Ah, the weather. The weather forecast had said that it would be cloudy…but having breakfast in outright rain didn’t get any enthusiastic reaction. It. Was. Supposed. To. Get. Better. Dammit.

Not having to pack, we were faster than usually, at least a little bit. Most of it turned into non-existence as Baby had one accident after the other. First, he fell off the bench and then, he put his hand on our only sharp knife. It was the first time he cut himself and he was not fond of the experience. Putting a band aid on it didn’t help. He just tried to get it off and it was completely soaked with saliva within a couple of minutes. By now, the cut had stopped bleeding so we just kept it as it is.

At about 9.20am, we took the bus into the city centre. For 2 euros each and a bus ride of 40 minutes, we could escape the noise of two motorways and explore a city that I had really looked forward to. Just not in the rain. /complaining

We got off the bus at the end station which is Praça Figureira and, not knowing what to do first, fell into the first bakery/café that looked inviting. It turned out to be an institution in Lisbon in a great building which yummy things to eat. Most tourists queued in line to take some treats away so there were still options to sit down and enjoy a proper sweet second breakfast. Flo sampled another pastel de nata, while I chose some chocolate treats this time. Flo still fared better, I think. Tea/coffee and a bite-sized treat swiftly turns into our favourite pastime.

By then, it had stopped to rain so we decided to do the suggested walking tour today with clouds rather than tomorrow with 30 degrees and sunshine forecast. It took about 15 minutes to get to the starting point and most of it was uphill. Later, when we had a proper read of the section, we realized that a tram ride up the hill was suggested. Well, unaware, we walked. Hello Wellington calves.

The first point was a viewpoint over the city. We both enjoyed it despite the lacking sunshine. From here, the path was mostly downhill. We took lanes through the city, I fell into another bakery, we had more viewpoints and also lots and lots of great architecture aka tiled houses and sights. Just wandering around was a lot of fun. It is a good way of getting into touch with a city if you just keep on walking and check what’s behind the next corner.

We didn’t feel like paying fees for admission so stayed on the outside of most suggested sights. At lunch time, Flo found another great little place, vegetarian again. It’s really good to have proper vegetarian food instead of whatever waiters can think of on the top of their heads. Even Number 3 enjoyed the food and the high chair which allowed him to share plates with us. We liked it so much that we stayed for coffee and desserts which conveniently allowed us to sit through another spell of rain. 🙂

The one big item to see in the afternoon was the castle right in the city. We walked there expecting to actually having a look inside for once but a big sign right at the gate said “CLOSED DUE TO STRIKE”. So much for this. Good on them for striking though and also getting the city where it hurts. We were by no means the only tourists turning away from the castle.

We kept bumping into “private” guided tours. At the central praças, you can hire a guide for your own tour. Flo kept looking at them longingly…I guess we’ll try that in the next big town.

Walking through the steep and narrow cobblestone lanes of Alfama, we came upon a terrace with a view. Two guys were playing a cheerful tune, the sun had come out and it was just a really nice moment to be there.

Thus, we made our way back to the commercial district. It had been a pretty full on day with the walking tour and we wanted to catch a bus back to the camp ground around 4pm as another game with our German friends was scheduled for this evening. Due to the time difference, it starts at about 5.30pm our time. We even managed to squeeze in dinner in time.

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