We arrived from Toronto Airport, which is a crazy place with a lack of organization and very few places to eat for the hoards of people traveling. We left Toronto and flew to Lisbon.
It is a cosmopolitan airport which has amenities that people use whether they are traveling or just going to the restaurants for an evening out as it is only 4 miles from the city. Great airport! The first day we got in late and found a great Indian restaurant in our neighborhood.
The next day we were up early and ready to go. We walked a total of 12 miles during the day on the periphery of the city. We were a bit disappointed as each time we sat down someone, fairly aggressive, came up to us asking for money. They wouldn't take no and got rather angry in response. There were so many people asking for money, it was very uncomfortable.
The first day we were assigned by our Air BNB owner to get one of the custard tarts which the city is known for. This delicate pastry is called Pastel de Nata. It is known all over the city, including every Pasteleria in the city, which are numerous. BUT, the Pasteis de Belem is the holder of the secret recipe that apparently only 4 people have. Word has it that they cannot travel together because what if there was an accident. I am not sure if that is a wives tail or, but it is a great story. They sell 20,000 per day and the line to get one is half that amount, at least it seems that way if you want one. We chose not to wait as the line at that time was over 100 at 10 am. Good for them. We had a few during our trip, and they are indeed wonderful.
We saw museums, the 25th of April Bridge, commemorating the revolution of 1974. The bridge was completed in 1966 to be a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge in SF. The architect, American Bridge Company, had also built the Bay Bridge in Oakland. There were many incredible, historical statues, but generally, we were just wanting to explore. The museums were crowded and difficult to navigate or closed.
I noticed immediately that no one talks or even has eye contact, and generally don’t want you to even see them. I know it sounds harsh, but a good friend shared with me that they are untrusting and don’t want to know you. Part of it is cultural. If we smile, we might want something from them. She generally suggested not to smile, but sorry, I smile all the time. It feels that the city is overwhelmed with visitors totaling over 1.3 million per month. (Not an exaggeration)
The next day we walked in the rain on the perimeter of town. Same experience. Today, Sunday, we decided to explore the Nazare Beach. It was the highlight for both of us. You might recall that it boasts100 ft waves, but only in January. (Check Youtube) It was breathtaking, lots of fresh air and a relaxed atmosphere. The height of the waves are created by the underwater canyon combining with surface waves to make waves double in size. This was not January, but the awe of knowing where we were was enough for us. Maybe next January.
The highlight of our trip was meeting our good friends Barry and Michael from SMA. We had all talked about going to Portugal one day without specific dates, yet here we were. We spent the morning and afternoon taking a 3 hour tour in a TukTuk, an opened air carriage that easily tours four people through the hills of Lisbon. We saw historical areas, castles, churches, etc. Then out to dinner in the evening.
Today we went to the most beautiful spot in Portugal, outside of Faro, Tavira, breathtaking. I felt I was authentically in Italy. People seemed so much happier there, maybe the fresh, detoxifying air of the beach. The city is known for its iconic Roman Bridge, which connects the town, the Tavira Castle an 11th century castle that allows a 360 degree view of the city. But truthfully, the beaches!! They are pristine, clean and sand as white as white can be.
Tomorrow we are taking a wine tour because you have to do that in Portugal, right? I am posting the pictures on FB from this weeks' adventure again as the program I use only allows one picture.
Have a great week!