Another Sunny Day in Lisboa!

Today we spent the day strolling through the city, enjoying the weather and wandering.  No agenda, just exploring.

We started the day by riding one of Lisbon's famous street cars.

I think she likes it!

There's the car pulling away.

Lisbon from the top of the hill.

More city views.

A fountain in the park.

A building decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles.

The churches were open for viewing this morning.

These churches have gorgeous painted ceilings.

Happy ladies enjoying vacation.

City-scapes.

Another beautiful church ceiling...

Inside another beautiful church.

We stopped by Starbucks where Kylie was treated to a cup of milk that was just her size!

So Cute!!!

Then we went out for Indian food.  Kylie's milk was served in a very fancy glass this time.

We stumbled on this old and giant tree in a park.

Walk, walk, walk.

We tried to go to the botanical garden, but our guidebook lead us to this "entrance".  We did not get to see the garden this day lol.

An old azulejo tile design in the street.

Good night Lisbon!  Thanks for another great day!!

O Castelo de São Jorge e Mais!

This afternoon we piled ourselves into a taxi and set off for the Castle of São Jorge, perched up on a hill overlooking Libon.  We winded up and up and up through historic, narrow streets and in and out of the path of the streetcars until we finally arrived.  It was very windy up top, but what a sight!

Oi gente!!  We made it to the top!

The castle grounds were beautiful, with olive trees all around.

We lingered over these amazing views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

Happy fam!

It was so pleasant meandering through the grounds.

 What's a lion say, Kylie?  RAWR!

LOL.

Baby cannoneer?

Approaching the castle entrance.

There was a guy sitting in here playing guitar.  It was the perfect setting.

Say queijo!

The sprawling castle interior.

The view from the other side.

This could be an ad for the baby backpack, right??  Walking around up in the castle's ramparts (that's right, special castle words!) was a bit scary.  The railing, when present, came up to one's knees.  Babes needed to go in the backpack, much to her chagrin.  ("Wah-k, wah-k, wah-k, *cry*).

Afternoon shadows in the courtyard.

On our way out of the castle we encountered two cats (Mao!), some peahens and this peacock with his plumage on full display.  He was so cool, I had never seen that before!  And don't you dare consider going into that cafe.  That guy is serious.

After the castle we decided to walk back to our apartment.  The journey took us past this church, Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, or the Cathedral of St. Mary Major of Lisbon.  We were super excited to find it open to visitors!

 The beautiful stained glass illuminated by the afternoon sun.

We walked through more churches,  past streetcars and old buildings, in and out of stores, including one I spotted from the taxi earlier and managed to find on my own (hell yes!).  It had the most beautiful ceramics in the window, I am so glad we found it again!  Afterwards, everyone needed a break.  We found this cute street cafe and enjoyed some cerveja e batatas fritas.

Industrious baby.  Everything, including french fries, is better when served out of a tiny box, right?  #cafelife

Good Morning Lisbon!

After a good night sleep (babes slept past 8:00!!) we set out for a morning of exploring.  We walked down to the waterfront in gorgeous weather!  What a great morning!

This umbrella is serving as an impromptu baby leash for new walkers who really just must walk!

Pork cutlet sandwich for breakfast.  Yum!

What a gorgeous sight!  The hat and glasses lasted about 60 seconds, but at least we caught the shot.  :)

Portuguese tile work in the plaza.  We have this type of stone work all over Brazil  It is fun to see where the patterns and the art form originated.

Monument in the plaza.

The view up the street.  Just a castle on the hill, no biggie.

More tile work.

I think this one looks like a crab.

Street car passing by.

A tuk-tuk painted special to attract tourists.

Family selfie!  Babes still doesn't have the hang of this.

What a great place to run, run, run!

Yesterday someone told us this is the point where some of the Portuguese explorers set out to sea.  Wow.

Having a break in the (not boiling hot) sun.

Play time!!

Our Adventure Begins!

We arrived in Lisbon an hour earlier than expected this morning (YAY!), got checked into our apartment and hit the town!  It was rainy and cold today, just like Seattle, so we did some shopping and stayed close.  Besides, we just got off a red-eye with a baby.  Naps were needed for everyone!

One of Lisbon's famous streetcars.

A fancy looking hotel on the plaza.

That's one chic (pronounced she-key, of course!) baby, getting to wear mama's jewelry.  She doesn't quite know what to make of these long sleeves and layers.  This is the first time she's ever worn jeans!

 

 We stopped in for an afternoon treat.

 

Coffee eclair

Lisbon has a fancy elevator in the middle of the city connecting two neighborhoods.  We saw a very similar set up in Salvador, Brazil!

Train station (with Starbucks!!) on the plaza.  All that smoke is coming from one guy selling roasted chestnuts.  Only 1!!

We ended up back at the apartment early for a good night's sleep.  Hopefully the weather will clear up for a full day of touring fun tomorrow!

Off With A Bang!

Just before we left for vacation tonight we heard the frenetic sounds of a frevo band playing near our house.  Frevo is a dance and music native to NE Brazil.  We peeked outside and saw they were *right there*, so we scooped up Kylie and ran down to join in the fun!

Enjoying the show!

They recruited Kylie to dance with them!!

Learning the ropes from a pro!

Happiest.  Baby.  Ever.

We only stayed about 15 minutes, but Kylie LOVED it.  What a great way to end our Brazilian Carnaval experience and kick off our vacation right!  Feliz Carnaval!!