I have told Margaret I would take her to Los Angeles one day and today was the day - Hotel Los Angeles...
...which is a very comfortable and friendly hotel with a good Spanish breakfast.
We walked around the town in the afternoon and saw the 16th century Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Purificación, Church of the Purification...
...as well as the very ornate central square.
Our meal that evening was at the friendly Bodeguita Restaurante Tierra de Vinos with very good food. In the photo above we are with the owner showing us his cape as a bullfighter.
On Sunday we drove into Portugal to Estoril, which is just to the west of Lisbon, to stay in the delightful Toca dos Grilos with Maria who looked after us so well and produced exquisite breakfasts.
That evening it was raining so we ate at the Restaurante O Forno which was just around the corner. We arrived there at around 18:30 and they explained the restaurant didn't open until 20:00 but they took pity on us and opened to provide a lovely meal. That evening Benfica were playing Vitória de Guimarães in the final of the Taça de Portugal and won 2-1. I was made an honorary fan.
Monday morning, after a wonderful breakfast from Maria, we took the train into Lisbon.
Once again the Jacaranda trees were in blossom...
...and we took the tourist bus to see around the city.
An alternative form of transport which is very popular here is the use of these modern electric powered tuk-tuks called "e-Tuks".
On Tuesday morning we again headed into Lisbon but this time for an excursion on the tourist tram.
The trams have been working in Lisbon since 1873 and the original style ones are still used today, although they are equipped with wi-fi, as well as modern versions running normal services.
The great advantage of the trams is that they can go up and down the very steep, narrow streets that buses could not.
We got off the tram at the stop for the Castelo de São Jorge, Saint George's Castle, the 11th century Moorish castle...
...which has such a commanding view over the entrance to the port.
Lisbon is a beautiful city, magnificent architecture and open squares yet at the same time with narrow, steep and winding side roads with interesting features.
On the way down the hill via the narrow street from the castle which can only be negotiated by trams, is Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa or Sé de Lisboa, Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mary Major, dating from 1147. It is comprised of several architectural styles having been frequently rebuilt after earthquakes.
To see the slideshow/video of our visit, click HERE.
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