Lisbon, Portugal

   

The Monument to the Discoveries

     Our last major stop in Portugal was Lisbom, or in Portuguese Lisboa. We stayed at a swanky hotel apartment that was brand new. The apartment was very artistically designed and it had three rooms! The first night we ate out at seafood restaurant and had crab, and had a nice conversation with the couple next to us from Tahiti.
     The next day we took another double-decker bus tour like we did in Porto. After the tour, we went to the Oceanario de Lisboa to check out some marine life. It was interesting to see a Bacalhau (it is the most commonly ate fish there). It is said that there is a recipe for every day of the year. After looking at fish, we of course were in the mood for sushi.
     After seeing the sights on the bus tour, we decided to explore one area of important monuments and buildings. We first visited the Torre de Belem. It was a small castle at the edge of the Rio Tejo and it used to be a look out tower and military fortress. We then walked over to the Monument to the Discoveries, which is considered one of the symbols of Lisbon. We took an elevator up to the top to enjoy the beautiful view of the city. Across the way, we headed to a very famous bakery called Pastéis de Belém to enjoy their version of a nata (an egg tart). We then ate lunch of shrimp and clams (dessert first of course). We then walked over to the Monastery of Jeronimos, and then even had time to take a quick tour of the Museu Colecção Berardo (the contemporary art museum). That night we went to a nice restaurant and listened to Fado (a Portuguese style of live opera). I learned the next day on our walking tour that Portuguese men are said to instead of crying sing Fado.
     On our last full day we took a walking tour of the city with a company called Lisbon Walker. I highly recommend. We learned all about the city and its history. We got to take a cable car and ride the Elevador de Sta. Justa that overlooked the city and was designed by a student of the designer of the Eiffle Tower.
     The next day we left Lisbon and headed to Castello da Estrela, Portugal to pick up a puppy for Nuno's friends José and Lily who took care of Ryder while we were gone. We did the trip in two days stopping in Pao, France before finally arriving back in Geneva.

Lisbon's Main Square

In front of the Torre de Belem

Panoramic view from the top of the Monument of Discoveries

Overlooking the old part of the city of Lisbon

The most beautiful gelato I have ever ate

Inside the Monastery of Jeronimos