Yesterday was so much fun. It was a day of great views and great walks. We were out by 9:30 and making our way to do the Barrio Alto and Chiado stroll. That walk took us through neighborhoods, into parks and squares and to some beautiful views of the city. We love churches, so we entered every one we found. Among the most beautiful was Sao Roque. The Chapel of the John Baptist there was first assembled at the Vatican and then brought to Lisbon and reassembled. It was quite stunning.
Every time we saw what we thought was the best view of the city, we saw another one. Then, we figured we had seen so many views that surely there was none better, we hopped into a three-wheeled tuk-tuk vehicle driven by Pietro and he took us to the best view yet (the highest spot in Lisbon) and to a cathedral we would have missed.
That ride with Pietro was in the Alfama district, which is a place of tiny alley ways and hidden stairways. We squeezed through alleys with just inches to spare at a breakneck speed. We had a blast. It was like all the best parts of a roller coaster and Pietro was kind, funny and informative.
We also experienced two types of elevators. One was a trolley that went up and down an incredibly steep hill (the funicular Elevador da Gloria) and the other was a structure that was built for no other reason than to give people views of the city. We also walked through the ruins of a castle high above Lisbon.
Steps in the Alfama district
Narrow Alfama walkway
Pietro’s friends waving as we speed by
Betsy at lunch
Just because the statue was there with a seat next to it.
Trolley elevator (funicular)
This place has serious seafood
So many views
Just like Nashville, music on the streets
View from somewhere
Pretty park in the sky
There’s a square everywhere you go
Lisbon’s buildings, streets and sidewalks all feature beautiful tile
Beet Salad
Every restaurant brings bread to the table, but if you eat it, you pay for it.
Martinis with the best gin we’ve ever had. Gin is a big thing here. They have varieties from everywhere and they love gin and tonics.
Pietro. We loved him.
I had the best oysters I’ve ever tasted, enjoyed a beer at Lisbon’s oldest beer tavern, had an incredible piece of fish (croaker) for dinner and managed to walk all day without whining, which is a good thing since tomorrow starts the walking for real.
Kim & Betsy 