Bones & Rocks

 August 11, 2021

Tavira - Evora - Lisbon, Portugal

96 degrees

Off to Lisbon today, but first a stop in Evora after a 2 1/2 hour drive.  It is a well preserved medieval town that is listed as a World Heritage site. It has cobbled streets and ancient city walls. 

First stop the Roman Temple. Then entered the gothic cathedral that looks more like a castle. Super cool spiral staircase the leads up to the cathedral roof terrace. Beautiful views over Evora. 

Lots of beautiful streets to wander too. Went to the Chapel of Bones. It displays over 5000 bodies discovered in the graveyards of the city. Different for sure! 

Time for a break for the heat with a little lunch. We found a place called The Bakery where we found a table in their garden and had a nice lunch. The owner came over for a little conversation and proceeded to tell us all the things wrong with America, although he has never been. His phone rang and he pulled out his Apple iphone. Andy pointed out the phone is from United States. I had to laugh at his subtlety. Finished off the town with the best gelato we have had on the trip so far! 

On the way back towards Lisbon we stopped at Almendres cromlech. They are a small version of Stone Hedge but 2000 years older. To get there we drove on a dirt road for at least 4 Km and then a 5 minute walk through a cork field.  So interesting to see how they pull the cork off just part of the tree. 

7 hours of travel and pulled into Lisbon.  Much larger then I imagined. Found the parking garage and met our Airbnb host.  Love the signs in the parking garage that allows spots to be used for handicapable/pregnant/women with children. Why didn't we have these when I was pregnant?

 Super nice and he lead us on a 10 minute walk on cobblestone roads, through winding streets and along little cafes. Up two flights of stairs to our cute place. A view of a castle from the kitchen and a bedroom and overlooking the city on the other side. The first floor of this building was built in the 1700 so there is some serious history in our little place. Some of the original walls are still here. Check it out behind Andy here. 

Everyone tired from a big day and the heat. Andy and I walked to the grocery store. The sun was just setting, live music playing on the streets from the cafes that spilled out into the streets and a cool breeze after a hot day.  I have already fallen in love with Lisbon. Saylor greeted us from above when we got back. Can you spot her in the picture below? 

Back at the place for an easy dinner in.  Seemed like the right way to end the busy day.