This is Lisbon and we have done it!

Up the River Tejo, past the Torre Belem, Discoveries Monument where Prince Henry the Navigator and other early explorers stand proudly looking out to sea, under a bridge named 25th April that buzzes like a swarm of bees because the road is made of steel grating and turn left at the statue of Jesus with arms outspread.

It was in this cathedral that Dave finally popped the question, and we now look forward to 15th November when we shall hear the wedding bells pealing as the knot is tied in the parish church at Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria.

Lisbon is  not as large as I thought it would be but it is fascinating. Alfama’s maze of streets, a huge main avenue lined with trees, a castle with spectacular panoramic views of the whole city, trams and funiculars transporting weary travellers up the steep side streets, even a vertical funicular built by Gustave Eiffel in 1901 when it was originally powered by steam and a very interesting site built for Expo 98.

We visited Europe’s largest Oceanarium here where at last we saw fish other than grey mullet that fill all the harbours and marinas of Portugal. To do the Park justice you really need to allow it a couple of days. We may have time as Portugal doesn’t have post delivered on Saturdays and now we are waiting on spare parts for toilet and cooker. It’s lots of salads for us until the burners are back to normal, but then that’s probably a good thing.

Love from the intrepid sailors.