We are now based at the Four Seasons Ritz which is not far from a huge statue of the Marquis de Pombal and the start of the long wide Avenida da Liberdade (‘liberty avenue’),which runs down to the old town area not far back from the riverfront.

The Marquis was Prime Minister and a powerful autocrat during the period 1750 to 1777. He was responsible for, among other things, the rebuilding of Lisbon after the powerful earthquake of 1755. The earthquake, 8.8 on the scale, subsequent fires and a huge Tsunami killed a large proportion of Lisbon’s population and destroyed much of its urban landscape. The rebuild was monumental and explains why buildings are comparatively modern, early 19th century style.

Above the statue is the Eduardo VII park that ends on the top of the hill with a large Portuguese flag flapping in the breeze. Looking down the Avenue of Liberty the Tagus River comes into view.

We met up with the Watts who had got here the day before us and were staying in the Intercontinental Hotel, next door to the Ritz.

The tour people had recommended Dote as a lunch spot. It is a micro brewery. Had an introduction to some local foods.

Our stay in Lisbon has been somewhat sedate. One might say there has been an unhealthy focus on food. But hey, when in Lisbon do what the Lisbonians do ……. eat local food. And this has been our focus, as well as seeing some significant sites around the place.

Dinner that night was in the restaurant at the Intercontinental where we enjoyed a couple of local classics. A piece of grilled cod with an almond topping and some grilled chicken with some sort of ‘red’ rubbing. Both rather tasty.

One of the icons in Lisbon is Tram 28 that connects many of the historic neighbourhoods as it goes up and down the hills across the city along narrow streets.

We took a taxi to the starting point about 20 minutes from the hotel with the intention of visiting St Georges Castle (sits high on a prominent hill overlooking the city) at the other end of the tram line. A very crowded ride for us standing all the way. Saw a couple of very animated ladies nattering away in the corner of the tram.

We didn’t make it to the castle but we did make it to lunch. A rather quaint traditional food establishment named Sant’avo meaning something like a ‘ saintly/loving grandmothers kitchen’.

It was full of old world stuff, books as placements, a variety of plates and utensils on the tables etc. 60s music in the background.

Tony and I tried the goat stew, Leanne the chicken stew and Rosemary a chick pea and sweet potato balls creation. We all enjoyed the food and setting, the goat stew maybe a ‘one-off’ experience!

Some deserts afterwards and green wine (more about that some other time) meant we were very well satisfied.

Not far from Sant’avo is a big old church complex. The residential part of the complex is long abandoned and in great disrepair. The Church though is ok but needs extensive roof repairs.

Hopped on a Tuk Tuk to get back to the hotel in time for a tour group Welcome Reception, where we learnt what happens next. Dinner was not needed!