Day 11 Wednesday 17th April

 


We are planning once more to take it easy and wander around this great little city and avoid hills at all costs. well, we couldn't get away from the hills. We head down towards the river and in particular the Pont Luis Bridge. The one that looks like the bottom of the Eiffel Tower. 

So it's a leisurely walk downhill but always in the back of our minds, anything downhill ends up being uphill when we come back. There is something on every corner to see but eventually, we get to the bridge and start to walk across. It's the top of the bridge and the wind is pretty strong. At times I feel my sunglasses will fall off. I hold my hat in my hand. The view is astonishing however Though I will wait til I get to the other side before I take a picture.


Once on the South Side, we spy a higher lookout which is probably a church. A Flamenco guitarist is playing Metallica. And the views are even better because you can include the bridge.

from there, we walk across the road and take the cable car down to the waterfront. A good place to call the family and we do but only Mel answers. It's pretty quick and we arrive at the bottom in about 5 minutes. From there we stroll around the markets and back alleys not really looking for anything. The stroll takes us back over the bridge and up an incredibly steep hill. By the time we get to the top it's like we did a workout.

 And we're getting hungry. We see a cool-looking cafe and it's Gluten Free which Liz is happy with and agrees to give it a go. My experience with gluten-free is taste-free cakes in the staffroom. But the food is very tasty. I have some kind of avocado mash on toast. And a beer. Great.

Back at the hotel, we pick up our dirty clothes so we can do some washing. Well, Liz and I take it to the laundromat and while Liz looks after the washing I head off to a few record shops.. Louie Louie is alright but the background music is pretty rotten. Porto Calling is miles better. A tribute to Clash hence the name. great second-hand records and t-shirts. Fab. I get talking to the owner and his assistant about music. I had a great time. There is a Vintage Shop next door that I will Liz back to tomorrow. 

On the way back to the hotel I grab a Super Bock which is the local beer. A great way to end the afternoon.

After a chill at the hotel Liz and I go looking for a place to eat and out of nowhere, we stumble into a giant food hall. They are starting to close but we will be back tomorrow. Meanwhile, the restaurants are open and we choose one of the simpler ones. Not brilliant food but it is quite cheap and filling. Although that is the last Codfish Cake I will ever eat. All dinners came with rice, chips and salad. Weird combo.Starting to get tired so stroll home past the theatre district. Lots of people and round the corner to our digs. We see this laboratory-style wine shop and our interest is piqued. So we have a few glasses there. High-end stuff that cost more than the dinner actually. But lovely and relaxed. Not sure if it's the best wine we've tasted though.

Then back to the hotel. 











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