Lisbon

Our hotel The Bairro Alto is a restored boutique hotel and was in a perfect location, between Bairro Alto (lots of nightlife) and Chiado (shopping).  Plus it had great views from the rooftop deck and some nice historic sites nearby.  We found many wonderful wine bars nearby and they were very helpful suggesting local wines we may like and explaining the different wine regions of Portugal.

Our first night we had dinner at an outside cafe and sat next to a lovely retired couple from Denver who tried to convince us to retire there and cruise the world :). 

The Moorish influence is seen throughout the city.  Beautiful tiles adorn the outside of many of the buildings and add to the uniqueness of this city.  Lisbon is situated above the Tagus river and built on seven hills making for many lovely vistas. 

Our second day we visited the oldest Jusuit church in Portugal built in the 16th century. Most of Lisbon was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and tsunami but this church survived and chapels were added and adorned in gold from the discoveries of this seafaring nation (mostly from Brazil).

We took a walking tour of the city and continued with our guide to visit the Jeronimios Monastry with a beautiful church where you will find the tomb of Vasto da Gama.  Near there we also saw the Tower of Belem which is at the mouth of the Tagus river.  The church was used for final prayers before the sailors set off to discover new worlds, while the tower was used to protect the city of Lisbon from those sailing in to take the power.  

In the 16th century, Portugal had the largest fleet and discovered much of the world; Africa, India, China and South America. They owned the trade routes and brought large amounts wealth to the country as well as coffee, tea, spices, diamonds and gold.  At one point in history they spilt control of world with Spain.  

The view from our hotel 

The Jusuit church

The streets of Lisbon and tiled buildings.  The streamers were in preparation for the celebration of St Anthony in two weeks (bummed we would miss it).

This is the most famous pastry shop in Lisbon, known for thier custard tart.  The recipe is a secret to this day. People wait in long lines for this particular one, even though it can be found throughout the city.  It was very good, crispy outside, and the custard was not too running, you sprinkle a little cinnamon & white powered sugar on top.  Perfect.

Church of St Vincent with Vasto de Gama's tomb

Monument to the explorers

And the tower of Belem