Hello and goodbye to July 10. It is already 23:05 as I begin to type and I know I’d better get this done quickly so we can get to sleep.

What a FULL day this has been. We woke, started laundry (we are in a VRBO for that very reason), and then headed out to get a small bite to eat. It was already so warm out, and then sun very strong, but it was a fairly dry heat which I deal with much better than the humid kind.

After breakfast we headed up toward St. George Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge). We didn’t have tickets and we weren’t sure we’d bother getting them, but we wanted to at lest get up there. As we were headed there we were, as I’d read about, bombarded by the tuk-tuk drivers who wanted us to pay them to take us up there. Then we saw the people lined up for the bus to get a ride up there. And yes, it’s a climb. BUT (and this is huge!) if you go the right way instead of stairs you can ride an escalator for a good long while. HAH! We probably got up there at the same time as those people in line … or close to it … plus we got great views on the way.

The line to get into the castle was long. Never mind. Not really all that interested in the castle, but more interested in the area. We walked by a few places where people were inside their “homes” … and oh how tiny those spaces were. I didn’t think intrusive photos were appropriate, though, so you’ll see none of those here.

We also entered a church up there, which also had a convent that is no longer in use. When Dan and I went in I signaled to him to take off his hat. Little did I know I should also remove mine! A young man who was watching over things signaled that I should. Later I saw him again, outside the church, and I asked him about it. He said that a scarf or shawl would be appropriate, but my hat was not. He said I wasn’t the only one who asked, and he wasn’t even sure but he asked the priest about it. I found it all so interesting, since I thought a woman’s head SHOULD be covered. Always something new to learn!

We continued to amble. We saw some amazing views. We ended up at some dead ends (no fun when you then have to climb back up stairs!). And we walked and walked. Sometimes we are in areas that wonder about … are my prejudices kicking in and is it just safe as can be? I don’t know! So we just walk and I decide not to worry.

We passed by the elevator that people will stand in line for (not us … too much time — they say some end up waiting as long as two hours to take it), and for lunch we stopped very near our house and enjoyed (too much) food. When will we learn, I wonder?!

After that we rested up (it was HOT out!), and then headed back out to see a park that was a good distance (and uphill). Prior to that we ended up in the more expensive shopping part of town. For me that holds no interest. So it goes.

Back to the house again, but first some “Ginjinha”, a “medicinal” (HAH!) cherry liquor. Quite tasty stuff!

And finally, we looked for dinner. We went one direction, thinking we’d find a place we could hear a bit of Fado (a Portuguese thing … melancholy singing that the woman who runs the VRBO hates: she said it, along with sports and the Catholic Church, were very powerful and controlling back when things were bad here … keeping people suppressed but seemingly happy, from what she explained). Well, that place had a line so never mind. So we wandered back and ended up nearby our place. (One thing we do notice: so many places have someone outside to try and lure you in. We’d been warned about that … that those spots are usually more touristy than not. We really prefer to experience the restaurants that locals enjoy. Thankfully Ana has a long list of restaurants she recommends.)

Another wonderful meal was enjoyed, although our “three fish plate” had some things that, for me, weren’t terrifically tasty but more kind of “ick!” and questionable. Still, I try them … and secretly I did spit one thing out … I honestly think I was eating fish guts! Then our waiter brought out Dan’s espresso and proceeded to spill it. We now know Dan still has incredibly fast reflexes … not a drop on him! AND we got free Ginjinha for the issue. No complaints from us! (And yes, we tipped him. Accidents happen.) Do excuse the “Remains of the Fish” … I forgot to shoot a before photo! Once more we ordered too much food. The second image here — an appetizer — could have sufficed as far as I’m concerned, and for me it was the most delicious part of the meal: tuna and sweet potatoes in a sauce to die for!

So now we are home and trying to figure out what we are up to tomorrow. No matter what, it seems there is never quite enough time in a city. Sometimes I think (update: I KNOW) it would be good to spend two weeks in each place to truly experience the locale.

I’m posting this quickly so if there are errors skip over them: maybe I’ll have a look at what I wrote tomorrow, but sleep is calling! (Update #2: And yes, there were duplicate photos posted, and I’ve added just a bit more writing.)