Breakfast at the hotel, then out and about. Temperature about 15C, cloudy and overcast. Walked 2km to visit the Gulbenkian Museum. Walking around revealed Lisbon to be grotty – rubbish in the streets, lots of abandoned buildings and ugly graffiti everywhere. Not what I expected and a bit disappointing.
The museum was very good. Artifacts from Egypt, China, Japan; Islamic items,furniture and paintings from Manet, Rodin, Turner, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Reubens and others. There were 400 year old carpets and rugs that were in amazing condition. Also some tiles that were the same age but looked as if they were made yesterday. Just read about the guy, he made his money from oil.
Hopped on the metro and went to the main area of Lisbon, then got on a bus to the Castle. Started to rain, the first rain we’ve had, but only drizzle. Got some good photos from the top of the castle. Since it wasn’t too far we walked back down to the main part and looked for something to eat.
Found a place, pretty ordinary. Song had grilled squid with potatoes and salad, I had mixed grill with chips.
Walked around bit, looking for the 6th best place to eat in Lisbon according to Tripadvisor, found it and sat down to eat – ice cream. I don’t know what it says about place where one of the best places to eat is an ice-cream joint. It was good, but nothing to rave about. This was about the 4th ice cream I’ve had. Song says she doesn’t want any and then proceeds to eat half of mine.
Been on the go for 7 hours, so got the metro back to the hotel where we stayed in. Another day in Lisbon tomorrow.