Canary Islands cruise

We made the most of our day in Lisbon, starting out with an early morning walk and culminating with a lovely wine and food tour. In between, a tuk tuk ride provided a great overview of this hilly city.

Our morning walk wended through the narrow roadways of the historic Alfama district. With cobblestones underfoot, and murals and tile-work on many of the buildings, there was much to appreciate. After about an hour, though, we were ready to hop in a tuk tuk for a less strenuous take of the city. We enjoyed panoramic views from two overlooks, and learning a bit about the city’s history from our driver as we made our way past the National Pantheon, the Santa Justa lift, and the Rua Augusta Arch.

Our afternoon was spent sampling Portuguese wines and food on a walking tour that included even more details about Portugal’s political history, along with its culinary impact on cuisines around the world. Joao, our delightful guide, cited Japanese tempura as a legacy of Portugal’s early trading days on that distant island. After our history briefing, we made our way to Taberna da Baixa, where we enjoyed some delicious cheeses, olives, and choriço a bombeiro, which was cooked in a clay pot over flaming alcohol, paired with some excellent red house wine. That was followed by stops to sample tawny port with a bite of cheese and pumpkin jam; bifana (pork sandwiches) with glasses of beer; cod fritters and some excellent vinho verde; arroz de marisco paired with a local Lisbon white wine; and lastly, a stop for shots of a ginchinja, a cherry flavored liquor.

That final stop was on a corner of Rossio Square, where an anti-immigrant protest had gotten underway. Special police forces swarmed the plaza just as we were enjoying that last drink. It was a sobering reminder of the political tensions ensuing as far right groups gain traction in Europe.

Today, we are at sea en route to Southampton, where we will end this cruise day after tomorrow. From there, we will make our way to Spain.Baca lagi