Well, that was quite a flight. I bought a $218 Economy fare. The suckers in Business class paid $2,080! I have $800 extra dollars to spend on wine. We stepped off the plane into cool 65 degree temperature, and exited the baggage claim just as the sun was rising.
After a short taxi ride we appeared in the lobby of the Valverde Hotel. Our rooms, of course, were not ready at seven in the morning, but, the bellhop stored our bags and we were invited to have breakfast at Sitio, the hotel's restraunt.
After filling our bellies we set off on a walk to see the Castle of São Jorge. Beautiful. We spent the morning exploring the old town of Alfamaf and wandered down to the Tagus River. (We'll be seeing a lot of this waterway.)
Lunch was at Zé da Mouraria. They say it takes two to tango, well it takes just as many, if not more, to eat the massive food portions that come out of Zé da Mouraria’s kitchen. Tucked away in Mouraria, the home of Fado music, this restaurant is one of the favorite spots in Lisbon. Here, you can taste authentic Portuguese food served in huge steel pots. The restaurant is only open for lunch and always offers a choice of meat and fish. From fresh cuttlefish to pepper steak, the menu varies every day, but the quality is guaranteed. Oh, and if you can’t manage to eat it all, do as the locals do, and ask for a takeaway box.
After lunch we were back to the hotel. Our rooms were sweet!
Dinner was at Casa do Alentejo. This former casino venue makes us feel like we’re in a Morrocan riad, yet it’s hiding right in the heart of Lisbon. I had the carne de porco à alentejana (grilled pork with clams), served with a Alentejo wine. Excellent.
I'd planned to spend the evening listening to Fado, but after one set, I was too tired, and went to back to the hotel and to bed.
