May 21 - Day 10

We are headed back to Lisbon today and it was an early morning. Suitcases outside the door at 7:30. We set our alarm for 6:30 and started the day.

Breakfast again in the hotel. I am really slowing down and can barely eat this morning. I am so saturated with food. I forced myself to eat an egg and I did eat a Portuguese cream tart, the traditional dessert that is everywhere. I didn't have to force myself to eat that! I love those things. I of course had my coffee too! 

Back on the bus for the 3-4 hour drive to Lisbon. We had one quick restroom stop and drove straight through otherwise. Checked back in to the same hotel we had stayed at before in Lisbon.

Barbara wanted to hang out in a local cafe and work on writing her book so we parted ways. Matt and I decided to take the Metro to the City Center again. It was really fun spending the afternoon together with no tours and just wandering around looking at things. We walked down the main street again and along the water. Stopped for lunch and had a Calzone. Meant to order a pizza but something was lost in the translation and we ended up with a Calzone. It was really good but I would never eat something like this on purpose. After lunch, we walked all around, looked at the steel elevator but decided not to ride it. The line was too long. Looked at all the Portuguese shops in the city square. Mostly just enjoyed each other. Lots of great conversation. So nice to be with this man. It is strange for me sometimes because of so much change. But I love being with him. He is wonderful to talk with, so affectionate and good natured. We have a great time together.

Stopped for dinner and ate appetizers, fish and beef sliders and pumpkin soup. Ended with a dessert called egg yolk, cream and citrus. Very interesting and delicious. A custard like dessert with ice cream in the middle. Totally Portuguese and something we will not eat again.

We skipped the Farewell Drinks with the group because we wanted to spend more time in the city. About 7:30, we headed back on the Metro. Got a little confused but made our way back.

Tomorrow will be a very early morning - up at 5:30 am for a 6:30 taxi ride to the airport. 

What a wonderful trip this has been, mostly because of Matt and his wonderful company and attitude. I have loved Portugal too but nothing would have been the same without him and that is the gospel truth. I am so grateful for his presence in my life.