As we wrapped up our time here we found some great things to do that were unique and fun and had a chance to explore areas we had wanted to make sure to get to.
We spent a little time walking all around the Mãe d´Água das Amoreiras Reservoir which is the old main water reservoir that was completed in 1834 to receive and distribute the water carried by the Águas Livres Aqueduct. We were fascinated to learn about the effort/design in order to carry water at a downward angle from Sintra into the city! It's really peaceful inside and then you can climb up to the top for some splendid views. There's a beautiful park that borders it on one side and was filled with locals enjoying the space.
On some hotter days, we re-visited some of our favorite parks to soak up the wildlife and flowers.
I fell in love with this adorable LITTLE duckling. For a while it would look at me and then it's eyelids would close and it's little head would droop to the side as it fell asleep. Then it would lift it back up to briefly look at me and repeat. I was mesmerized by the cuteness.
It was with it's bright white mummy and siblings.
One day we headed to Belém and were one of the first people inside the Jerónimos Monastery which really felt like we were having a private tour since the crowds were all behind us! The existing structure was inaugurated in 1495 and although it's not a very big building to explore (we were inside for probably 45 minutes) the architecture is absolutely stunning and well worth visiting.
We also sampled the famous Pastéis de Belém. "At the beginning of the 19th century, next to the Jerónimos Monastery, there was a sugar cane refinery associated with a small varied trade. As a result of the Liberal revolution that took place in 1820, in 1834 all convents and monasteries in Portugal were closed, expelling the clergy and workers. In an attempt to survive, someone from the Monastery put some sweet pastries for sale in this shop, quickly called “Pastéis de Belém”. In 1837, the production began, in premises attached to the refinery, according to the old “secret recipe”, originating from the Monastery. Transmitted and exclusively known by the master pastry chefs who make them by hand, at the “Oficina do Segredo”. This recipe remains the same to this day." This was definitely the best one I've had since arriving in Portugal (warm and crispy). I've heard that the lines can get terrible at this famous shop but since we were there first thing I walked right up and had no wait at all.
Then we rented scooters and rode them all around to see a few other things and back along the waterfront where we ended up having a scrumptious lunch.
Time to throw in some adorable pictures of this young Eurasian Moorehen that posed beautifully for me.
June in Lisbon means the Festival of St. Anthony and the streets of Alfama were decorated everywhere we went and I mean everywhere - there wasn't an alley or plaza that didn't have stands with drinks, food, potted basil (A tradition for men looking for love is a gift of a basil plant to someone special. There are pots of newly sprouted basil plant (for newly sprouted love) which are shaped to form a ball.) and grilling sardines. We found all sorts of places to soak up the views, food and colors.
And with that our month here in this incredible place ended and we boarded our train and headed to Porto!
WOW. So much packed into this post!! I actually screamed while looking at those photos of the little baby duckling sleeping and then looking at you. TOO ! MUCH ! 😭❤️ Wish I had been able to have one of those famous pastries with you guys. Sounds amazing. And how wild about the basil! I know it's not a newly sprouted love, but did Dad buy you a ball of basil? 😂