Tower of Belém

After breakfast we head down through the old town to the river. It’s warmer than either of us expected and we’re soon wishing we had brought sandals and sunglasses. We head back to the hotel at lunchtime to lose the cold weather clothes and load up on water.

Next, it’s back down to the river, further west this time, to catch a train to Belém. We walk past the Parliament building, two ceremonial soldiers marching back and forth in front of it. There’s a protest installation outside it, built of scrap in the shape of a boat, proclaiming the government to be liars (extra).

Getting off at Belém we walk to the tower, through the Sunday crowds, and admire its location and grandeur against a fantastic sky. We’re not tempted to join the queues waiting to go in.

Instead, we continue on to Algés and head towards the Parque Florestal de Monsanto. A couple of toasties and beers at the Restaurant Extraordinary for a late lunch. And a complementary coconut sweety.

Next door is a sex shop - closed on Sunday. For amusement we check out its website. They are advertising a sex toy advent calendar!

It’s a long walk through the park and the occasional residential zone (with obligatory guard dogs behind high fences). Miles and miles. And it’s lovely - cool with occasional drizzle. Lots of trees and excellent paths.

There’s party music in the distance and we stumble on a modernistic restaurant/bar among the trees. A transparent geodesic domes and a lovely crowd (extra). We’re on a mission, so we walk on by.

Our goal is the Panoramico de Monsanto - simply because it’s a label on Google maps. We expect a viewpoint, but find an abandoned concrete building of 5 floors. It’s full of graffiti and urban art (extras). Climbing the stairs as darkness falls we’re treated to a wonderful view. And we’re not alone.

Heading downhill, it’s dark. Google takes us to roads that shouldn’t be walked on, so we backtrack and take the safe route to Serafina. We’re waiting for the bus as mass finishes and locals stream past us. And then were treated to the bus being skilfully driven through nature, car lined streets.

Finally back at the hotel, after 11 miles of walking, we’re ready for a rest, but also hungry. There’s a vegetarian restaurant near Rato. I have a miso aubergine bowl, Kerry a falafel wrap. And we’re done.