Lisbon, Portugal

Yesterday morning we decided to walk into Lisbon and explore the older part before having lunch. This port made it easy — just exit the cruise terminal and cross the street. Lots of tour guides and tuktuk drivers were dying to get our business, but the traffic near the port was so intense that we were faster on foot. Well, a LITTLE faster, but the cobblestone walkways were treacherous! Here’s a tuktuk, if you’re wondering.


We used Google maps to find the lunch spot, but the narrow alleys and so-so reception made it tricky. After turning into a couple of quiet alleys, we finally found it, after walking in the wrong direction twice. We did enjoy seeing the sights. Here’s one alleyway decorated for the Festival of Santo Antonio, a month-long celebration of popular saints. 

Before lunch, we stopped at one of the many sidewalk cafes on a square and enjoyed people-watching and sangria.  You can see how close we were to our ship (top of photo)!

Lunch was nearby, at O Cartaxeiro, another restaurant Charlie found on Trip Advisor. The proprietor set up about a dozen tables and chairs and umbrellas just before opening at noon, and we were able to claim one in the shade. 


We ordered salads, which were delicious, but simple — just what we wanted. Then Charlie ordered sea bass, which came whole with boiled potatoes and rice. No carb shortage!  My pork ribs were really good, served with rice and French fries. Lunch, including wine, was 34 euros, about $36.

Lisbon featured many hand-painted tiles, and some entire building facades were tiled. This wall was near our table. 

I took this shot as we walked back to the ship to indicate our cabin’s location.  It’s just beneath the A in Anthem, near the top. 

Here was our balcony view for the afternoon.  If you enlarge it, you can see lots of bougainvillea!

We were docked in Lisbon until 11:30 p.m., long after we were abed. Fortuitously, I woke up briefly just after midnight and noticed the ship was underway. I was able to capture a pic as we went beneath the bridge again.

Today and tomorrow are sea days as we sail back to Southampton.  At 1:00 today, we have a tour of the ship’s bridge with the captain, arranged by our excellent suite concierge. Should be interesting!


Comments

  1. RachelJune 12, 2024 at 5:15 AM

    I've always wanted to see the bridge! Take photos if they let you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. EleanorJune 12, 2024 at 11:31 AM

    That’s the prettiest tuktuk I’ve ever seen!

    ReplyDelete

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