Lisbon and the Belem Area

Back in Lisbon today for more walking and eating!  Because we are on our own schedule we got up and moving at our own pace.  We left the flat about 9:30 and headed to the tram stop to head to the Belem area of town about 5 kilometers away.
We found the tram stop right away and then remembered that we had to purchase our tickets in advance--Thus began our walks across the Plaza Commercio  First one direction to what we thought was a TI--then over to the TI--then across the Square to another TI and finally down into the Metro station to buy the tickets--then back up out of the metro and back across the square to wait for the tram.  The ride was an experience--because it was a Saturday and because it was a beautiful day--and because Belem is a tourist desination, we were in the tram like sardines.  Nor says that Portugal is famous for its sardines and as Ron pointed out so far these are the only ones we have found.
The tram let us off right in from of the Monastary of Sa. Jeronimos.

The Monastary is a huge building running 300 yards.  It was built by King Manuel to celebrate and pray for the explorers. Vasco De Gama who is buried there is said to have prayed for his safe return before leaving on his voyages.  The cloisters of the monastary are a large square in the style called Manueline--it is very ornate all for decoration not for structure, there are curliques and other designs in the cut stone as well as gargoyles and family crests.  The two stories of the cloisters are beautiful to walk around.  The church too is lovely, in this same style.  At the altar are the tombs of two kings and two queens all on the back of elephants which replaced lions as symbols of power.

After visiting the monastary we crossed the main roads and went to the statue remembering all the explorers, led by Henry the Navigator.  We walked to the Tower of Belem, which is at the mouth of the river to protect Lisbon from invaders.  The park was crowded with families, couples and singles enjoying the gorgeous day

Next we walked to the Pastels de Belem shop for a traditional tart like sweet and a coffee (beer for Nor and Ron).  Then back on the bus and to the flat.  We stopped just long enough to drop off cameras and change shoes, then to Trindad for a beer and appetizers.

Across the street from Trindade we found (thank you Ron) a restaurant called Faz Gostos-- WOW!
Another amazing meal of seafoods. and two incredible desserts Lynn and I are going back there for desserts while the guys go across the street to Trinidade for beers--hey calories are calories!!!
While dining a charming french couple sat down and as they prepared to order they asked Ron what he was having and that started a nice conversation.  We learned that their son is in univeristy south of Charlotte where he plays tennis for the school.  They recommended a market to go to and this will be out Sunday, after Lynn and Ron return from church!