Morning wander the streets of Madrid for last time. Depart Madrid via airline @ 5 p.m. Arrive Lisbon Portugal around 6 p.m. We did review tour book before coming. Wanted to make sure we made best use of time and locations.
http://www.ricksteves.com/europe/portugal/lisbon
We are part of Portugal Road Scholar tour #20983 starting Oct 26 ending Nov 3. We stay @ Hotel Mundial Largo Martim Moniz, 1100-341 Lisbon, Portugal 351-21-884-2000
http://www.hotel-mundial.pt/
After arrival to Lisbon, Orientation and Welcome Dinner. Our new Group Leader is Helena Baltazar.
My Observations
Before leaving Madrid, we have one last walk covering the area near the Hotel. Traffic is minimal compared to other days of week. Even with big soccer game yesterday, relatively little litter from game fans. Saw kids playing in park. Even saw a few more buildings we missed on other walks. Overall, both cities are places I would return to. We will miss it, but probably Joaquin, even more. Her kept things interesting, and more so, FUN!
We get to airport on time. Flight is smooth and there are 7 others from our Spain group, that will be part of our Portugal tour also. You can never tell from initial meeting, “who” will we connect with? Luckily, we will be meeting with two people we met last year on Road Scholar tour of Italian Classical Art; Rome, Florence & Venice. Sure enough, we get to hotel. Check into room. Go to rooftop bar and find Lou and Ned - “Old Friends.”
At the table, are 3 faces we don’t yet recognize – 3 new friends, I add to my “list.” I first refer to them as B.A.M. For Bob, his wife, Anna, and their daughter, Melissa.
Behind them see the “castle,” well lit as it gets dark. Time for us to try some Portuguese wine . Then, join the group for dinner.
As we get back to the room, think - what a wonderful country. Reminds me of our recent visit to Isle of Malta. A place not necessarily on most folks – to-do list. If I were asked to share 2 dozen photos of Portuguese highlights – here is the link:
http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/portugal/things-miss/#/0
Here are other internet links for highlights:
Madrid – Art Nouveau home http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Longoria
Madrid - Pastelería La Duquesita http://www.laduquesita.es/galeria-de-fotos
Lisbon http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/lisbon
Portugal guidebook research http://endlessmile.com/portugal-guidebook-research/
Photo 1. Sunday morning after soccer game – Madrid vs. Barcelona – clean streets?
Photo 2. Spoke too soon. The partying went on to the streets – Madrid won by the way, 3 to 1.
Photo 3. The Art Nouveau jewel was once a private residence. Now the headquarters for an arts organization.
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day14Of2726Oct14SundayMadridLisbon
