This morning we had a wonderful breakfast at our hotel. We are staying at the Pestano Pousada Lisboa. It is right on Praça do Comércio, the central square.
After breakfast we took the trolley to Belem where we saw the Monument to the Discoveries.
We visited the cathedral of Jerónimos Monastery. One little thing I like about churches is that they give me an opportunity to sit!
We saw Vasco da Gama’s tomb. He found the sea route to India around the southern tip of Africa.
We had to make a stop at Pastéis de Belém to have the Portuguese famous custard tarts. The story is that the tarts were made here first. The monks in the monestary used egg whites to starch their laundry. They had lots of leftover egg yolks so they used them to make the tarts. The concierge in our hotel said there are better tarts elsewhere but agreed that tourists have to stop at Pastéis de Belém at least once. I thought my tart was flakey, eggy and yummy!
By this time jet lag was hitting so we took the trolley back to the hotel. I had an excellent nap. Later we walked around the square some then stopped for a snack.
Apparently on Wednesday there will be a big Holland versus Portugal football match here. So while we ate we were treated to duelling songs. Although we couldn’t understand them I assume they were national football songs.
Lots of people including us savored the sunset from the riverfront.
For dinner we went to Restaurant 1° de Maio which was recommended by Linda’s sister Elizabeth. Our waiter translated the menu and entertained us with jokes. We had a wonderful meal.
All in all it was a perfect first day.
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