Summer 2019-Morocco by way of Portugal

May 28-29, 2019

In 2013, we took our very first overseas family trip.  We chose to start exploring the world in East Africa, visiting the countries of Kenya & Tanzania.  Since that time, Africa is held as a special place for me.  The people, the landscapes and the flora & fauna were nothing like I had ever known before.  It was a grand & wonderful experience... And the boys were so little...

Kenya 2013

Now, 6 years later we are returning to the continent of Africa, but to the northern country of Morocco with a stopover in Portugal on our way.
As soon as we could, after the boys finished exams, we left Memphis.
Memphis to Atlanta to Boston to Lisbon...

Mom is nearly the smallest in the family now but still packs the heaviest bag!

14+ hours after leaving home we arrived at the Martinhal apartments, conveniently located in the Chiado district of  Lisbon, Portugal. 

As it was early in the morning, our room wasn't quite ready but they had a sitting room that worked well for a power nap.

For our first afternoon, we took a 3 hour walking tour through a few areas of Old Town.  Lisbon, like Rome, is also called "The City of Seven Hills".  Our guide joked that no matter whether you are coming or going, you must walk uphill... we found that to be mostly true!

We began our tour in the Bairro Alta district which is the "Bohemian" area filled with artists & students, street art and nightlife... medieval built buildings nestled together along narrow cobblestone streets housing bars & shops and residences...

Of course we are always interested in the food-
This time of year is the season for cherries & figs.  The figs were so big and tasty!

BUT the winner of the favorite Portuguese food of the day goes to the Pasteis da Nata!
Ian took us to his favorite local bakery to try this delicious egg custard filled pastry.

The Monteigaria Bakery is mostly kitchen with a narrow counter and standing room only to enjoy your dessert.

They make over 2000 tarts fresh daily.  The ones were ate were still warm from the oven & sprinkled with a little powdered sugar and cinnamon.
*Note: during our few days in Lisbon we became repeat customers!

Purple flowering Jacaranda trees and the ruins of the Carmo Convent & Church-

In November of 1755, Lisbon was hit with an earthquake, tsunami & firestorm all at once almost completely destroying the city and port.  These walls of what was the largest church at the time are a reminder of the devastation that occurred.

Just around the corner from the church is a Gothic structure, the Santa Justa Lift, also known as the "tourist elevator".  Lines to the top of the observatory are 1+ hour long... We walked directly up to the midway bridge and had a wonderful view of the historical part of the city. (No line/no wait!)

View toward the Port

View toward Alfama district and Saint Jorge Castle

Ian informed us that the sour cherry liquor founded in Portugal in the 1700s, Ginjinha, is as iconic as the Pasteis da Nata and something not to be missed...aparently these tiny little bars open at 7am for any local who might need a little to start their day...

All along the streets and squares of Lisbon you find intricate mosaic tilework- Calcada Portuguesa.  Some of it it dizzying... especially if you had too many Ginjinhas...

Rossio square

Sao Domingos Church & the 1506 Jewish Massacre Memorial
In April of 1506, thousands of Jews were killed and burned outside this church that then was later destroyed itself by fire. It is said that the Jewish people were blamed for the drought & plague.

Ended the first day with a dinner of tapas at Bairro Avillez

Fun times-