May 16 - Day 5

Got up and did the regular, showered and put our suitcases by the door and headed down for our hotel breakfast. Today, we will travel to Lisbon.

Breakfast was the usual and I ate very light. I need to slow down with the food! The weather is still cloudy and cool. We saw a beautiful peacock on the hotel grounds before we left. He had his wings spread and was obviously in his mating call.

On the bus, we headed to the cork factory, also located in Azaruja. We heard about the cork harvest and manufacturing process. A young man was the head of this tour and he loved to tell jokes. It was entertaining.

And of course, back on the bus! It is about an hour and a half to Lisbon from here. We had a quick stop for bathrooms and lunch for those who wanted to eat, which was not Matt and I. I bought a coffee and some cashews and ate a few more nuts out of my bag. I am so tired that I simply cannot keep my eyes open on the bus. No matter how much coffee I drink, the fatigue is ever present. 

Arriving in Lisbon, it is the big city! Much different from Evora, that is for sure. 

After settling into the hotel, Matt, Barbara and I headed out to the see the Museum Gulbenkian. We stopped for lunch on the way at a little hole in the all cafe. Enjoyed some Portuguese fried chicken and of course, more coffee. The food was really good. Of course, we have not had bad food yet here. The museum was interesting I think. It was a collection of art and artifacts we were told was the largest in Portugal. I hate to admit that it didn't do too much for me. Probably could have lived without the experience but it is part of the package and good to do. We wandered around the grounds after and I really enjoyed that. The gardens were beautiful and we saw a duck with her ducklings which was really cute. 

We came back and rested for a bit. Still suffering a bit from the switch in days and nights. Tonight was our Fado experience. We boarded the bus at 6:30 pm and drove through downtown Lisbon. The city was so beautiful and the moon was over the water. The area of the city where we went for dinner and the Fado concert was very unique with extremely narrow alleys and sidewalk cafes with Fado everywhere. We ate in a large room with banquet style seating. The food and wine were once again absolutely extraordinary with lamb being the main dish. Matt and I are drinking more alcohol than we have in the last few years. The wine is really good and we are enjoying consumption. The concert was good and so different. Fado music is like nothing we have at home but I could feel an emotional response for sure. It made me miss David so much and think about what he would have to say about it. I can't imagine completely of course, so my brain guesses because it wants to know so much what he would think. I am feeling pretty pensive and sad this evening. I know Matt can tell I am struggling and he never pressures me. He is so kind and patient and allows me to talk and process all the difficult feelings. He is such a good man. 

Drove back to the hotel again enjoying the sights of the city at night. We are both so tired when we get back. Long day and we need sleep!