To the Canary Islands & Azores - Lisbon, Portugal pge

I got up at 0615, showered & went up to the top deck to see the entry into the Tagus into the Sun between clouds. At first, it was very windy.

I went down for breakfast at 0730 & there was a great shuddering as the Captain brought the Braemar alongside. I was off first at about 0820 & slogged up the hill, many steps, to the castle, €4 entry for a crumbly at 9, so I had to wait 10 minutes for them to open.

It is quite large & had terrific views over the city in all directions. In one part, they are doing modern archaeology, much needed. It goes back to the Goths but often rebuilt.

Lunch was at an incredible 1115, as the tour started at 12 & we mustered at 1140. We went by coach to Cintra, where it drizzled a little. This is an enchanting spot but there is not too much to see, short of slogging up to their castle, for which there was not time. It is a very vertiginous place.

Cintra is vertiginous!	The main square opposite the Town Hall	The castle remains far above
Town Hall with Palace chimneys	The cathedral of Santa Maria Maior
The Palace chimneys	The Palace	Cintra below the coach park

Then to Cascais on the coast. Getting there is not encouraging because of all the villas of the rich North of the old village but we could have seen more if the rain had kept off longer. Alec, Carol & we had coffee for an amazing €1.40 each. What we did see was very nice.

Cascais High Street

The little bay South side

The little bay North side

The drive back to Lisbon took us through Estoril, a rather vulgar place, which does not say much for the crowned heads who fled there in World War II. Then past Belem to the ship by 1630 but the threatened deck party was cancelled as too windy. We may be Old People but we are largely not Frail Old People. Dinner at 1815. The Show Team did a good Drifters Tribute Concert, with very good musical continuity, which I discussed with them after, pointing out the first show did not & that the director should have done better, saying that they had worked their rocks off despite him.