10/30/2024

 

 

All 15 pilgrims (2 had to drop) ready to board the plane at the Chattanooga airport.

 

We all met at the airport, got checked in and through security.  Shirley and Paul split a smashburger, and we waited.  From 11:00 EDT on the 29th to when we landed, got through passport control, got our luggage, got out of the airport, it was 10:30 Lisbon time on the 30th! If my math is correct that means we were 19 hours 30 minutes in airports or airplanes. 

As we boarded the flight to Lisbon, Shirley registered 13,857 steps.

 

On the flight from Boston to Lisbon we finally had some comfortable seats.  This was Delta premium – a class above comfort plus and below business.  We got ~4 hours of sleep, and good service and food.

 

We were met at the gate by a tour company that specializes in guiding passengers from the gate to the outside.  It was welcome.  Although we could have followed the signs and eventually made it, it was a comfort to be able to relax.  After luggage we went to the “outside” and were greeted by Enrico our guide for the next couple of days. (We said hi to the Viking folks on the way out.)

 

The bus took us through this very beautiful city resplendent with unique architecture and posh areas to the Ritz Four Seasons next to Edward VII Park.  Once there, we were greeted by a team from the Ritz who had EVERYTHING in hand.  We were in our rooms with luggage by 11:30. Room 239 is very nice.  Shirley needed to tell Jenny that they have a fainting couch!

 

 

The Fainting couch.

 

Our room has a very nice view of the park.  After unpacking, a quick shower, and a bit of a nap, we were ready to hit the walking drill.  (To combat jet lag, we have found it works to immediately push ourselves to stay in the local sidereal time and before long, we are back in regular rhythm.)

Met the group in the lobby and we ate lunch at the hotel.  The lobster rolls were particularly good! Then off on a walk in King Edward VII park.

 

 

This is an event venue.  We thought the blue tiles were worth a picture (there were 4 of them).

 

 

Extensive brick works the entire length of the park.  These designs are copies on the east side of the park.

 

 

View from the Park looking toward the harbor.  The statue is of Pombol – the architect that designed the reconstruction after the great earthquake. This is also a hub for tourist busses.

 

Back at the hotel, blogging and resting until dinner tonight.

 

We all met in the lobby at 7:15 and took 5 taxis to Monte Mar, a seafood restaurant on the harbor.  It had a nice view of the bridge and the Christ statue nicely lit up.  The head waiter (Enrique) suggested lobster for starters and a combination of sea bass and flounder for the main course.  He brought out the live lobsters and (dead) fish for us to approve – which we did as the lobsters were huge (one was blue).  He paired some nice red and white wines from the Porto region of Portugal and everyone who tasted expressed their approval.

 

The dinner lasted almost 2 hours and was greatly appreciated by all.  The waiters were artists as the dished up the lobster and fish.  Nice potatoes, rice and green veggies completed the experience.  It was a feast apropos to the kickoff of our adventure.

 

6725 steps today (mostly in a jet lagged daze, but we persevered).