Our day started at 9:00 with a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon with Raphaella, our local guide. In Portugal, R’s are pronounced liked Hs, so Raphaella was pronounced Haphaella. Raphaella also taught us the word for very strong espresso "BICA", which Ceil and I tried often.
Raphaella showing us the Explorers map in Belem.
To quote from the GoAhead Guide “recall the great explorers from Portugal’s past as you stroll the riverside Belém precinct, and visit Ajuda Palace, a former royal residence. Travel through the narrow streets of the Moorish Alfama district, along the Tagus River, and into the Barrio Alto”, which is exactly what we did. I was awed by the narrow streets that are still used by cars (very small cars).
Ceil, Pat & I at the Belem Tower
The afternoon was on our own. We “wandered the streets” of Lisbon and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. No running to keep up with our guide, no having to be at a specific location at a specific time. Leisure time really was leisure time.
strolling Lisbon's version of the Champs Elysee
the tram to the top of the Barrio Alto. The picture does not do the incline justice.
Overlooking Lisbon from the Barrio Alto
Wandering tourists seeking liquid refreshment
and, the obligatory stop at the Hard Rock
Day 3 Evening was spent at a traditional Portuguese tavern listening to “the beautiful and haunting strains of fado music”, one of the oldest urban folk music in the world.
a good time was had by all
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