Portugal

Last year was a pretty horrible year, with a fire damaging a section of our condo (which we are still dealing with), wild fires destroying homes of friends and colleagues, and the political stupidity damaging lives for no reason. So I did some small travels, family reunion (which was overshadowed by the condo fire), book group in MN.

I wasn't sure where I wanted to travel this year and with so much hanging over my head I was not enthused about any place. A series of events led me to booking some time in Portugal. I'm starting in Lisbon for 4.5 days then moving on to Porto to join an Intrepid trip heading back down to Lisbon.

I took TAP flight direct from LAX to Lisbon which was great. Roomy seats, decent movie selection, food was fine, cheaper than the competing non-directs. 

I found the airport chaotic and confusing. We had to go thru some nonsense for a new EU entry/exit system with automated kiosks that didn't work, n app to generate a QR code that the customs officers ignored and waiting in lines. 

Then it was a search for the Uber pick up lot, trying to understand what was happening amongst crowds of travelers and ultimately finding my car. It was a relatively quick ride to the hotel, located on the most narrow street possible. The building is very modern, lots of concrete but with many outdoor areas to lounge in, room is comfy with a little outdoor seating area. My friend Briana, who helped me book this, left a nice and a tin of chocolate sardines, and I have a bottle of wine as part of the room. 

After settling in, discovering I forgot my plug adapter (d'oh) recharging my phone, I got some info from the front desk clerk about places to walk. I strolled to the nearby Mirodouro (viewpoint in Portuguese) San Pedro de Alcantara for a lovely view encompassing the Tagus across the neighbouring hill. The little plaza had a fountain and some food booths.

Once I had some photos, I kept strolling down one of the main streets to another park (Principe Real) where there was a giant cedar tree, artisan kiosks along the sidewalk, a small outdoor cafe with live music and benches all around. After a short sit under the cedar, I grabbed a table at the cafe, ordered a bacalhao a bras (salt cod with egg, shoestring fries, parsley), a ginger ale over ice and listened to the neighboring tables (all different languages) and the musician. 

After dinner I walked back another way back to the hotel. 

Nice introduction to Lisbon.