Sightseeing Lisbon

Wednesday - June 15 - Day 3
The internal time clock is shifting ever so slowly to Portugal time, at least we were at breakfast an hour earlier than yesterday. Then it was back to the mall where there just happened to be a supermarket on the bottom floor that we had totally missed yesterday......and they had Powerade! The mall is huge and an easy place to get lost. They ran water through the glass ceiling which had an interesting effect on the light.

The Vasco de Gama Tower and the Vasco de Gama Bridge, longest bridge in Europe.....no bikes allowed., thus our investigation of the ferries.  However, the waterfront is very oriented to pedestrians and bicycles and was home to the 1998 International Fair of Lisbon.

We had a 24 hour Metro pass so another bus ride took us towards the mouth of the Tagus River, just west of the "April 25th" Bridge. This is the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, which commemorates the 16th century Portuguese explorers and the starting point of their ships.

The Tower of Belem, iconic guardian of the mouth of the Tagus River and probably one of the most photographed spots in Lisbon.

It was quite well preserved with very thick walls and narrow spiral staircases that took us to the top of the upper towers.

The Palace of Belem, which is where the governor of the Tower of Belem had his headquarters. Must have been tough duty.

Thursday - June 16 - Day 4
The bike trip is really starting today. This was our first experience riding on cobblestones and we are already glad that we went with the 32mm tires. Most of the sidewalks and surface streets in Lisbon are paved this way. Also notice the nice bike path symbol, very permanent and unobtrusive.

This German gentleman, a fellow cyclist, engaged Doug in conversation almost before he unclipped from his pedals so Donna could take a picture. He has toured much of Europe by bike and was very encouraging and enthusiastic.

A couple from Michigan, of all places, took this picture for us. We are in the Praca do Comercio,  next to the historic center of the city. This building was much in the news the next day due some shake up in the government.

Another view of the plaza. There was a woman with 2 cats on a leash taking her rest on the steps of the statue that also wanted to talk to Doug. She talked, he listened but didn't understand a word but still comprehended her intent.

If there isn't shade then you import it. These tree pods were quite popular and portable.

Finally made it to the Cais de Sodre ferry terminal.....only took a couple of hours to go 5 miles! Actually we were really glad we were on bikes because our observation of Lisbon drivers matched their reputation for craziness. We were amazed that there weren't more dents in their vehicles though they are mostly much smaller cars than in the US. A Mini Cooper looks average here. Bikes can use the sidewalks and avoid most of this craziness so we felt pretty safe. Our timing was good as the ferry was leaving in 5 minutes.

Goodby Lisbon

Hello Cacilhas........and it was NOT uphill out of the ferry terminal which has been our experience on all the other ferries we've taken in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Into the unknown after a bite to eat at a little cafe.

 An old-growth olive tree.

The landscape as we headed south. So far only one missed turn but the GPS saved us before we went too far the wrong way.

The view from our room in the Hotel Laitau in Setubal. It looks like it will be a few days before we are able to camp but jet lag still isn't quite finished with us either.