The train slows down, it's the Cais do Sodré. I arrived to Lisbon, but not to a conclusion. (Fernando Pessoa)

Thursday 18^th June

Another very slow start to the day, very warm weather and the apartment to ourselves. We debriefed on last night’s food tour and laughed when we remembered Celia telling us that Master Chef Australia was the highest rating show in Portugal. No real rush to go anywhere, or do anything. But we have travelled 30,000kms, and not to lounge around!

We headed up to Sao Jorge Castle to enjoy one of the many best views around of Lisbon and its surrounds.The castle had some lovely shady gardens, a little museum of the things found during the archaeological digs, a cafe, various artisans,statues and an archaeological dig. The site has been occupied since at least 200 years BC, 

 Then decided to try our luck with the public-transport(tram) system to get to the Jeronimho Monastery about 8 kms away in Belem. The tram system is under pressure and our trip to and fro were interrupted many times when trams were re-routed and we had to get off the tram we were on and wait for another to come along (as trams always do……eventually..).

The building  of Jeronimos Monastery commenced in 1494 and withstood the earthquake (& Tsunami) of 1755. This catastrophe apparently flattened everything else in Lisbon. However the monastery is another magnificent monumental reminder of what people can make when inspired by an idea. 

This monastery was built as a token of thanks to the Portuguese explorers who opened up the world. Vasco Da Gama’s tomb is in this church with a dedication which reminds us that because Vasco discovered the route to India, Portugal was able to rule the Indian Ocean for 100 years (and they are still living off the rewards).

The tomb of Luis de Camoes, Portugal's poet, sometimes compared with Shakespeare, Homer and Dante is also in the San Jeronimos Monastery Church. 

The tram system eventually got us home in time to explore dinner options with Karol and Michael.

We ended up eating dinner overlooking the magnificent mouth of the Tejo River spanned by the 10.7miles long Vasco Da Gama and 25th April Bridges.