Lisboa

Nobody told me that Lisbon was hilly. Been here since Tuesday and I've walked up (and down) a thousand hills. And the paths are cobbled, and not a flat cobbled, a wavy cobbled. An accident waiting to happen! Oh, yes, and Jane twisted her ankle yesterday. So glad it wasn't me. I'm moaning enough with the hills, not to add in a sore ankle. 

Wednesday we bought a 24 hour Lisboa card. We maxed it as best we could. First was the 25 April suspension bridge. But, obviously, the lift was out of order and I had to climb hundreds of steps to the top! I managed without complaining but it did me in! We had lunch at a disused factory converted into restaurants and shops - really nice. Then we did the crown jewels, then ancient arts museum and lastly the castle. Jewels were amazing and the museum was interesting but the castle was awesome! But, sure enough, it was up hill, right at the top! My goodness I slept well. Luckily, it was a cloudy day (though still very warm). Richard's watch told us we had walked over 18kms! (He didn't get the whole day recorded), 24000 steps and 70 flights of stairs! Wow. 3 years ago I wouldn't have managed.

Yesterday we used the last of the Lisboa card getting the tram to Belem tower. It was closed for maintenance! D'oh! But we had our first Pastel de nata (custard tart but better) and it was lush! Jane even found gluten free ones. A slightly more relaxed day. I wanted to go to the Chinese pavilion which is a bar I'd read about in a novel. It was much better than I anticipated. Loads and loads of artifacts and great cocktails. 

Today is Jane's birthday. Happy birthday Jane. We are getting the train to the beach for a truly relaxing day. More sight seeing planned for Saturday. Have a great weekend, whatever your plans.

A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.