Lisbon

Tuesday 12/03/19

On Monday we travelled to Arrialos, our intended stop, but couldn't find the LPG station we were looking for and, as we had arrived so early, decided to push on.  We found LPG in Montemor-o-Novo but didn't like the parking spot there so decided to skip the stop and push on through to Lisbon.

As we hadn't planned such a long drive we hadn't fully charged the iPad which we use as a GPS so Toni had to navigate us through Lisbon using the phone, but this worked out fine (if a bit sressful for her!).  We crossed over the Vasco de Gama bridge, over 12km long, and were interested to see loads of boats with people in the shallows (up to their waists) collecting bait of some sort, probably prawns.  Traffic around the city was crazy and the roads aren't great quality.  The locals also have quite a relaxed attitude to staying in their lanes which made things interesting, but we got through without any issues.

The campsite we're in is an old municipal campsite but is lovely, with Bokkie comfortably parked under the trees.  They allocate you a space when you check in which relieved us of the stress of walking around with a map trying to pick the 'perfect' spot, which is far more relaxing for Toni and I.

We popped out to Decathlon not far from the campsite in the afternoon as we both needed new shoes.  Walking, cycling and the dogs had taken their toll and we have worn our shoes through.

This morning we hopped on a bus into Lisbon; it takes 40 minutes in theory but our driver was a Portuguese Lewis Hamilton, weaving through the morning traffic and narrow roads, very hair-raising.  

The city is beautiful and we spent a lovely day walking around trying to pick up all the sights we had planned.  

Church of São Vicente of Fora

National Pantheon

Beautiful wall art in the city

Inside Lisbon cathedral

We had a lovely lunch of original Portuguese Piri-piri chicken on the spit which was great and very affordable.  Quite annoyingly you get accosted by beggars and sunglass sellers while you are eating, I was even offered drugs when Toni popped to the ladies.  I declined...

The original 'Nando's'

There is enough still to see in Lisbon to spend a few more days but unfortunately Toni injured her foot quite badly on the last day of the house sit, so we have decided to rather rest it for a few days.  I was surprised she managed to walk as much as she did, and we can't risk injuring it further so will push on tomorrow, destination unknown.

Square Dom Pedro IV

Looking out at the 25 de Abril bridge

Lovely Time-Out market with many boutique eateries

Note the layers of buildings - Lisbon is built on 7 hills

The trams scare me a bit, you never hear them coming...

The bus driver back to Bokkie was the younger daredevil brother of the morning bus so we were back in no time...and in need of a stiff drink to calm our nerves.  Driving in Lisbon is not for the faint-hearted!