40 years mini moon | FindPenguins

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Trip start
October 15, 2018
40 years mini moon Traveler
On our way to Lisboa
October 15, 2018 in England ⋅ 🌧 12 °C
Left as the rain ended and caught train to Farringdon. Easy change and we were travelling north towards Luton Airport. Arrived in good time to catch shuttle bus up to the airport. A degree of chaos reigned partly down to rebuilding and some the people. However the squeezy jet flight was pleasant enough and we arrived at Lisbon safe and sound mid afternoon. Journey into town was easy and cheap on the Aerobus 1 which brought us to Rossio just a few steps (literally) from our splendid little apartment where we are very comfortable.
After a brief unpack, we wandered out for orientation, finding a couple of local supermarkets, a pasteis de nata shop and several restaurants in our street. We returned with a couple of beers and sesame snacks.
We decided to eat in ‘Soldo’ at the end of our street where there was a Fado performance. The food was excellent, baclahau and salmon, which Janet insisted needed Mateus Rose accompaniment and the music and atmosphere made for a great evening.Read more
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40 years mini moon Traveler
1
Castel St George
October 16, 2018 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Sunny morning and we decided, after scrambled eggs and nut-packed muesli to venture to a mercado in the nearby Figueira square, down steps! What a treat! We found local cheese, white port and some red bream and veg to cook for tea.
Nipping back up the stairs to return to the fridge, we then headed out to catch tram 28. Well, the queue was amazing for such a little old vehicle, so we quickly decided to walk, starting with an amazing escalator. Turned into a fine walk, with some excellent views. However when we reached the entrance there was about a 40 minute queue to get in . So we dissed that plan and found a church tower which gave great views for just 2euro. There was a bit of a queue inside as the top only handled ten people but better than waiting for ages.
On our way down we found a gorgeous little cafe for light lunch of tomato soup with pesto and a couple of beers. There was a guitarist playing well known tunes in classical style. He was brilliant and a really great guy. Turned out he was from Brazil and he recommended a trip to Sintra.
After lunch we descended towards Sé, the cathedral built in 1147. A port and fig gelato on the way. Then we just about boarded a 28 tram to take us back to Duque. The bream with courgette and tomato was v tasty.Read more
Traveler Aah, but could he play The Eagles?
10/17/18Reply
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40 years mini moon Traveler
Estoril and Cascais
October 17, 2018 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Today we planned a train trip to Estoril. We took the 758 bus to Cais do Sodré then boarded the train to Estoril. On arrival we headed to Hotel Palacio, with whom one of Janet’s clients has a connection. There we met Vera and were introduced to two staff members who appeared in 007 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service with George Lazenby. We had a tour of the hotel and spa and a celebration glass of champagne! A lovely touch.
After we walked along the promenade to Caiscais in the sunshine. We stopped for a sandwich by the lighthouse , spent some time sketching in town, then caught the train back to town.
After a respite tea we caught the 758 back to base. Out to 33 to eat this evening. Food was simply cooked though delicious fish, sea bass and a cod stew with excellent house wine at €3.50 a half litre carafe.Read more
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40 years mini moon Traveler
Sintra
October 18, 2018 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
A fresher day and evidence of rain passed. We headed down a few steps then along to Rossio station where we caught the 09.41 train to Sintra. It was packed and one side was so covered in graphiti we could not see out. There was a big queue to exit the platform, then hoards of drivers offering tours of all kinds.
We meandered along a level terrace, dotted with sculptures of various kinds, past the community gardens, fountain in moorish style and up to the Palácio. Queue was modest and the Palace well worthwhile with many tiled decorations and painted ceilings, and including a semi-outside cool pool area. The palace boasts kitchens with enormous conical chimneys.
We bought lunch from a bakery and naturally included pasteis do nata. Delicious.
The village was hilly and the tourist shops all very similar. The post office was worth looking inside for the tiled decorations. The gardens on the way back though were very interesting , containing a rinque with stone seating built on the hillside and affording views through the trees. The day became a little brighter and was really sunny again by the time we returned to Rossio and then the apartment for tea.
Later we are meeting Carol and Miguel for dinner.Read more
TravelerIt all looks beautiful x
10/18/18Reply
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40 years mini moon Traveler
Last evening
October 18, 2018 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
After tea, a stroll round to the viewpoint above Santa Justa. Back via Brewpub for a delicious Blond.
Then a meal with Carol and Miguel in the restaurant at the end of the street.
Lovely evening.
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40 years mini moon Traveler
Final morning
October 19, 2018 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
A beautiful sunny morning for our last morning. Leisurely breakfast with views, then we set off for a local wander starting down our favourite steps. Turning right we found the foot of the Sta. Justa lift. Next we found a fabric shop where we bought a bargain festive tablecloth. Round in Praça Figueiro we passed the small line for tram 25 then briefly into Iglesias Sao Domingos, which had clearly suffered a catastrophic fire at one time. Passing the Rossio train station from below we had a view of the facade.
We then found the bottom of the Gloria funicular and travelled up in the front rubbing shoulders with the driver it was that full! At the top there is another amazing view over the city over to Castel Sao Jorge and down to the sea. Last stop was the first truly exotically decorated church of Sao Roche, with sacristy decorated completely with paintings celebrating the life of St. Francis Xavier. There was also a temporary exhibition of interest and gorgeous decorations in the side chapels.
We were back at the top of our steps, with just time for a cuppa before checking out and descending for an early lunch ahead of catching the Aerobus 1 to the airport.Read more
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40 years mini moon Traveler
Home via Luton
October 19, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
Aerobus 1 arrived and took us smoothly to the airport , where we checked our bags in at the end shed. Quite basic beyond the shopping. Boarded on time, wait for traffic control slot, then a mostly smooth flight up Portugal and across the Bay of Biscay. Great views of the Channel Islands then Portland and Isle of Wight, over Heathrow passed Northolt and turn north of Stanstead, landing as the sun set.
Thameslink and Met line delivered us home by nine.
An excellent week celebrating 40 years married.Read more
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Trip end
October 19, 2018