Dia 5: Cais de Sodre e Mercado da Ribeira

I am not proud to say that I went to breakfast and then came back to my room after blogging to fall asleep for another 5 hours. I think the previous day’s tour, in the 94-degree weather, took a lot out of me.

When I finally woke up, I went and collected my laundry from the clothesline. One young man with a friend was telling me in French and English that today (Saturday) is his wedding. I told him congratulations and to have fun. I have heard through the thin walls that his family is Algerian and they have been staying on my floor up until the big day. They have been meeting in the kitchen and living area and cooking meals together. At first I found this annoying because it was loud and the hallways and bathrooms were being used quite frequently, but if it were my family, I would probably do the same thing and would hope that others staying nearby would understand. I am curious to know why they are choosing their nuptials in Lisbon. Perhaps his wife-to-be is Portuguese.

I decided to spend my free afternoon and evening near the Cais de Sodré stop, because this is where there are water views and lots of late-night restaurants and stands. I am glad I made this choice. When exiting the metro, I saw people seated on the edge of the river, conversing and drinking with friends while watching the sail boats passing under the red bridge, soaking in the warmth and breeze of the Friday evening.



My new friends.  Don't get the wrong idea - they are all married.

I struck up a conversation with two young men next to me about Portugal. One was Venezuelan-Portuguese and the other Dutch, both with almost perfect English. They asked me about American rappers and if there are aliens in Palm Springs, half-joking. They also wanted to know about teaching when there are so many mass-shootings happening in the United States. When I told them about our active-shooter drills and how we get into “lock-down mode,” they were shocked. They felt that they would never have worried about this in their schools in their countries. Luis said that he visited the Azores some years ago with his family and said it is wonderful and beautiful. He said he could have stayed for two weeks. It’s really hot in the summer and he said it’s fairly easy to get a flight from Portugal. I was glad to hear this. He is the first person I have talked to who has been to the islands.

After leaving the water views. I headed to Mercado da Ribeira where, while touristy, a lot of vendors have fresh seafood. This place, while crowded and touristy, did not disappoint! I ordered shrimp and mussels and wow, the sauce!! I asked for two orders of bread to sop up the buttery sauce, which was a meal in itself. Here are some pictures.






I am heading to Porto this afternoon by train, so I must sign off.

Bom dia,
Alana

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