Sunday in Lisbon

Palm Sunday in Lisbon!  The day began slowly, daylight savings began last night, so when we awoke at our normal time it was already 7:30. (we will have to set an alarm tomorrow or we may miss our ride to Porto) Lynn and Ron went in search of a Sunday service while Nor and I prayed to the coffee pot and internet.  Hopefully they were able to say a little prayer for our souls.

After failing to find a chuch that would let them in, Lynn and Ron returned and we all headed to the Mercado that was recommended by our dinner partners from the night before!  The mercado do Riberia (I am quessing market at the river)  was just down the hill -- our faithful guide (OFG) Nor, led us right to the door and oh I am glad he did.  In the old warehouse are something like 30 restaurant stalls, and there are no mall stalls these were fine dining at a great price,  Asian, steak, fish, pizza, Portuguese, chef's tasting menus, wines, gelato and much more. There are tables down the center where you bring your food.  There were families and couples and a few tourists enjoying the food and the day.  We each got the foods we wanted and then shared tastes.  We may return to this location when we are nearing the end of our adventures.  What fun!

We walked on to the cathedral.  (Thanks again OFG)Again a busy plaza in front of the church.  We all agreed that we disagree with Rick Steves-it was lovely inside. much simpler than some of the other churches we have visited but still wonderful soaring ceilings and beautiful Rose windows.

Now we were in stroll mode, we strolled back to the Sta Domingo had a small Gingha -- a local cherry/ginger liqueur drink).  Then we strolled back to the apartment to drop of cameras and then to the store to buy some tiles to take home.  Finally we strolled to a cafe and one final time to Trinidade for beer and seafood.

Our stay in Lisbon has been wonderful.  The city is comfortable with easy walking even on the hills, the people are charming and most speak English, at least enough to get by with tourists.  As Nor pointed out the buildings seem not to be over  seven stories which gives the streets a much more open feel.  The tiles on the sides of the buildings and the multitude of plazas and parks makes this a great place to visit.

So on the Fatima and Porto and beyond!