Lisbon, Portugal

The day after our visit in Malaga, we ended up in Lisbon, Portugal.  We didn't port until around 1 in the afternoon, but we were going to be docked until about 11:30 pm.  We were a little unsure about how that was going to go with the kids.  One of the biggest things we learned after going on this cruise, was to pay close attention to the port times before booking a cruise next time.  Honestly, this day in Lisbon was probably our hardest.  The kids were out of control, the city was much harder to navigate (steep roads and lots of cobblestone and narrow sidewalks), and it was just too late.  We had to remind ourselves throughout the day that we were lucky to be here :).  Looking back now, I see that we did have some good moments and got some fun pictures out of it, so I guess it was worth the stress!  

Pulling into the port we went right underneath the a large suspension bridge, the largest of its kind in Europe.  It is called the Vasco da Gama Bridge (named after the Portuguese explorer who discovered the trade route from Europe to India).  It bears a huge resemblance to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco (in fact, it was designed by the same architect).  We learned that there were LOTS of similarities between Lisbon and San Francisco.  Built on several steep hills, they still use an old school street car to get up and down...just like the ones you see in San Fran.  Lisbon was also devastated by an earthquake back in the 1700s. 

They had some special shops set up for the Easter Weekend...I was excited to find some fun souvenirs  as we entered the city.  I love Isla's face as she spotted Daddy in the distance!

Where's Waldo?  lol...taking a breather on the cathedral steps.  Those rotten kids were wearing us out!

We finally made it to the top of the hill!  We had planned on taking a tram but they were so jam packed full of people, there was no way we were going to squeeze ourselves, our kids, and our stroller on one of those suckers.  So we just walked instead.  Poor Nate had to push the stroller up those impossible streets.  He even wore Isla on his back some of the time!  Super man.  At the top, we were grateful to get priority access (one benefit of dragging our kids along!) to the front of the long line for tickets to the Castle of St. George.  It was so nice to finally get there and take a break.  We enjoyed the views and let the kids sit and play in the dirt for awhile (so weird).  

I pulled this picture of the castle off the internet so you could see what it looked like from below

tree climbing...

Crack, anyone?

I think this is so funny...sawyer looks like he is about to chuck that rock, as violet protests!

Across the Tagus River, a statue of Christ stretching his arms out.  They say he is blessing the city.

Nate is up in that tower with Isla and Sawyer...hard to see

We came across some people taking a fencing and spearing class...the kids are trying to act it out for you

Another fun street performer...let the kids have a try

One of the funnest parts about Lisbon, was their use of tile as decoration.  Many of the buildings are covered in tile. 

More gelato, of course.  And a glimpse of Nate booking it up those hills.

Saw this random hodge lodge of tiles as we were walking back down.  The cookies were a little bribery for the kiddos.  I may have eaten a few too ;).  

We kept hearing that these pastries were amazing.  It was true.  If you ever make it to Portugal...have some Pastels de Nata!  You won't regret it!

As we were walking back to the boat, we were commenting on how dark the city square was.  And suddenly we realized that it was because some sort of show was about to take place.  We were so glad we happened upon it!  It was a video type light show on the buildings.  I don't even know how to describe it.  But we loved it.  And that was the end of our adventures in Portugal.