Seeing the sights

The hotel works very well for a downtown home base -- nothing elaborate in terms of room or breakfast, but adequate to the cause!

The Yellow hop-on bus leaves just a few blocks from the hotel and I was out there when they started.  I   began on the Tagus line which wove it way around the central avenue and up into a newer section before turning back to the south (by the river Tagus) and heading along the north shore to Belem.  Many of the historic buildings are located west of the city as the ruler who survived the 1755 earthquake vowed not to live in a stone building again and established a "Royal Hut" out of the city.  That meant, of course, that Belem had to be included in the city proper, but the royal palace was built in Belem.  This was also from where most of the explorers set sail and the new monument to those brave adventurers is spectacular.  But the much older tower of Belem, built as a fortification on the river is as  impressive in a much older style.  There are museums for art, ancient architecture, astronomy, naval matters, etc.  I chose to visit the Coach museum (claiming to be the best in the world, though I think the British one is superior) which enlightened my about the evolution of carriage design.

The waterfront here is that wonderful combination of leisure, tourism, entertainment and function.  (Hamilton, can we finally get it together?)  Today I saw an 8s rowing boat, huge freighters, new sail boats, and even some vintage multimasted schooners.  The water seems to have quite a current, judging from the waves and the jellyfish.  The suspension bridge (Vasco de Gama) built in the 1960s is both for cars and trains, reaches the opposite shore close to the statue of Christ with open arms.  The south shoreline is much less developed than the north.

Today's picture is of a church I visited late this afternoon.  It was not the only church on my itinerary today, but it was the most unique in that it was an archaeological site.  Much of the building was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake and the restoration projects ran out of money.  Therefore, the main part of the church is without a roof, though the ribs from the pillars are still present in some places.

So far, I have chosen not to try the typical Portuguese custard tart, nor had any fish.  I am assuming that will be common in the next week.  I did however, same some lovely cookies at a pasteleria in Belem.  Love what they do with almonds!