9/28/2023 1 Comment Lisbon 27 October 2023A Lazy, Casual Day Today we took everything very casually and there was no rush to get anywhere. The only thing we had to do was pack up everything because our hotel was moving us to a larger suite. We eventually left the hotel and caught the Metro to Cais Do Sodré. Almost as if the clouds were mocking us, it started to rain as we hit the streets. We had our umbrellas, but we would have preferred the sunny skies we always see in Instagram posts. Luckily we were a few doors down from Time Out Market, so we ducked inside and enjoyed a café and Pastel de Nata. I am impressed with how many restaurantes are in here, all serving a different cuisine (even doughnuts). Once the showers ended, Cindy and I walked toward the famous "Pink Street". Apparently this street is not ready for tourists before Noon because we witnessed many of the umbrellas scattered in the street instead of magically floating overhead the restaurant tables. It was a bit of a letdown, much like when a child at Disney sees an employee wearing half a Mickey Mouse costume while smoking a cigarette. Off to Plan B. Our next stop was Elevadore da Bica, which is a tiny trolley that climbs up and down an extremely steep hill. The line to ride the trolley was huge, and Cindy was not ready for a lot of walking, so I hiked up the hill by myself to photograph the street from the top. Once I was there, I prepared my camera when I noticed a familiar Canon camera hanging from the neck of an equally familiar Scotsman. The same Scotsman from Castelo do São Jorge! We chatted a bit, took our photos, and went on our separate ways. I found Cindy at the bottom of thie hill and we wandered back to Pink Street. The umbrellas and restaurant tables were all out on display and ready for the tourists, just in time for the next wave of showers to drench everyone. Cindy and I sought shelter under a small bridge until the rain stopped, then returned to Rossio. . We found a cafe next to Praça do Rossio and met one of my weekly language partners, Virginia. She is a teacher in Lisbon who speaks English very well, but wants someone with whom she can practice and stay fluent. In return she graciously helps me learn Portuguese via video chats once per week. The three of us seemed to chat forever over coffee. Eventually it was time to return to our hotel, but it was great to meet Virginia in person. Thank you for taking the time to see us.
At sunset, we were treated to seeing the Moon rise behind the Castle and enjoyed a laid back dinner at an outdoor restaurante. The Americans sitting at the table next to us was having no success asking for red wine in Americanized-English, so I interjected on their behalf in Portuguese to assist the confused waitress. Finally, Cindy is a bit disappointed in the visit so far. We are in a major European city filled with tourists and foreigners. Yet we haven't seen a single spy being chased by armed villains. Maybe tomorrow, Baby. There is always tomorrow.
1 Comment
Michael Butrovich
10/27/2023 05:27:38 pm
More typos due to fat thumbs. It is not easy to type an entire blog on a tiny cellphone.
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AuthorSomeone who is trying to create art with a camera. Archives
July 2024
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