Exploring new neighborhoods

For the first time since our arrival, there was no line for Tram 28. So we took advantage and hopped aboard. As we wound our way through the twisted streets of Alfama, we met a couple from Amsterdam who took advantage of cheap air-fares (200 Euros round trip for two people) to enjoy the relatively warmer weather of Lisbon.

At the end of the line in the neighborhood of Campo Ourique we had a delightful lunch in the Mercado. Established in 1934, this market has evolved into something similar to the TimeOut Market at the Mercado Ribeiro near the river. In the midst of stands selling fresh fish, meats, fruits, and vegetables are stalls serving various types of meals. I had a delightful carpaccio wrap sandwich while John had a delicious grilled cuttlefish. Oh, and it was accompanied by a bottle of white wine. We finished with a pastel de nata for John and a chocolate for me.

After we left the Mercado, we retraced the route of the tram on foot. After all, we needed to walk off that lunch. We explored a nearby park where we saw some men sitting outside what looked like a kiosk selling coffees. But, no, it was a kiosk offering books and newspapers gratis. What a nice idea! See photo below: Linda Evans, you might want to consider this for Buhl Farm. ;-)

A bit further down the hill, into the Estrella neighborhood - an area we like very much - we found another small park across from some beautiful apartment buildings. We were across the street from those buildings and noticed, behind us, a tall, thick concrete wall. As we tried to peek inside the gate, it opened and a policeman emerged. When we asked what was behind the wall, he told us it was the residence of the Prime Minister. Oh, hello!

On the back side of the residence is Portugal's parliament building where we were in time to watch the changing of the guard. It's not as precise, nor as ceremonial, as that at Buckingham Palace, but still nice to see. I think the crowd size numbered four, including us!

From in front of the Parliament building, we had a magnificent view of another of Lisbon's hills with multicolored buildings winding their way up. Lisbon was recently named among the top nine cities in the world for building graffiti and we saw one interesting example at this location. I doubt my photo does it justice.

At the river, we saw a gigantic cruise ship pulling away. Lisbon recently completed a major cruise port renovation that can host up to three cruise ships at a time. That means thousands of additional visitors on almost any day - even in the offseason. Tourism in Portugal has increased about 150% in the last three years.

We logged 6 miles of walking yesterday.