Monday - May 12, 2025Lisbon
Had a bit later breakfast at 8:30, then took the metro over to Oriente train station. Had to take an Uber for the last 2 stops as there was a strike in progress. Spent some time following Rick around the train station as he took photos, then walked through the attached underground mall over to the Lisbon Aquarium.
It was a really nice aquarium with a big central tank with multiple viewing windows on two levels. Lots and lots of very active fish, the most we've ever seen in an aquarium. There was even a section with some cute otters.
Took a gondola along the water to the Torre Vasco de Gama, a 520-foot observation tower right on the water. Found some tasty tacos on our way back to the train station where we took the metro back to the hotel.
At 4pm we met Arturo and his electric tuk-tuk in front of the hotel. He took us on a 2-hour tour of several parts of the city with lots of information along the way. Stopped at several very scenic viewpoints, then he dropped us back at the hotel. Did a quick change of clothes, then headed over to Barrio Alto where we had a drink at Lumi Rooftop Bar with a great view of the city.
Then it was a short walk down the hill to Mini Bar - Bairro do Avillez, a speakeasy-style restaurant at the very back of another restaurant. Had a cute Nepalese waiter who served us an awesome 5-course tasting menu, Julia's first and lots of fun! Walked down the hill and then up Avenida back to the hotel.