Portugal - Lisbon - Day 1

Back blip
Rudely awoken at 3am by the alarm. Unlike the work alarm when I slowly emerge from the sleepiness, jumped straight out of bed to get quickly dressed and ready for leaving at 3.30 to the airport for the 6.20 easyJet flight to Lisbon. It was so nice when arriving at departures to see the gang there waiting for us :). Usually it's just us two just sitting at Nero waiting for the gate announcement.

Plane Left bang on time and arrived early at Lisbon airport at 9am! Off downstairs to the metro changing once to arrive at Martim Moniz station then the short walk to our 5th floor modern apartment overlooking Martim Moniz Square. We got in early as there was no-one leaving before us and freshened up then headed out through Rossio square down the Rua Augusta to the Commercio where we had a seat by the river listening to the buskers and deciding on where to have our lunch. It was hot! High twenties already but felt good :). Great to be back in this lovely City and even better showing it to the family.

Had our lunch in one of the places on the square and then after that we decided to have a trip to Belem in the tram. One of the reasons for going to Belem apart from the sights and the river is the famous Pasteis de Belem pastries (Portuguese tarts) which are mouth wateringly amazing. There is always a queue there but it passed quickly and we headed over to the park to eat them where there was an event on where rescue dogs had an adopt me bandanas on. It was sad seeing all these lovely dogs without homes.... we had a photo opportunity at the Explorers monument and then we got a tuk tuk back to Martim Moniz to the flat. Got unpacked and had a wee sit down in this beautiful flat with great views.

Decided to go to a restaurant we never had been to before which sells spit roasted chickens, with great chips and salad. Oh and the Piri-piri sauce. The chickens were melt in the mouth delicious. Boys loved them too. We wandered home through the streets full of people sitting outdoors eating with entertainment in the form of guitarists playing in some of the streets.

Great first day - sunshine, wandering and eating - happy days!