Despite our short night and day of flying and walking, we didn't sleep too well our first night in Lisbon. At least, not until after 3:00! That's when the city finally starts to go to sleep.
Stree view from our room in Lisbon. We made it!!
We were completely refreshed and ready to hit the road the next morning. A walking tour left from our hostel and took us up to St George's castle and down into the Alfama neighborhood. Our tour guide gave us an overview of Portuguese history, starting with the phonecians in BC1200 and going through the Romans, Moorish period, reconquista, age of exploration, Spanish domination, and finally the modern period. The Alfama neighborhood is one of the centers of Faro music. It was especially colourful for our visit because June is the month of St Anthony's festival. He is the patron saint of Lisbon. We also walked by a statue of São Chrisóvão, the patron saint of travelers. I guess that makes him ours for the next week!
View of downtown lisbon and the river, half way through our walking tour and heading up to the castle!
The tour ended at a huge flea market, which was great fun to wander through. We finally wound our way up and down the hills and alleys, stopping once for a cold fruit salad and espresso - our first of two today.
Our adventure in trying to find the bus station and buy tickets for our trip to the Algarve coast so exhausted us that by the time we were back in town this afternoon, we were in need of real food. We found a great little hole in the wall called O Chiado, which packed us with a sort of cod-and-potatoes grilled dish, olives, falling-off-the-spit tender beef kabab, and fries. (See the picture) In Emily's words, "this couldn't be more perfect." Another espresso and fruit salad later, we are back at the hostel and planning where to get tapas this evening and where to explore tomorrow.
Atè logo!
Best meal we've had so far!! Obrigada, O Chiado!
