Lisboa on the Tejo_Part 2

Continuing on with our List of Top 10 Things to Do in Lisbon:

Top Shelf Day coming up I fear!

#6. Have a pastal de nata: A “custard tart” at a pastelaria.  Easy – but just one??

Going Up?  The Elevador de Santa Justa 

#7. Ride a tram through the old quarters:  Well, not with 3 cruise ships in town so we stayed on the bus to see the Alfama district.  Then we rode the Elevador de Santa Justa instead.  This wrought iron lift was built at the turn of the century to a French design and used by locals (assuming the well-to-do) to get from one neighbourhood to another without climbing lots (and lots) of stairs.

Will someone get those kids off the roof?

#8. Take a break with: a bica (a tiny espresso) at a downtown café:  GS had a galao (latte).  The Portuguese sure like their coffee strong.  Their wine too is not so strong and very more-ish, especially the vinho verde and vinho branco.  Vinho tinto though, seems to be more popular locally.  Otherwise enjoy a cold Sagres (a beer) or two before dinner.  Everyone it seems strolls, chats, meets friends and otherwise is very sociable at the end of the day before heading off for a serious but late dinner.  After that, it’s off to listen to some music or meet with friends until the wee small hours.

Lisbon has old & new

#9. Listen to the melancholic sounds of Fado:  Our bus had a recording….. This music style, an expression of longing and sorrow, is said to have originated in Lisbon’s nightclubs over 150 years ago.  A night visit to a fado house was out given our schedule – you will remember that nights out here don’t start until well after 10pm and our last bus is 5pm. So now we just need to find a CD.

#10. Watch your step:  Amazing designs in black (basalt) and white (limestone) cobblestone pavements.  Just everywhere!  The Lisbon City flag projects this passion for black & white.  We also thought the city symbol of an old sailing ship with 2 large black birds quite fascinating.

On the way back, we stopped to have a word or two with King Neptune. He has quite the protection racket going on...  So, safe seas = a few coins in the nearest ocean, then?  We're on it!!

GS whispering in King Neptune's shell-like ear.