We decided that we should take the train line into Lisbon today to see what that trip is like. After a quick breakfast at what has become our “usual” pastry place, we managed to get on the right train. Of course, that’s not as impressive as it sounds since the line only runs from Cascais to Lisbon, so it is only going one way from here, duh. It’s roughly 40 minutes with all the stops. We went to the end of the line in Lisbon. Then we walked across the street to the big “Time Out” market for a brief visit (and so Wayne could find a bathroom.) We will be staying in Lisbon the last 3 nights of this trip, so we didn’t need to stay long now. So, after 20 minutes, we jumped back on the train to go 3 stops back to the Lisbon outskirts of Belem.
In Belem, we walked a bit to see the huge monastery. On the way, we passed the bakery famous for originating the pastel de nata that is the signature pastry of Portugal (and damn good.) The lines were long. We had no interest in stopping. The idea of standing in line in today’s heat was nauseating. It was 30 degrees celcius when we got to Belem. That’s 86 to us anti-metric types. With the strong sun here, that feels more like 100 to us and is brutal. Note to self: No more seeing tourist sights in the heat of the day! We sweat a lot.
Next we strolled (very slowly) to see the monument to all the famous Portuguese explorers. It’s pretty impressive. Wayne has been reading books on Portuguese history that paint them as the most daring and successful of all. They were also merciless; a sharp contrast to the charming Portuguese people of today.
We then headed towards a museum I had read about. MAAT. Museum of art, architecture, and technology. It sounded pretty cool. It wasn’t. At least not to us. There was an “art” exhibit relating to global warming and pollution. They just seemed to be trying way too hard. That was enough culture for one day. We headed back to Cascais.
Getting back around 3:30, we grabbed a late lunch then dragged our sweaty butts back to our apartment to hose down.
After things cooled down nicely, we wandered back out about 7:30. That time of day, to me, is fabulous. Cool breezes and beautiful skies. Tonight was the first of three nights of the Cascais Lumina festival. There are different art displays around the old town. This is where the hanging water bottles came in. Now with lights in/on them. It appears to be a sort of competition with representation from numerous countries. The old city was jumping with people. The weather was perfect for strolling around town.
Well, at least “The Hulk” got a pedicure.
Since we had a late lunch, we opted for a light dinner of tapas and wine back at our favorite place in Cascais; The Tasting Room. We have had the same waiter every time we have been there. They work insanely long hours, are always busting their asses, and smiling. All, for typically no tips. (Although we Americans break the rules occasionally and slip them a bit extra.) We also noticed that the same guy that owns the Indian restaurant across the street also owns this wine bar. No wonder he has such a big smile. All tables full at both places!
Oh – the title of today’s blog? With the intense heat, miles of walking everyday (6.3 today), and the salty diet I am not accustomed to, my feet and ankles have been perpetually swollen. And, wearing the same sandals daily, they are bronzed in a bizarre pattern of brown triangles. So attractive.
