Kaye Family Journey: Lisboa Day 2 & 3

May 30-31, 2019

We gave ourselves a total of 3 days to adjust to our new time zone & leisurely explore Libson. Our final 2 days included free time just walking around the city, another guided tour of the historic Alfama district and some time at the beach!

The waterfront-

"Breakfast"
Great shot captured by Matt

Our guide informed us that the very best way to arrive to Portugal is by sea. He was not referring to the cruise ship industry but the historical significant of the Tagus River estuary to Portugal-
This is the historical Port of Lisbon.

Praca do Comercio- the main square of Lisbon near the waterfront

We wandered upon this market just around the time we were feeling a little hungry...

We didn't know what we would find but sausages, cheese & bread turned out to be an excellent mid-day treat.

I read that anytime one sees a sign that says "Miradouros", follow it. We learned that this word means "viewpoint".

A beautiful "miradouros"-

A popular "touristic" attraction is riding one of Lisbon's many historical trams that loop around the city. We chose to make the loop on foot and avoid the long wait lines and lurking pickpockets. This funicular had a particularly steep route.

As we have travelled we have come to really enjoy eating at local food markets.
In 2014, one side of the city of Lisbon's main wholesale market, Mercado da Ribeira, was turned into a curated collection of restaurant & bar stalls run by Portugal's top chefs. For us, it was a "not miss".

Chaotic & full of options!!

We all tried something different, aiming for Portuguese dishes- we tasted steak, salt cod (bacalhau), several kinds of savory pastries, and these fist-sized figs with prosciutto- delicious

Local art made from trash fished out of the river

ALFAMA DISTRICT WALKING TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

The Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in the city dating back to the 12th century.
Surprisingly it survived the Great Earthquake of 1755...

Majestic doors-

The Romans were everywhere! This Roman theatre that originally seated up to 5000 people was discovered in the 1970s & is the only example of a Roman amphitheater found in Portugal.

Portugal is known for the beautiful decorative tiles found on buildings and murals-

This scene depicts Saint Anthony who is celebrated on June 12-13th. The festivities actually run all month with a friendly but fierce competition between neighborhoods around the city.

Medevial gate to Sao Jorge Castel

Another beautiful miradouros

Mural made of individually painted tiles depicting 17th century port of Lisbon

An artist's graphic rendition of the history of Lisbon

Saint Anthony's Festival decorations

Last but not least- Cascais Beach!
There are many beautiful beaches less than an hour train ride from the city. We rode about 30 minutes to this stretch of sand & water for an afternoon of relaxation.