Day 2 in Lisbon

 Thanks to our jet lag, we were awake at 4am. We had the chance to see a quiet Lisbon gradually wake up which was a nice contrast to the high energy city we experienced yesterday. 

After a coffee at Paul, we headed up to the Castelo de Sao Jorge. This is the magnificent fortress built in 1147 and still standing today (even after a massive earthquake in 1755). We had a lovely time wandering around the grounds. One of the fun features of the Castelo is the peacocks who make their home there and spend their days strolling around the fortress.

Next, we went in search of a gluten free pasteis de nata. We found them but, I have to admit, they were disappointing. Once you take the beautiful flaky pastry out and replace it with a stodgy GF pastry, it just isn't the same.  

We got back on the Hop On, Hop Off bus to take a different route past the waterfront in Lisbon. We saw the Belem Tower (which was covered in scaffolding) and the Mosterio dos Jeronimos. When we saw the long queues outside the monastery, we decided against jumping off the bus and going in. We might try again on Tuesday.

A quick rest back at our apartment and we headed out to visit the Mosteiro de Sao Vicente de Fora in Alfama. The walk there was hilly and hot but it was well worth it. We walked through some gorgeous streets and neighbourhoods. The monastery isn't on everyone's itinerary in Lisbon which worked to our advantage. It was beautiful. The church inside the monastery is stunning, the two cloisters are peaceful and the Pantheon of the House of Branganza (tombs of the royal family of Portugal) is housed there. We loved it.

On our way back, we stopped at a terrace bar overlooking the water. We took our time sitting there on a glorious Sunday afternoon, enjoying the sun, the breeze, the atmosphere and the view. Lovely way to finish our sightseeing.

Fun Fact from today: All over Lisbon, you see vendors selling pina coladas served in hollowed out pineapples. I was determined to have one before I left Lisbon. After our visit to the Castelo, we found a vendor setting up. For once, there wasn't a queue and I decided to seize the opportunity. Admittedly, it was 10.30 on a Sunday morning. Even the guy selling the drinks slightly shamed me for drinking so early in the day 😒. Despite that, we thoroughly enjoyed our pina coladas and we even found a day drinking mate in the homeless man sitting next to us drinking a beer.