Well the day started out great with a fantastic breakfast included with our hotel. Many tasty things: pancakes, grilled vegetables, meats & cheese, yogurt with multiple topping options, eggs to order, espresso with hot milk and much more.

This is where the fun begins … after spending an hour trying to buy tram tickets to jump on the famous 28E tram to Castelo de S. Jorge on the Lg Academia Nacional Belas Artes tram stop, we waited for over 30 minutes for the tram to arrive. Meanwhile at least 5 trams passed us in the opposite direction. Needless to say, Jesse had to bail on the plan and head back to the hotel for a full day of work! Did we make it there? Read on …

On the way to Castelo de S. Jorge, we came across the statue of Saint Vincente, beautiful views of the Tagus River and Portuguese architecture as well learned about the history of Lisboa (Lisbon) on the way to the bathroom.

We finally get to the Castelo de S. Jorge and realize that it is included in the Lisboa Card that we had agreed to buy on Tuesday (not Monday). My fault but I asked Sue to buy them online while we wait in line. She does but when we finally get to the ticket counter, they inform us that they only accept a printed ticket. She sends us around the corner to the Tourist Point. We head there, wait in line again to only find out that the only place we can get the printed tickets is at the official Lisboa Tourism office 0.8 miles away down the steep hill.

After spending a good 30 minutes to try to cancel the charge, we said to hell with it! Next stop a stiff drink and some apps followed by some delicious ice cream popsicles! Keep in mind, it is was now 4:30 PM and the last time we ate was 9 AM. We figured we had until 6 PM before the tourism office closes and we can get our tickets. Sometimes girls just want to have fun. 🤣

Now that we took the edge off … down the steep steps we go, past the Rua Augusta Arch, stunning tiled architecture and into the Ask Me Lisboa tourism office we go. Leaving with Lisboa Card for 3 days in hand including one for Jesse because no way in hell was I doing that again. Seriously, why would I buy tickets online that I would need to go to a ticket office to print out and why would they not mention that on the website or the invoice! Now you know …

Us gals finally made it home at ~7 PM with cocktail mixtures in hand and a unique ginger beer for Jesse. An hour later, after a beverage and putting our feet up, we head out to dinner. Turns out the reservation we made is for tomorrow. Oh boy, not again! We cross the street to Luzzo Pizzeria. Luckily, no reservations required. Followed up by Santini gelato – Jesse deserved a treat since he missed out on the ice cream popsicles.

After a day of comedic events, we had a memorable day. Did I mention we never made into Castelo de S. Jorge! Let’s hope tomorrow we fare better.

Off to bed as it is after 1 AM and we have an early start. First stop, Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour by Devour Tours! Until tomorrow …