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Thursday, May 14

The final preparations for our city to Lisbon: car full of tanked and for the first time in our lives checked in online. We could decide on what chairs we wanted to sit down. The printed boarding passes, ideal. At a quarter past nine a few hours sleep.


Friday, May 15

To the alarm was half past one, quickly jumped in the shower and so we sat at two hours in the car. Bart helped us with our route, it all went fine. Fortunately, no traffic and roadworks or accidents, and we were so in good time The Carhotel what we had booked the car. At ten past half past three we arrived there, and although the van to the airport just drove off, we were far ahead of the required time at Zaventem. Because we had checked in online, we did not the row, and our luggage so we could throw on the tape. Our passports were still just checked here, but if you check in online, there are special counters, so it all happened very fast. On a bench eating our sandwiches, which we were included because we thought that nothing would be open at that time. The airport was full of activities, so that was not necessary, but now throw them away or go very far. But then we went to the gate, we might as well make coffee. First by the security of the product itself coat and shoes were, it was very crowded because of all the delay of laces and other annoying things like customs as harsh. We could indeed make coffee, but it was really ridiculous: € 3.10 for a cardboard cup what you would be respected, and that they actually still expect that you clean up after yourself. Checking in went smoothly after that, and the flight was fine. A la carte, but we knew that. Prices were at least a lot more reasonable that at the airport. Arriving in Lisbon, but once pee first, the suitcases get and a taxi to the hotel. For € 14.00, including tip, you can not nine kilometer walk, and I see the bus with suitcases are not. Moreover, you also have a long walk while you taxi to the door. Around ten hours we were in the hotel, and it turned out our room all ready. The lobby was very modern, but the room was fortunately less modern: just dark wood flowers and curtains. Great room, full bathroom in which everything works. Nothing wrong with it for € 60.00 for two, including breakfast. We first cases unpacked in the lobby and have just looked on a map. In a real tourist city, all hotels of course with the necessary information. In the booklet of events we saw that the next day with a parade of masks the Iberian Peninsula would be. So nice, just make sure we are there with. Then go for a walk to Eduardo VII Park, looking for the cool greenhouse and botanical garden. In the park there were lots of kiosks, there appears a kind of book fair be. Unfortunately everything was closed. Some pictures, including the monuments there are, and where a giant flag in state. Go walking in search to the garden, which we have found: that thing up for renovations February 2010 closed, we have again. Clearing direction by Old Town and in a typically Portuguese restaurant meal, tasty and pretty cheap. Pete had a nice fish steaks with potatoes and vegetables, and I stew with bread and shrimp (local specialty). Accompanied by two beers and a half liter of wine that cost is € 21.00. Then on, it took some effort after the drinking and the rather short night. On the way Hostal Alegria what we had recommended against Marcel, looked good, but our own hotel too so we just stay there. On the square of Dom Pedro V we went to the Tourist office gone for some information. Beautiful card inherited. Then we walk through the Old Town. When I was at a point something from my bag tried to grab the wallet turned out to be. So scared, Fortunately I had the phone numbers which I could fit the block with me. VISA first tried to call but that number was not good. But then the ING and MasterCard debit cards. These were equally blocked, there was still happy anything done with the credit card. The friendly young man from the alliance with ING also by Laser Cards for blocking the Visa, apparently from you abroad is not a 0900 number. The second card was nothing happened and was immediately blocked. So all in all it was not too bad, apart from more than three hundred euros that were there. That is when you do not bother or time first to take your things to tidy up after the journey, but as the city want. This is now the second time, this was precisely the reason why it Otavalo also went wrong. Then to the tourist police to press charges do, we were willing to see some money back from our travel insurance. Unfortunately we were not alone, and have quite a long wait. We were still off lightly, there were people who also have their identity and license in the wallet had. After completing the minutes we have only done a few beers as a consolation, but mainly because there nothing had happened with the credit cards we took notice of the theft and we continued our vacation. After some thought before we saw are a few problems, so no more than three hundred credit cards and Euros lighter. We had to last a whole week in Lisbon stay, and would not have enough money on the known way in a nice town to stay. Called again, this time to the kids. Saskia did not answer, so when we asked for some but Patrick money in his account to pay Piet, he had his debit card with him. I could not repay because of the savings account TAN also the list of codes in my wallet were stolen. We took the subway back to the hotel and opposite the restaurant some simple meal. Also since the weather was nasty: € 2.20 for a pint house red. We quickly went back to the hotel to write the diary, we finally already experienced a lot. After writing the plans we have for the rest of the week made, and no, we let the rest of the holiday is not spoiled by an annoying jatpartij, it was just a waste of hours that we have been at the police. The passes are blocked, and there is money on the go, so go enjoy! The hotel bar was very special, it was a self service bar. That meant Just from the refrigerator, and if you went to bed telling what you had used. Perfect!


Saturday, May 16

We have put no alarm, but of course Piet was again very early. After showering (No time for a bath) we have breakfast, which was very good. First but then once buy a Metro Card, which every day we can upgrade. With the subway to Rossio where we would take a bus to the market. Sandy of course not find. After some searching, I have it on my best Spanish at a bus driver asked. That told you take a subway to the end of the red line should go there and take the bus. When we did the final station and rode the bus arrived just before our nose. We So walk and came back so it was not worth the bus take. It was steep, but not far. The market was a real flea market, walked around and bought a wallet, is not so difficult. When we got the monastery and church of Sao Vincente da Fora wanted to visit appeared to have closed the monastery i.v.m. a major renovation. For only the church € 4.00 we did not pay a lot of sense that we would still see enough. On a terrace, we have some beers and empanadas are made and the Patheon visited. We went back in time to the city, there would be a parade. We were too early and have a first visit to a wine tasting. That was fun, you got an explanation of the different wines. Of course if you can taste, but there was You are expected to have a wine you gave points on taste, smell, etc. The maximum label had six glasses, and although not much in it was still enough to get a bit of pink the tasting to come. For those interested: it is free, but take your time. Then find a good spot for the parade of masks of the Iberian Peninsula. We thought the square to have found a good spot, there it was not as busy. Logically, the parade turned out not to come, the gates stood so that the passage had emergency or if something would happen. So I more toward the square in the middle of town and walked there and waited. The parade was brilliant. Where we thought they did not have the Rua Augusta (a broad shopping street filled with terraces) could, it ran fine. They were just everywhere in between through and around it. Beautiful film and photos. It was a mess, shoppers which ran through it, accompanying the parade (it seemed) but also what did and photographers who were each other's way. But perhaps therefore much nicer. After the parade we will do a beer. When Jerome was not a spot, so we went on a Another terrace. That proved a bit more expensive, but oh ... a cold beer was definitely nice after all these impressions (and noise) of the parade. After the beer we went to Fado restaurant we had chosen for that evening. We were very early, so she had to door still open for us. Did not matter, they were very friendly and at ease portje a drink is not bad. The food was not special, but the music does. There occurred four people, accompanied by a man on a guitar. The "band" was later supplemented by the first singer who played guitar in the second other performances. There was also an elderly woman who sang beautifully, full of fire and melancholy and thus a singer with a feel for the music. The second wife did not want to be filmed, They were also less passionate as the older woman. There was also a blind singer. The evening was so well stocked with our first introduction to Fado singing. We have The first singer also bought a CD. With the Metro back to the hotel again, good system.


Sunday, May 17

The alarm for eight hours to expire (we can not all our time here overslept, it's much too much fun), shower, and breakfast on the way to Belem. The tram is the first piece, then that drove the depot we had to take the bus. But fortunately we have a day pass, remains ideal. We've seen people also buy two tickets for the same journey, and then you have almost paid the price for the day pass. When Dos Jeronimos monastery, we got out. Since we first walked through the archaeological museum and then we visit the convent garden. Especially that last one was very nice. Because it was Sunday we did not enter for free (almost) all museums in Lisbon have free access between ten and two hours. As a last resort that we have a space with the time table of Lisbon and the church. The latter was a real cathedral, with due pomp and circumstance. It was at that moment a mass going on, so we could not fully forward, but that was no problem. When we came out of church there was a big row and we saw that we had been just in time. We walked to the Tower of Belem, and will even have purchased a Magnum. The tower is very nice, especially the steps to overcome them: very narrow, single. Because it was busy it took a while, but we are on holiday, so what is a half hour on one day. Walked back to town and there with the coffee world famous pastries. We are after the delicious coffee and went back to the tram to Praça de Commercio. We saw a demonstration against the European Union. Although we have not really defenders of Europe we stayed there anyway way, you a tourist should not interfere with the demonstrations. On the square we wanted Tram 28 take, that's the famous Lisbon tram, a must for every tourist. We were the first stop of the route driven, but when we had arrived and the tram was packed. So I get in and across the route other way around. Did we just be smart, but we came to a rude awakening. When we got in that relatively empty tram after we had a few stops out again: we were at the endpoint. From there we just walked to the elevator. This is an outside lift you straight up from one level of the city brings to a higher part. He looks a bit like the Eiffel Tower, also designed by a pupil of the architect of the tower of Paris. Also we could of our day pass for public transport pay convenient. Above you could have a nice part of town look at the footbridge of the lift to the district. Arriving in the district was a square with a nice terrace where a podium stood for. We had a few drinks while we listened to a performance of a children's choir. Nice to see the proud parents and grandparents found it a good place to listen to the children. So nice. After the concert we walked down to the tourist information office to go Questions about Ocenarium. On the Rossio square, we went into the old church, which was quite special. Unlike many other churches completely filled with decorations, but very bare with untreated walls and stuff. With the subway we went back to our hotel, where we first took a bath but have a nice lie. We walked to where Saldahna We ate at a Portuguese restaurant. Cod and sardines were on the menu, with a bottle of red there was delicious again. After dinner back to the hotel with some change in the subway, and it just went afzakkertjes and planning done. The diary is written, but again, there is some closure in the hotel anyway for good.


Monday, May 18

Again let the clock expire, it seems to leave nothing to be related, but there is so much to do and see. Sleeping at home we are again. After the excellent breakfast we took the subway to downtown finally gone to the tram ride to 28. Very nice, it's normal public transport, but the line runs along all special places in Lisbon and the altitude make it a lot in such a tram through The city driving. It is an old tram with wooden and crackly. A real trambel not lacking. We have all done the rounds, that means twice the end point. From the latter end, we must find our way through the neighborhood, but it did fine. Includes a visit to the grocer for some fruit was washed spot for us. At one point we came across a bus stop and we are against but with the bus back to the old town. When we arrived at the famous square, we walked to the subway to the stop from our hotel. That stop will also be the intersection after the red line that we Ocenarium have had to go. It's something I really Ocenarium wanted to see, and is part of the site of the Expo in 1998 Lisbon held. After a cup of coffee on the terrace of a tent on the field are We will visit the fish. An overwhelmingly large. A huge tank in which different species of sharks, rays, tuna and all types of fish swimming. John Dory is a showpiece for me of 2000 pounds, which swims slowly circles. You can walk around the tank, with different places and at different levels large windows where you can marvel at all that beauty. Walking around the tank there also very different things to see and there is an area with penguins, and otters, and birds, corals. You can dream up. There was even a part with cloud forest. It was not so large, but there were some nice birds, which one felt the need to shit on me. "Fortunately," just in my chest, my top was at least not dirty. In the small tanks sat around very special issues such as sea dragons, jellyfish, squid and other rare stuff. To commemorate this great stuff to keep I I have a crab like plush keychain bought for my backpack. After this lengthy visit we went to the water gardens gone, but we are not really been, it seemed not very much. We wanted something to eat now, the Ocenarium restaurant was nothing special, so we just walked away. Outside on the Expo grounds were enough places to eat, but when I saw that the self was your beer was served in plastic (and is a horrific gang was on the terrace) but we are not going to sit there. So back to the subway to downtown, we are at the Praça Restauradores Pinoquio to sit down. The shrimp in garlic went by us, so we took our three. With some rice, bread and a few beers, we were quickly again satisfied. It was a late lunch, half past four is not the most common lunch time, even for us on holiday. But since its already late names we get to the Brazilian coffee with a coffee in Lisbon a glass of port. Back to the hotel, a bath and the neighbors (the Portuguese restaurant on the Across the street) a soup made. Many were hungry we could not. We also went walking to the restaurant that Piet had chosen for our luxury dinner, but that did not concern him are: € 75.00 for a standard menu, without drinks. Just a little over budget, that its Opera prices and we do so only at home when something very special. Back at the hotel have a beer and a bottle of Matthew, beautiful closing again.


Tuesday, May 19

After breakfast we (like every day) first went to the subway station to our map to appreciate. By subway, we went to the central Rossio train station, there would We take the train to Sintra. When buying tickets, there appears again a surcharge of € 0.50 to sit on when you buy the ticket at the ticket office. The train was ready, and we were half an hour later in Sintra. First to the local Information Office where we plan schemes which acquired. It was a fifteen minute walk to the historic center where the National Palace stood. The palace was completely decorated as it was used by the last occupant. It was very nice, also this part of the world there was no poverty for some people (like that at all places where we now have been). The enigmatic towers proved the chimneys of the kitchen to be very special. After visiting the palace we have compared the a terrace with coffee made with local sweet specialty. The terrace was the only what lay in the sun, had gold seats and very friendly staff. That came later the bill also in: € 3.80 for a cup of cappuccino, of course, we pay not just in any shabby tent. So it was quite a shock with four coffee and two apple sandwiches there. It is holiday, and it was a nice place, we think then. Enquiries showed a tourist bus to the Palace of Pena to go: € 4.50 per person, vice / versa, you can not walk. The palace was beautiful to the outside looked like a palace from the Efteling. Many different turrets in all colors and sizes you can imagine. Also inside was here back in full splendor. We are enjoying the sunshine eating a sandwich for lunch. After visiting the palace we had an hour walked through the park and we the throne of the queen sought and found. That was in the park carved into the rocks, so they always had a nice view onthe palace. Nade walk we returned by bus to the village gone, and we have some walked around. As soon as we took the train back to Lisbon, where we have to Jerome has a beer. We were talking to a member of the Senegalese Embassy, was interesting. Yet he spoke a lot about themselves, so all is remembered. We went back to the hotel for a warm bath and have eaten at Lisboa a noite. It was not very cheap, but delicious in a very pleasant atmosphere. Course we went to sleep late, but we do not even have a nightcap in SSB taken. Piet took some from the minibar, which could last but not better for it.


Wednesday, May 20

For eight hours the alarm went off, but we do have nice easy going. First I walked to the elevator for a picture at the right light. Then to the tourist office to ask how we could get the tile museum. The route number we got together, as usually knocked it all again. The museum of course we all display was seen. After the tour we enjoyed coffee and a snack taken in the museum garden. By bus we went a bit back to the Alfama district. We had a nice walked around the old and narrow streets where the area is so well known. Piet had a Fado restaurant in mind for that evening, but that was now moved (and no longer available). At a little restaurant called Numero 7 we had lunch. Sardines and meat with a beer, good weather and a nice spot on a small square. After lunch we have the church, the monastery and visited and visited ancient Roman ruins. The fort north of Lisbon, we have sought, but that was a bit disappointing. Softly in the meantime we had enough of walking and viewing. Still, we decided, after a Jerome couple of beers at our favorite pub that we were going to visit the ruins. Which we had already seen it so often talked about that we would actually ought to see that the latter days would be the last chance. Of that visit, we do not regret, it was nice and very quiet. Back at the hotel We while packing most of the cases a drink taken from the minibar. We came again to the conclusion that we had too much included, since we apparently still kicks in (except on holidays tours where we have to carry everything). After packing we went back to Alfama for our last dinner, probably ever, in Lisbon. Of course, we took the Metro to Baixa-Chiado, and then continued walking away. Soon we passed a Fado singer at a restaurant where the action was. Although the tables and chairs were very much inclined to sit we fell. A carafe of wine and two main courses, and it was again great atmosphere. Too bad it occasionally blew that made it fresh. Especially for Pete, who had nothing as a thin blouse. After dinner we went back to our familiar hotel, have a wake-up call and a regular breakfast and we have taken a nightcap. But then quickly bed, five hours later the alarm clock expire.


Thursday, May 21

The phone rang at half past five, our wake-up call. I like take a shower while Piet more suitcases packed. When we had both showered and hand luggage were checked We went downstairs, where a simple but nice breakfast for us was ready. A taxi to the airport was waiting, although no one was ordered. Our stay and bar consumptions, we paid cash, the credit card was finally first day already stolen. Although the receptionist warned us that taxi drivers a detour to the airport, took them in a straight line to the departure hall. Cost € 7.00 incl tip and extra suitcase. It was funny that The driver himself said "give me € 7.00" while the ride was € 6.25. We were first at the check-in and still had a half-hour wait for this open went. We asked and were given seats next to each other then but just walking around. After that we went through the security gates, which showed that its control hand was not good, I had the corkscrew in my backpack. That may not, so I had to leave, unfortunately. A cup of coffee taken in very comfy chairs, and I get a little read. When we went we seemed boarding 25 minutes late and thus we have only just returned to the easy chairs. On board The plane appeared to be a few football teams (young and veterans), but aircraft was still not half full. In the plane soon found a different place because the passenger Piet put his seat all the way back, and there was after all, plenty of space. So we sat back nicely with two of three seats. In the plane a glass of wine, soup and a muffin taken. Fine. Arrived at Brussels airport were rapidly our suitcases, and was the bus to the car hotel also quite fast. Checkout was a bit tricky because there is no change in Sat the cash register, but that was resolved fairly quickly and so we were after more than an hour in our car back in our own home. Beautiful city, well worth a visit.