12 | July | 2023 | Traveling Times

I don’t care how many days we spend somewhere — I always want more! Today was the final day in Lisbon and we decided to venture out to find a street I’d read about that had street art. First we arrived at another spot for great views. It was pretty super.

Then we headed toward the street art street. Um. Or we thought we did. Never found anything. We also were quite near a botanic garden, but the entrance was not where we were and, honestly, I just wasn’t in the mood. (I know … very weird!) So we had a light breakfast (the lightest yet!), and then walked.

And walked.

And yes, I filmed this car. (We never rode on one, and only took a train to and from Belém while here: we just enjoy walking!)

We ended up at Time Out Market, where we wandered but only at a pastel de nata, knowing they were the last for us here in Portugal.

Finally we headed back up toward our place, looking for a spot to grab a small bite. This time I ordered even less (just a few Pastéis de Bacalhau, otherwise known as Salt Cod Fritters, and the recommended bread the waiter suggested I add, which was a mistake! Totally NOT necessary!, and still felt as if I ate too much. Next time I will try to stick to what I think I should order and not be persuaded by someone (I think he was quite the con man, to be honest — got me to order a slightly more expensive wine as well. Heh. I’m such a goof to fall for that!). As we were eating there a small combo was playing (primarily American stuff, including Take 5) and at one point a couple danced, which was sweet.

Then … LAUNDRY! Doesn’t get more exciting than that. We want to have clean laundry before we head to the next country. Laundry time also meant siesta time.

One thing I did want to mention about Lisbon (and perhaps Portugal in general? Dunno!): people just stand at their front door, looking out the door window or, if they are on a floor above, peer out their window. I tend to wave or smile … for some reason it makes me happy to see them. The old women I’ve seen smile or wave back. We have that window in our door here:

Later, as we were packing, Ana dropped by. It was so lovely to see her! As a reminder, check out Courtesy Morning if you come to Lisbon. I’m so glad I located this place. She said this was the smallest place, and for me that’s just fine, but if you want more space she has a number of options.

And our final dinner … where we started, a 1 minute … NO … a 15 second … walk from our place. Good thing we don’t live here permanently. We’d be in a heap ‘o trouble! Can you tell Dan is so sad to be leaving …?

But dinner was fabulous. I love that we sit outside and people just pass by constantly. It’s like the world is right there. People are enjoying life. And I’m enjoying people. At home this doesn’t happen nearly as frequently, we are so into our privacy and being alone.