Sintra

We felt we had done enough of the centre of Lisbon on our first day. We headed of to Belem. Two reasons, a huge monastery and a monument to the portuguese explorers and a bakery that makes and sells these baked custard tarts. OK Three reasons!







The afternoon took us to Sintra. This is a huge area of mountainous forests with three palaces and an old moorish castle. We didn't have a lot of time so we chose the palace built for Queen Donna Amelia?????? and as usual were not disappointed. This was built in the 18th century and renovated in the 19th and so actual had what seems like modern conveniences such as comfortable beds, baths, toilets and even at one point a pool table. Cool!






We almost didn't get there. We missed a stop along the way for a connecting train and when we got back to Lisbon could not get out of the train station.

Dinner was a quiet thing. Just some soup at the local shopping centre food court. Again, a challenge to order though.

Thought for the day. When in doubt, just point and smile. If that doesn't work, talk slowly and loudly. The locals love it.

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Location:Lisbon