We left our hotel at about 7am for the airport in Seville to fly to Lisbon. It turned out we only had to arrive here 2 hours before the flight and not 3 hours as we thought, so we stood in a queue for an hour until they opened the check in counter. The airport in Seville is really not that big, which was a bit surprising. Our flight to Lisbon was in a smaller plane a dash 8, the same plane qantas has on its Sydney to Port Macquarie flight. Face masks were again mandatory, however the guy behind us who sneezed and coughed didn’t have his on at the time.  We arrived after our 75 minute flight. 

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge (which looks a bit like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco). It has a population of 505,000.

We arrived at our hotel which was in the central Chiado district. Chiado is  primed for shopping, eating and drinking. While the original Portuguese custard tarts were created outside central Lisbon in Belém, Manteigaria in Chiado is one of the best places for pastéis de nata in the city centre. We visited Manteigaria to sample the local Portuguese tarts and observed the local hand making process as we ate them, so delicious, even Mark had one. It started to rain so we had lunch at a Brazilian restaurant. Mark had this amazing rump skewer. The meat was the best Mark said he had eaten since we have left home. (To be honest we haven’t had much steak). I had a salmon ceviche with toast, which was delicious and had some great flavours. With a tram line running not far from our hotel, we caught the iconic 28 tram for a local ride. The number 28 tram in Lisbon connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique, and passes through the popular tourist districts of Alfama, Baixa, Estrela and Graca. Tram 28 is the classic Lisbon tram journey, riding in a quaint yellow tram as it rattles and screeches through the narrow streets of the city. These historic trams are still in use, as the number 28 tram route is completely unsuitable for modern trams, due to its numerous tight turns, narrow streets and steep gradients. The 28 tram is  one of the best tours of the city. Late that evening we headed to a local tapas restaurant close to the hotel. We opted for outside eating where you can soak up and enjoy  local atmosphere. Smoking outside is still permitted here and we both found that a bit annoying. The food here is also good we ordered stuffed mushrooms with ham and a tiny egg on top and local cod cakes. The next day we explored the local “Time out” Market, which is a food market located inside the historic Mercado da Ribeira, a traditional market hall built in the 1890s, it still had the traditional fish, fruit and vegetable market as well as modern food stalls and restaurants. It also has seating in the middle like a food hall in Australia. We then caught the hop on hop off bus. We chose the yellow bus because it had a boat trip as well. We arrived at the Praça do Comércio , it is the most magnificent plaza in Lisbon, and one of the highlights of the city. This grand plaza is surrounded on three sides by distinctive yellow Pombaline styled buildings, with the southern side facing out over the Tagus river. 

An illustrious statue of King Joseph I stands at the centre of the plaza, while at the northern side is the triumphant Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta), that leads into central Lisbon. This is a very busy shopping precinct. Once again tourism is flourishing here, which is good for the locals and it was clearly evident, as people were everywhere with the weekend nearly upon us.

The Praça do Comércio was the historic commercial centre of Lisbon it reflected the wealth and ambitions of Portugal during the late 18th century. It was here that captains and merchants would plan perilous sea-voyages to Brazil, India and South East Asia and then trade their goods on returning.

We stopped for a local famous sandwich the “Prego” a garlicky cheesy steak sandwich, a beer and a sangria before our boat ride on the Tagus River.  We enjoy the amazing Lisbon views from the river Tagus, on board the cruise we passed the Christo Rei statue similar to the Redeemer statue in Rio,  the 25th Abril Bridge and the most iconic Belem monuments. Belém is famous as a museum district,  as the home of many of the most notable monuments of Lisbon, such as the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, Monument of the discoveries, and Belém Palace (official residence of the President of Portugal). Back on shore we stopped at the local market for a quick local beer off the tap “super bock” which was icy cold, which pleased Mark as it was a warm 29 degrees.  After our tour we stopped at the cathedral and caught tram 28 back to the Chiago district. We found a local bar positioned in the middle of the street. It was so nice, but eventually the smoking got too much. Back to our hotel and from the roof-top bar we enjoyed the view of the city lights including the castle and convent museum. The next day, some last minute shopping and a refreshment with some local guitar playing. 

Unfortunately in this every changing covid situation, we both have caught Covid 19. We were unable to board our cruise and are now isolating in a Lisbon hotel. We are both relatively well and recovering and are very fortunate to be safe. I have been to a GP and have been prescribed some antibiotics for an added sinus infection. We will have to alter our plans and hopefully make our way to  board the ship next week.. This is the risk we took and we have come prepared with plenty of medication and supplies to make us comfortable in our recovery.