3/4 June: Lisbon

John kindly dropped us at the airport in Edinburgh for our flight to Lisbon. We were so glad to spend time with family in Scotland. It was a very nostalgic visit for Mike and we were sorry to leave. We will try and return sooner rather than later.

We used our Priority Pass cards to access the Aspire lounge ( like the Strata Lounge on Auckland) and had a light snack.

The flight was delayed due to late arrival of the inbound plane so that meant about 45 minutes later than expected. We were nervous as the transit time in Amsterdam was not great.

The flight was ok but arrived 20 minutes before our gate was due to close. Evidently other people had tighter schedules as there were special arrangements for them. We arrived at gate D54. Unfortunately the departing flight went from C8 and it’s a very long way. We walked very fast along the terminal and on the travelators and then found we had to go through immigration- which seems odd when you are in transit. We managed to get into the fast queue and after that literally ran through the connecting corridors to C8. Fortunately we got there while the flight was still boarding but it was pretty stressful.

The arrival into Lisbon was amazing. Everything in Portugal that seems possible to be lit was lit and the countryside seemed to be littered with golden cobwebs. Goodness only knows what they were. Possibly some agricultural machinery or pipelines. Lisbon is a mass of orange lighting and very pretty.

Pity I didn’t think to photograph the lights earlier.

By the time we landed it was 11pm and Barbara was already waiting. Just collect your bags and it’s straight through to the departure lounge she messaged. All very well except the bags did not arrive. In fact the bags didn’t arrive for a significant number of fellow travellers so by the time we sorted out a baggage claim it was after midnight.

We got a taxi to our apartment which is spacious and very central. There is excellent triple glazing for noise and it is very comfortable. Our bags have now arrived on another KLM flight but we are still waiting for them to be delivered.

We rose late and had brunch in the cafe across the courtyard below. Great menu.

Then we had a wander through the streets of downtown Lisbon. Mike and I got some sandals and he also got a new hat – from the Stetson shop, but it’s more like something from Peaky Blinders.

Some very dramatic architecture. This arch recognises the rebuilding of Lisbon after an earthquake in the late 1700s.

Pastries (a bit like a crème brûlée crossed with a custard square) are a traditional treat.

We weren’t sure what this was but there are people at the top looking out and people at the bottom queuing.

Apparently it’s an elevator to link the lower streets of Lisbon with the upper streets. A bit like the Wellington cable car I guess.

Then we decided to get out some cash at machine by a bank. The machine is apparently out of order and swallowed Mikes card. It has swallowed several cards today and hopefully the technician will be there tomorrow morning but if not it’ll be the end of the month, so we’ll have to cancel the card. Sigh.

Before the hat purchase. Of course Mike’s hats, and all his clothes are in the still absent bags.

We will have an early dinner (by Portuguese standards) given we’ve had no lunch, but did sample some of their green wine, which was rather good!

Green wine which (according to JenY) is a young vintage that is crisp and slightly bubbly. It’s rather yum.

Luckily pay wave works fine everywhere.

Our apartment is on the top floor ( not penthouse) of the grey building. There’s a lovely view out over the harbour.

We had an excellent meal just along the street from our front door. Who knew all those buildings housed cafes 😂. We sat at a table on the pavement of a cafe that specialises in Portuguese food. Chicken Piripiri for me, grilled bream for Barb and Seafood Paella for Mike.

These steps are just along from our front door. I think they may go up to the castle.

We did a tour of the square on our way back and caught the end of a football match playing on a large screen in what looks like an outdoor bar area.

Portugal beat Germany 2-1 so most people were happy.

Lisbon has a nice vibe.