I slipped into the day after getting out of bed. We took advantage of the wonderful breakfast in the lobby. After breakfast, we checked-in for our upcoming flight back home. Took the time to see where we were meeting our tour guide. Yeah, this morning was a long runway kind of morning. Given the time to ease into my day, we moved a lot once we got started. According to my watch, we took just over 15 thousand steps through the winding streets, as well as changes in elevation.

Came the time to make our way to the Praca Dom Pedro IV Square for or our guided tour. Shortly after our arrival, Maria Ferreira (see photo below) greeted us. She is one of the most authentic and genuine person I’ve met. She knows her country’s history, I can tell she loves both Lisbon and Portugal. She did a fantastic job explaining the history of Portugal. We were so lucky to get such a knowledgable guide. When I come back, I will request Maria again. Our walking tour started at the Fusilli Central Train Station. She took us to her favorite square where we learned about the Carnation Revolution. She expertly weaved in that that Lisbon has been colonized by four nations: Celtics, Vikings, Romans, and Moors. I will never forget the phrase “The Scent of Freedom”, the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Lisbon, and after the exodus of the privileged that tradition, culture, and history, is what saved the history of Alfama. Today, Alfama has proven to be as resilient as the people who loved it enough to stay. During the tour, we sampled green wine, and codfish cakes ( a deep fried blend mashed potatoes and cod) Maria, Thank you!

I wish the world was a friendlier place. There is so much to see, so much to learn, so much to drink, so much food to taste around the world, but unfortunately there are countries that make visiting them impossible.

Dinner: Cork Kitchen

After all that walking, of course we needed nutrition. The plan was to go back to the hotel, shower, and go back to the Cork Kitchen. We passed it during the tour and knew instantly that was the spot for dinner. Yeah, it was great. Raymond ordered a non-alcoholic beer. I ordered an expresso martini. Later, I ordered a Red Sangria. Our entrees: Carolino da Terra (stewed Carolino rice with braised Iberian pork ribs); I had Secretos de Porco Fatiados (sliced Iberian pork with a garlic and parsley sauce) served with mashed potatoes with Iberian ham mixed in. I give the Cork Kitchen a 4.9 out of 5 stars. It’s my second favorite restaurant of all the ones we went to. The atmosphere and the energy of the city dynamic.

Click the link above for more photos from today.

thursday, july 31

finis.

wednesday, july 30