After a good night's sleep at the hotel, we got a taxi straight to the airport and breezed through security in search of a light breakfast, which we found easily.
The flight to Lisbon left on time and arrived a bit early.
We were met by Fatima from Viking, who arranged for us and the other couple on the flight to be taken to our hotel in Lisbon in a nice big black Mercedes people carrier.
We were at the hotel in about half an hour and were met by Bob's Canadian cousin, Michael in the foyer of the hotel. We went to the Viking desk and were given a glass of fruit juice and some little canapes along with all the information we needed for the first day or two. We could not check in to our rooms as it was a bit early in the day, but our bags were taken care of. Michael's wife Cindy soon came down to join us, and Bob & Michael managed their first beer of the holiday.
.
It was very warm in Lisbon, with bright blue skies. Michael and Cindy had arranged a private walking tour of the hidden gems of the city in the afternoon, so we had to change out of our travelling clothes and into shorts and shirts. Luckily we were able to use Michael and Cindy's room for this.
We took a taxi down to the ? cathedral where we were to meet our guide for the tour, Isabel. It was hard to miss the cathedral and we waited for a few minutes for Isabel to meet us on the steps.
Isabel gave us a brief history of the cathedral and then took us inside - the first of many trips inside churches on this holiday. Apparently, parts of the cathedral survived the great earthquake of 1755 which destroyed huge parts of the city. We would hear a lot about this earthquake over the coming days.
The interior of the church was quite impressive, but, frankly, not anything like as ornate as some of those we would see late in the trip.
Our walk took continued through some nice gardens and into more residential areas of the city, with a much more intimate architectural style. These areas were built after the 1755 earthquake.
It was quite a quaint and charming neighbourhood, with lots to wonder at.
Trademark tiled buildings.
Some "interesting" new architecture.
Isabel took us to a local market, which not only sold everyday food, but also had little restaurants and wine shops. It was a delight.
An amazing array of tinned sardines.
It also had a gin bar that we had to drag Sharon away from, kicking screaming.
We had not really had lunch and the market had made us so hungry, that we were really pleased that Isabel took us to an award winning cafe that was reputed to make the best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon. So we sat down in eager anticipation.
We were not disappointed. They were very good and not really big enough for our hunger, but they do come in at 250 calories each, which is quite a lot for four dainty mouthfuls in each tart.
Suitably fortified, we pressed on into more up-market areas, including the embassy quarter.
There were some delightful tiling details in unexpected places.
There were views down the streets to the River Tagus.
Famous Lisbon trams.
One utterly over the top house with bizarre ceramic decorations.
After a short tram ride (in a modern tram rather than one of the famous old ones) Isabel took us to our final destination - the LX Factory. This was a a previously deserted and run down industrial area that had now become an artistic and creative hub.
There were giant bees on the walls....
...purple ceramic pigeons flying past manufactured holes in the wall.....
.....and a very adventurous baby!
There was an amazing book shop.
However, we were in need of sustenance and not education. Isabel left us here and we set about finding somewhere to have a late lunch -it didn't take us too long!
First up a cold drink and some olives and nuts while we decided what to eat.
The poster at the bar said it all.
I couldn't agree more.
There was pata negra ham, bread, oil, hummus, it was all delicious and just what we needed.
After that we caught a taxi back to the hotel, checked into our room, had a rest and shower, then it was time to go out for dinner which Michael had booked. The restaurant called Peixaria de Esquina is not enormous but it is well known for the seafood. The waiter was magnificent and explained everything and recommended some very nice local wines.
We started by sharing a ceviche of Sea Bass with chilli, dried tomatoes and coriander and lobster with asparagus with an orange sauce. It was utterly beguiling and even Sharon enjoyed the ceviche.
Michael and Bob shared a grilled turbot with roasted vegetables. Wonderful.
It was taken off the bone at the table.
Sharon and Cindy both went for the Prawns with a light and fragrant curry sauce and pistachio and coriander rice.
We all shared a caramel and pistachio tart and a chocolate mousse, which had been mixed through with some marinaded figs - heavenly.
A glass of 20 year old port to finish the meal and the first day in Portugal. It all augured well for a very good holiday.
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