Lisbon 2 August 2008

Two metro changes and a steep climb took us to the flea-market of the Feira da Ladra, tucked away behind the Santa Engracia. From there we walked to the Sao Vicente de Fora monastry where the kings of Portugal are buried in great vaults.

From there we took the famous Tram 28 across town, threading its way along twisting streets, barely missing the cars parked on either side. An inch misjudgement when parking would cost you a wing mirror.

After lunch we wandered through the shops of the Chaido and Baixa districts, linked by the wrought iron Elevador Santa Justa, designed by Mesnier, a disciple of Gustav Eiffel. It shows.

Sintra 1 August 2008

Caught the train out through the Benfica district to Sintra.

Walked round the gorge that divides the station and new part of the twon from the old to explore the Palacio Nacional.

After lunch in the town square, walked to the gothic Quinta da Regaleira. Set in gardens themed on the intiation rites of the Knights Templar, this featured a bizarre mix of the labyrinthine library from The Name of The Rose inside and Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade outside.

We then caught the bus up to the Moorish Castle that overlooks the town and walked round its vertigo-inducing, windswept curtain walls.

A further short hop on the bus took us to the Pena Palace, another bizarre confection, home of the last king before his abdication in 1910, with lovely, extensive gardens.

Lisbon 31 July 2008

Celebrated Jenny's birthday by jetting off to Lisbon.

Having dumped our stuff at the hotel, we caught the metro into the heart of the city, the Baixa. From here we walked up to the cathedral and Roman theatre. Fortified by a glass of wine and gazpacho soup we continued up to the Castelo de Sao Jorge.