Bem Vindo a Lisboa!

 All my pre-flight stress was for nought. After sailing trouble-free down the 401 to Pearson, we breezed through both check-in and security and were sitting with a cold beer within 2 hours of leaving home. It doesn't pay to watch the news sometimes.

The same cannot be said for our arrival in Lisbon. With at least 1000 people waiting in line for passport control and 6 kiosks open, our welcome to Lisbon left a lot to be desired. When we finally made contact with our driver she reminded us that this week is the annual festival of the supernatural appearance of the Virgin Mary to 3 Portuguese children at Fatima and the faithful were arriving from all over the world to pay tribute after being forced to stay away during the pandemic. I might have more on that later though it is not high on my trip bucket list. Let's just say it is busy.

First impressions of Lisbon are positive. We came in via Avenida de Liberdade, a wide leafy avenue that is more park than main throughfare with lots of huge trees, people strolling and relaxing in wine and coffee kiosks. Plenty of window-shopping of high-end fashion and jewellery stores. Vera Wang, anyone?

This is what Europe does best - outdoor bars and cafes. They are ubiquitous and so casual and relaxed compared to home. We are still learning. If this were Ontario there would be fencing and security guards and strict licensing controlling numbers and behaviour. Covid has taught us what Europeans have known for generations, that it is possible to set up patios and eat and drink outdoors in a responsible and laid back manner. 

After a brief nap we took a walk and came upon a small park with a wine bar adjacent to a kids' play area. How clever is that? The young moms in my family would applaud.

Later we found a very laid back restaurant serving Portuguese specialties and some excellent red wine (of course) from the north of Portugal. 

Our hotel is mid-range and average, a bit old-fashioned but clean and comfortable.

So far we have been very impressed with the Portuguese people we have met. Like most southern Europeans they are warm, cheerful and welcoming.

Early to bed so we can be ready for our 3-hour walking tour in the morning.

Boa noite