Exploring Belem

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
9/23/2024	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	563.9 miles

We had a relaxed morning and then headed out to do some sightseeing. Museums are closed on Mondays. We found our way to a trolly station and took a train to Belem. We tried purchasing tickets on the trolley, and both of my credit cards had problems! By the end of the trip, somehow, we got much better at purchasing tickets. Lots of things ask for an NIF number - which I had no idea what it was, but it must be a tax number for visitors. 

Our first stop was the Belem Tower from the 16th century. I tried a 5-minute sketch of it, which was very unsatisfying. Then the Monument of Discoveries (1960) - which looks much more impressive in person compared to in photos. Phyllis and I took an elevator to the top to see the views. We met a couple holding a magical bag of pastel de nata (egg custard pastries) from the store that is supposed to have the best ones, so they gave us directions on how to get there. 

Across the street, we walked by the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery (16th century), which was closed due it being a Monday, but we did return to visit it later on in the trip. Then we went to the Pasteis de Belem for lunch and got a package of 6 pastel de nata to take with us. I ate so many of these during our trip. They were often served at breakfast in the hotels we stayed at. Plus, Lisbon is full of cafes that serve them. I will miss them! 

We took another trolley to the 9th century Saint George's castle. What a fun castle! This site is a must see. It wasn't stifling crowded like many tourist attractions in Lisbon. 

Lisbon is full of cobblestones, and the sidewalks are by no means smooth. An amazing feat - I didn't trip or fall once in Lisbon (I did fall on the last day of our hike). I made a point to stare at the ground whenever I was walking. I think we averaged walking around 8 miles a day on our sightseeing days.

After visiting the castle, we walked to Lidl for more groceries and then back to the hostel for dinner. A good dinner, trying to persuade Phyllis to eat in more. We enjoyed the pastel de nata with vino verde.

Breakfast at the hostel

St. George's Castle up on the hill.

Belem Tower

We saw very few seashells on this trip, despite spending our time on the coast.

Monument of Discoveries

View of the monastery from the top of the Monument of Discoveries

Fancy cobblestones are everywhere in the city

Monastery and church

Part of the menu at Pasteis de Belem. The pastel de nata is the most popular item.

Pasteis de Belem shop

Lots of stair climbing and hills in Lisbon

Visiting St. George's castle

Peacocks, including baby ones

Peacocks hanging out