Day 2 ~ Exploring Lisbon

Missed another sunrise today. Tomorrow I will try harder. Another crappy sleep to blame. I did however move us to a better location and a new home for 2 nights. Hopefully with quieter neighbours.

We had a late start today but packed up our belongings and climbed down and then back up to our new spot, only 1 km away.

 Still too early to check in so we found a very local café off the beaten path and sat in the sun enjoying potent caffeine and the best fresh squeezed orange juice... ever.

The convenience of a European sim card came in handy today. I called the new hotel and asked if we could, at the very least, drop off our luggage. These Lisbon hills are very hard on Dominick's unprepared legs... especially with the extra weight of his pack. Hopefully the Camino will break him in a little slower.

Today we committed ourselves to exploring the harbourfront. It was a beautiful sunny day.  

Instead of finding peace however Dom was approached and offered drugs. Needless to say, he declined.

I walked past Praça de Commercio and a Museum of Bacalhao. 

I walked past a maritime monument and a man building towers of stone.

 It is Saturday so it's very busy with day trippers. There was a lady serving cocktails in gutted pineapples and music thumping from portable speakers.

After passing through the chaos, I found my way to the Sé of Lisbon. 

A Cathedral built in 1174. It was worth far more than the 4€ admission fee. 

In fact,  it was stunning. It included a tour of artifacts, cloaks and furnishings and then a tour of the church itself.

My father was not a religious man and I was not raised in a religious home. I do however have a great respect and fascination with history. I often feel very spiritual and connected to my father. I thought of him and a lit a candle in remembrance. 

In addition, I managed to get an official stamp for my Camino passport and for Dom as well.

The official place to start our Camino.

After some quiet time in the Cathedral I continued on to Alfama. This, as you can imagine, involved a climb.

A cobblestone climb. I made it to a viewpoint and observed how the cool people enjoy a Saturday. Being nerdy, I didn't stay long and eventually moved on. I found a pasteleria and a table with a window. 

I ordered sopa and orange juice. Tasted like sopa da minha aVó. 

As I reached the bottom of the bowl, I found an elbow noodle. That means gluten. I will let you know how that goes. It was a carrot based soup with cabbage and chick peas... and apparently a couple of noodles. BUT IT WAS SOOOO GOOD. I also ordered tomato rice.... 

I paid my bill of 6€ and kept climbing, exploring the streets of Alfama. I climbed to another church and entertained my spiritual soul then continued to an overlook of the city. Here I found a view and entertainment.

 Dom let me know he had checked in and was  decompressing in our new home so I sped up my return by hopping on the no. 28 tram.

The cute little yellow streetcars drive like the devil coming for your soul. It was like riding a Rollercoaster in your geriatric years. It was fast and painful but I survived.

I bought myself a cappuccino as I reached my new hood and took it to go from a very convenient stand near the main square. 

I made it back to the new room and found a giant loaf of a man child starfished on his bed. I tried to rest, I really did, but I can't, I really don't know how. So I said hello and goodbye and left my big starfish behind. I wandered around until I found a fabulous patio for vinho tinto.

 I'm not going  to lie... I might be a little drunk. I'm on my  generous 3rd glass and my waitress is a gem. I'm at Bairro do Avillez. The menu is very indicative of gluten free options. They actually brought me fresh baked gluten free bread and a 

Charcuterie board of gf chorizo and queijo. Did I mention I'm on my 3rd glass of wine? hahaha.

Dominick has actually joined me!! We have ordered sopa alentejana com bacalhao e ovo escelfado.(soup with cod and a poached egg)

OMG ITS SOOOO GOOD!!

The food is superior here... not even going to debate.

I'm freezing though... starting to worry about having weeded out my warm clothes. Wow.... the patio heater just came on.... I love when the universe picks up my vibe!

I made it back to my room but may have walked sideways.

It's early but I'm done. I caught a glimpse of the golden hour but don't really have a vantage point of the sun sinking. I'm surrounded by buildings.

I had a fabulous chat with Riley tonight. I miss my girl and I miss my gang.

Cheers to you all on this fine Saturday night from Lisbon.

Beijos and boa noite!

X