Day 7 Saturday 13th April


 Taking it easy with our last breakfast in Lisbon before heading to Sintra. Pack the bags and book a BOLT which is a lot easier than going by train when carrying bags. The ride is about 40 minutes which is a bit like driving to a northern suburb in Melbourne.

We're soon there and the Hotel looks lovely. It's pink. Of course, getting there in such a good time means we have to leave our bags at reception and head for the old town. A few more hills but not too bad and a short distance where we reach town. First, we see the Sintra National Palace which is in the centre of town and has two high spires that turn out to be chimneys. We pay to go in and wander around the palace. Lots of great tiles and ceilings and a pleasant enough look around.

From there we walk up and down the streets of the old town. Lots of tourists. It's a Saturday and Sintra is a big weekend spot. Grab a mini beer and listen to street music which sounds like the Gypsy Kings. Every road is like cobblestones. I can't imagine how hard it would be to walk in wet weather. 

As it's close to 3.30pm we head back to the hotel to check in the Quinta da Maras. The rooms are not ready though as one of the cleaners had an accident so we waited in the lobby for about an hour. Eventually, we get our room and we unpack and take a break. A siesta so to speak. We upgraded to a bigger room and we seem to have a little flat. But it's good to have more room.

After a break, we walk down to the new part of town and look for a restaurant. We decided on Mexcalito which is very nice Mexican. Walk home in the dark which is really eerie at one stage. No lights and narrow roads.










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