the day, it would not have made any difference if we had sailed in after
sunrise. The ship docked at Santa Apolonia Terminal beside the Alfama
neighborhood.
Lisbon (Lisboa) is located on seven terraced hills that border the banks of
the Tagus River before it enters the Atlantic Ocean. It is certainly
showing the effects of the economic troubles it is experiencing. The people
were friendly so I am hopeful the recovery comes to them soon.
The first stop was the National Palace of Queluz, an 18th century palace
with beautiful gardens and elaborate rooms that were once the residence of
the Portuguese court.
Next stop was Sintra, described by Lord Byron as a "glorious eden". It was
lovely exploring the narrow, winding streets with shops that proudly
displayed (and sold) their many specialties: hand painted tiles, wines,
pottery and shoes and purses made from cork - which I am told is better than
leather.
The last stop was the pretty seaside town of Cascais, which is a popular
resort area for locals and Europeans alike.
The fog lifted and the afternoon rains stopped to provide a scenic sail away
of the city and smaller version of the Golden Gate Bridge.
