor seating – did I mention the hills. (I have walked a lot in the past year but maybe should have practiced more on the hills).
in the evening, we walked further to a restaurant that Jesse wanted to try. It was known for its Peri Peri chicken (and there just happened to be a special pastry place nearby which specialized in pastel de nata (?egg yolk based) – I guess being vegan is on hold.
Our walk took us to another area with some newer buildings, some public squares and a broad avenue. So, I have had to update my impression. However, there were more and more restaurants with outdoor eating.
We had a nice walk home after dinner and I felt safe walking even though it was getting later. I have noticed some homeless people but really not too many.
Even though it is the off-season , there are lots of tourists.
Tomorrow (the 15th) we plan on driving to nearby Sintra to see the Nations! Castle Pena.