The face of a man who now knows he will still be able to get great burgers.

I should stop and mention that this is a first for us. We did not over-pack! We are traveling for 2 1/2 weeks with one carry-on bag each plus a small backpack and briefcase for two laptops and camera equipment – that includes a fold-up tripod. Since we are only traveling on public transportation on this trip, we wanted to make sure we didn’t have to lug any more than necessary. So far, so good.  (But you might notice Wayne wearing the same shirt as yesterday.) This morning we packed up and left Sintra. We took the local Scotturb Bus 417 to Cascais – about a 30 minute trip. Easy-peasy. Then we walked the 15 grueling minutes from the bus terminal to our apartment. The thermometer said 73 degrees, but we’d swear that their 73 feels like 90! We have sweat a lot on this trip. I can’t imagine what it was like here a few weeks ago when much of Portugal hit all-time record temps of 113 in some places; 103-4 in many towns including Cascais. Must have been brutal.

Cascais is considered sort of the Riviera of Portugal. Many gorgeous beaches, Florida-like weather, a short train ride from Lisbon,  and lots of people with money.  The town next door, Estoril, has a huge casino featured in many Bond movies.

We connected easily with our host and settled in around 11:30.  After unpacking and starting laundry, we set out for lunch. Since we decided to make this move, one of Wayne’s only concerns has been that he would never have a good burger again. He was of the opinion that there is no good beef in Europe. We walked one minute to a well-rated and adorable little burger place. Not only did Wayne get a burger that rivaled some of his US favorites, my cod-burger with black olives and lime mustard was exceptional! Wayne also really liked the local Portuguese beer Super Bock. Thank God, he can now cross that burger thing off his worry list.

We then went to the Vodafone store to buy sim cards for our phones to have free local WiFi; 30 euros for the both of us for the next 15 days. Eventually, we got our phones unlocked and that all set up. Much cheaper than the $10/day AT&T charges for minimal WiFi.

Next was a trip to the local super mercado (Jumbo grocery store) for essentials like TP, coffee, and toothpaste. All of these airbnb apartments seem to use those silly Kuerig (Nescafe here) single-cup brew machines. That is not how adults drink coffee. The first thing we are buying when we move is a 12 cup American drip coffee maker.  

We then rewarded ourselves with a couple hours of people watching along the pedestrian shopping area from seats at a great wine bar called The Tasting Room. We let the server recommend various wines from local regions and they were all delish.

Not a bad first day in Cascais. We are here for 6 nights