June 21- Lisboa (aka Lisbon)

Started off the morning bright and early with Courtney and our next-door cabin neighbor (and good friend) Ryan. We grabbed a quick breakfast at the cafeteria on the ship, and headed off into a new country. I felt like I was in a dream as we stepped off of the gangplank and onto hard, solid land. Portugal was never a country I really considering visiting some day, but I am so glad I was able to have this experience. I'm also glad that I was able to have three days of my architectural history class to learn a little bit about the culture and history of Portugal before exploring its capital.

Ryan, Courtney and I decided to walk a couple of miles down the coast of Lisbon and head to some monuments we wanted to visit. We thought about taking a subway, but I'm so glad we decided to walk. We got to a see a lot of the city that we would have missed had we taken the metro. It took much longer, but it was definitely worth it.

The arch in the main city square of Lisbon.

Main street in the center of the city.

Ryan striking a pose by the lingerie model.

A Portuguese school group singing along side the road.

The Portuguese Air Force was having a drug dog demonstration for the public. 

Portugal is famous for their new-world exploration in the 1600's
As a result, they have a lot of nautical statues/decor worked into their cities.

Taking a break by the water.

We finally made it to the Tower of Belem. This is a monument we learned about in my architectural history class. It was incredible to be able to see it with my own eyes!

The Tower of Belem

Courtney and I by the Tower

We decided to get some lunch before heading on to our next destination. We ate at a little cafe that was absolutely amazing! They offered a sandwich, soup and juice combo for only 4.95 euros. T'was a wonderful deal for a healthy and substantial lunch. The guy working behind the counter was super nice, and he gave us two free pastries. (I think he liked Courtney. She's so cute and charming.)

If any of you are ever in the Belem neighborhood in Lisbon, get lunch here!

Mozzarella and tomato sandwich, pea soup, and freshly squeezed orange juice

We call him Toothy-Barista-Guy.
Thanks for the pastries Toothy-Barista-Guy!

After we were done eating, we headed to the Jeronimos Monastery. It was one of the locations that many of the SAS professors recommend all of us students visit. It was definitely worth the trip! The monastery was absolutely gorgeous. I've seen some beautiful cathedrals before, but none that were as huge as this! Several of Portugal's kings and queens were buried here too. We spent several hours just wandering around the different buildings. The whole place had a peaceful and refreshing feeling to it.

Next, we decided to slowly make our way back to the ship. Instead of following the coastline like we did to get here, we walked through the city. It's really interesting to be in a country where the main language is different from the one you know. Nearly everyone speaks English (thankfully), but almost all the signs are in Portuguese. And Portuguese is all you hear in the streets, too.

Along the way, we found a little place that served the food we had all been searching for: pasteis de natas! All of the professors told us that we had to try some pasteis de natas before we leave Lisbon. They are the trademark food here in Lisbon, and they were DELICIOUS. (Mom, we are definitely learning how to make these when I get back). They're just these little custard tarts that you put cinnamon and powdered sugar on, but they were so good!

Pasteis de Natas

We then slowly made our way through the streets and back to the general direction of the ship.

First cat we saw in Portugal. She wouldn't let us pet her though.

Extraordinarily puffy pigeon.

We finally made it back to the main street in Lisbon. We stopped at a little restaurant and had dinner. I got a shrimp salad (which I took a picture of but it won't upload). Exhausted but content, we got back to the ship a little before midnight. Overall, it was a perfect first day in Portugal.