Lisbon day 3

We had a plan today - to walk up to the castle. Lisbon has lots of hills, with lots of very narrow steep roads. We followed our noses and wound our way up the pretty narrow roads. We passed an interesting archaeological excavation on the way. It was behind lots of boarding but we could see in, and it looked like a Roman amphitheater which was way below the present level of the street.

We continued up to the castle, queued for tickets then went in and bought a coffee each! The view across Lisbon in all directions was spectacular and well worth the 15 euros entrance fee, and the castle was really interesting too. We spent 3 hours there, exploring the ramparts - no real concern for health and safety in some bits and Joanne wasn’t too keen on some of the steep, narrow stairs without handrails. But she managed it!

Eventually we had seen it all and started to make our way down. A different route, using landmarks to guide us down! Half way we found a bustling restaurant and as it was nearly 3pm we stopped for dinner. It was a nice atmosphere and good price. By the very narrow road, but that didn’t stop the many tucktucks and trams passing.

We found a delicious ice cream shop on our way to the bottom. Our first of the week, and that carried us the rest of the way down.

Checked out bus and tram numbers for tomorrow as we plan to go to Belem. Then wandered along the front by the water, dipping in and out of gift shops.

Eventually got back to the flat at about 6. Felt shattered considering we had been on our feet most of the day, but it has been so nice and relaxed in each other’s company.

Chilled all evening, relaxing and reading. And now an earlier night.