Portugal 2009 (Feb): Lisboa

Sunday, 15 February 2009

Maria da Fonte. In the lovely Jardim da Parada,  in the heart of Campo  de Ourique.
Maria da Fonte. In the lovely Jardim da Parada, in the heart of Campo de Ourique.

Monday, 16 February 2009

Our favourite garrafeira, wine o'clock is fairly new in Portugal (just two years old).  It  is quite  an interesting approach, with three stores in Portugal at the moment.
Our favourite garrafeira, wine o’clock is fairly new in Portugal (just two years old). It is quite an interesting approach, with three stores in Portugal at the moment.

Making the rounds in the beautiful Jardim da Estrela.
Making the rounds in the beautiful Jardim da Estrela.

Basílica da Estrela. The vantage point was lousy and the lens wasn't right, but the light here is just tremendous.
Basílica da Estrela. The vantage point was lousy and the lens wasn’t right, but the light here is just tremendous.


Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Water ballooning is a very popular pastime during Carnaval here for the 10-14 age group.
Water ballooning is a very popular pastime during Carnaval here for the 10-14 age group.

Thursday, 19 February 2009

Park your dog while shopping at the Minipreço.
Park your dog while shopping at the Minipreço.

Frango at Xurrex. This is Frango de Churrasco, which we had a few nights ago (para fora).  Tonight, we tried their entrecosto (spare  ribs).  Both were excellent.
Frango at Xurrex. This is Frango de Churrasco, which we had a few nights ago (para fora). Tonight, we tried their entrecosto (spare ribs). Both were excellent.


Friday, 20 February 2009

No, 773 wheels around the northeast corner of Praça do Príncipe Real as it heads down into Bairro Alto.
No, 773 wheels around the northeast corner of Praça do Príncipe Real as it heads down into Bairro Alto.

Another great view of part of Lisboa from São Pedro de Alcântara.
Another great view of part of Lisboa from São Pedro de Alcântara.

At Procópio, a very nice bar where we started a most enjoyable evening with Rui and Kimon (this is Kimon).
At Procópio, a very nice bar where we started a most enjoyable evening with Rui and Kimon (this is Kimon).

Rui
Rui


Saturday, 21 February 2009

Uma rua muita linda, recommended by Rui.
Uma rua muita linda, recommended by Rui.

Lovely house on Rua de Júlio de Andrade.
Lovely house on Rua de Júlio de Andrade.

Unfortunately it was locked (see padlock).
Unfortunately it was locked (see padlock).

At the top of Calçada do Lavra.
At the top of Calçada do Lavra.


Monday, 23 February 2009

João e Helena. Near the end of  the dinner party we held for our oldest friends (in time!) in Portugal.  You can tell it is near the end, because the port is on the table!
João e Helena. Near the end of the dinner party we held for our oldest friends (in time!) in Portugal. You can tell it is near the end, because the port is on the table!

Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Jorge consults. You can just see the sous chef (Bruno) and the chef (Jose) in the right background.
Jorge consults. You can just see the sous chef (Bruno) and the chef (Jose) in the right background.

Part of the crew at Verde Gaio. Isabel's right arm · Joana · Pedro.
Part of the crew at Verde Gaio. Isabel’s right arm · Joana · Pedro.

A lovely sculpture that has been vandalised on the front.  From this angle (great composition by Susan), you can still see the right arm that has been unfortunately snapped off, but the shadows are great.
A lovely sculpture that has been vandalised on the front. From this angle (great composition by Susan), you can still see the right arm that has been unfortunately snapped off, but the shadows are great.

Yes, this is a living tree!
Yes, this is a living tree!

Reading in the Jardim da Estrela.
Reading in the Jardim da Estrela.

Cyclists, very young and young.
Cyclists, very young and young.

The "Radio Raheem" of Campo de Ourique.  Annoying comes to mind.  Also, very annoying.
The “Radio Raheem” of Campo de Ourique. Annoying comes to mind. Also, very annoying.


Thursday, 26 February 2009

Self-portrait at the Gulbenkian. Steve's face might actually look a little better!
Self-portrait at the Gulbenkian. Steve’s face might actually look a little better!

Steve shows his Portuguese ID (Viva transit card) while enjoying a young Scotch at Bar Procópio.
Steve shows his Portuguese ID (Viva transit card) while enjoying a young Scotch at Bar Procópio.

As usual, Susan looks better than Steve.  But, we are celebrating Steve's 60th birthday tonight, starting  at Procópio (with a glass of Cardhu), before proceeding to Verde Gaio (where we had an extremely nice dinner).
As usual, Susan looks better than Steve. But, we are celebrating Steve’s 60th birthday tonight, starting at Procópio (with a glass of Cardhu), before proceeding to Verde Gaio (where we had an extremely nice dinner).