July 15. Christo Rei and Belem

Today Georgia and I worked in the morning, while Dan went to the collector’s gathering and Irina found a new square filled with fountains. Will have to check the last one out – Irina described the square as completely set with fountains in the ground.

We walked to the ferry/train station, Cais do Sodre, stopping on the way to listen to the wonderful trio of musicians and singers from Naples. They were so good that we got their disk. It is a good thing too because they don’t seem to have gotten to YouTube.

Ferry to Cacilhas took ten minutes. It is a great way to see city views from Tagus river. From Cacilhas we took bus number 101 bus and in another ten minutes were at the site of a copy of Christo Rei. I don’t remember the actual dimensions of the original statue in Rio but this one appeared smaller. It is interesting that Lisbon views from the bottom of the statue are better – you seem to be level with the city and are able to get in more detail than from the top of the elevator.

We were hoping to go to Belem next – and it was right there across the river, across April 25 bridge. But there was no public transport across the bridge. So we took the bus back and stopped by at  Cacilhas o Farol for a quick late lunch. It is a seafood eatery frequented primarily by the locals.

The food was very fresh and simple. I got octopus with sweet raw onions, fried garlic and cilantro. Dan and Georgia shared shrimps, calamari, and baby octopuses. They were all awesome. Irina suffered a bit through grilled sardines. I think those will be the last ones in her life. While they are a healthy choice and are fresh and all. But they are really the most boring of fish. At least Sangria Tinto made everything better. Kids made acquiantance with some Portuguese boys. Isabella initially turned away and complained to us that they are interfering with her eating French fries. Georgia was shy but made some contact and learned their names and ages. 

We walked 7km to Belem from Cais do Sodre station. Georgia walked more than half of the way. There is a great bike path along the water. Some areas have lively restaurants, others are still pretty unpopulated. There were scores of cyclers and runners on the way. The area got prettier as we got closer. We took obligatory picture with exhausted kids near the monument of discovery and headed down to the playground in the park.

Irina stayed there with the kids while we went to check out Belem bakery. The line stretched past the door. As we got closer we saw that the primary choice was Pasteles de Nata and croissants. Next we checked out Starbucks next door. It’s giant – with large two rooms on the second floor and a balcony. Hurray!! We’ll be back.

The day started and ended with

wonderful women musicians

The kids got a boost of energy at the playground and when aided by a croissant and Pasteles fully recharged. These were THE BEST Pasteles yet. They really can be called famous. It is a bit of a trip but we’ll try to bring some home.



Georgia found yogurt for Isabella

that finally works. Now we just

have to work through other 1/2

dozen brands in the fridge.



Kid are wonderful. Georgia is a very strong and patient walking companion. She also helps a lot with Isabella. She knows Isabella very well and tries to anticipate and satisfy her wants. Something that Isabella still has to appreciate. However Isabella is protective of me, or anyone she feel is being treated unfairly. Dan and Georgia  making a joke on me today. Isabella kept saying "That was not funny." Georgia and Isabella are already able to maintain a conversation with each other and can be very affectionate, for periods of time :)