On Tuesday, we set out to explore another area of Lisbon we found inviting on our bus trip. This was the Belem area, home of the Tower of Belem and the Monument of the Discoveries.
Belem is known for its Pastel de Nata pastries, which originated at a shop here. We would have sampled the delicacies, but the line out front stretched for more than a block.
The line at the Museum of Archeology was longer, providing another good reason not to do museums.
Instead of standing in lines, we booked a hop-on, stay-on ride in a one-horse carriage.
Ride completed, we set out on foot, following a cobblestone walkway along the waterfront. We passed fountains that attracted birds in need of a shower.
We listened to a street musician playing an electric violin.
We checked out food trucks along the walkway, many offering a taste of international cuisine, including (to my wife’s delight) Mexican…
We stopped for some not too tasty margaritas.
As our friends all know, Dianne and I crave fine Canadian cuisine…
…so imagine how excited we were to find poutine available on this side of the Atlantic!
We continued past Portugal’s Monument to the Overseas Combatants…
…where a sailor posted guard.
[And yes, I did ask permission to take his photo. My rule is to never shoot anyone carrying a firearm without asking first.]
Catching a Yellow Bus, we returned to our hotel, showered up and headed down for dinner at Café Nicola, located just outside our hotel.
The restaurant began in 1787, and has long been a hangout for writers, artists and politicians. USA Today claims it’s one of the best restaurants in Lisbon, and the seafood we ordered was great.